Windfall tax would be sticking-plaster policy for a short-sighted government May 13, 2022 Nothing is certain but death and taxes, goes Benjamin Franklin’s famous quip. As war grinds on in Ukraine, we have no shortage of the former. The question occupying the Treasury today is whether one should lead to the other. Should the energy giants’ huge recent profits – a direct result of the war in Ukraine [...]
One in three Brits plans to stockpile food and drink this month for Christmas October 6, 2021 One third of consumers have already stockpiled food and drink items for Christmas, or are likely to before the end of the month. A survey from Lumina Intelligence found that more than half (56 per cent) of consumers were somewhat worried about media coverage of others stockpiling. 10 per cent said they were very worried. [...]
Tesco gears up to announce interim results amid sector’s driver chaos October 3, 2021 Supermarket behemoth Tesco is expected to reveal a big share buyback programme this week, alongside setting out plans to overcome supply chain disruption. Tesco’s buyback scheme will run in parallel to its normal dividend, The Sunday Times reported, with no expected plans for a special dividend. The grocer will post its interim results on Wednesday, [...]
Higher food prices loom due to gigantic pay rises for drivers as shortfall swells to 100,000 August 27, 2021 Shoppers could face long-term higher prices for food as result of systemic changes to the supply chain, supermarkets chiefs and hauliers warned today. Bosses at the Road Haulage Association said the “substantial” pay rises offered by firms in need of new drivers could force supermarket bosses to pass the costs on to customers. Hauliers have [...]
Britain’s top bosses call for ‘national prosperity’ plan to boost growth post-pandemic April 28, 2021 Some of the UK’s top business leaders have called on the Government to set out a plan to boost growth as the country deals with the devastating impact of the pandemic. The Covid Recovery Commission, a group set up by last summer which includes top executives from Tesco, Shell and Heathrow Airport , has set [...]
Who could replace Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader and Scotland’s first minister? February 16, 2023 Scottish first minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon revealed she is quitting the top job in a shock move seen as a major boon to the unionist movement. Runners and riders are jostling for position as the Scottish National Party (SNP) prepares to replace Sturgeon in the post. While the news was welcomed by the [...]
Pizza Express chewing over bid for Wagamama owner – but it’s already under offer October 26, 2023 Pizza Express is contemplating serving up a surprise bid for The Restaurant Group (TRG), but no formal offer has yet been made, it is understood. The British mock-Italian chain has apparently made initial contact with TRG in a step that could lead to a formal bid being made, according to reports late on Wednesday night [...]
‘Higher for longer rates’ sparked shift to premium London office space September 27, 2023 Property developer Landsec reported strong demand for premium office space in central London, as firms react to the message of interest rates being “higher for longer.” The commercial real estate giant said office occupancy in Victoria, where half of its central London business sits, is now 100 per cent let and with £17m of lettings [...]
UK audit chief in the running for HS2 top job May 2, 2022 The head of the UK’s accounting watchdog is reportedly in the running to lead the High Speed 2 rail construction project, raising further questions about the future of the country’s audit regime. Sir John Thompson, chief executive of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), is in the frame for becoming the new chair of the project, [...]
Rishi Sunak: Government to take ‘fresh look’ at two-metre rule June 14, 2020 Rishi Sunak has said the government would take a “fresh look” at its two-metre social distancing rule in a review. The chancellor confirmed there would be a “comprehensive review” of the rule as pressure increases from businesses to change it to one-metre. Hospitality bodies have lobbied the government for the change, with businesses worried the [...]