Futuristic entrepreneurs are helping us reach for the stars March 11, 2019 Houston, there is no problem. America is back in the space race. “We’re really at the forefront,” says US President Trump. “Nobody is doing what we’re doing.” He’s right. But in a break with tradition, the US is now leaning on its entrepreneurs, rather than the Federal Reserve, to fund its interplanetary aspirations. The latest [...]
BT TV to offer Vice channels in bid to bolster its youth appeal March 8, 2019 BT has secured a deal with Vice Media to give its customers access to the youth channel’s content on live and on-demand TV. The partnership, which comes into effect next week, will give BT TV customers access to Vice on TV, a lifestyle and entertainment channel offering documentaries about popular culture and current affairs. Read [...]
BBC ‘risks irrelevance’ unless it adapts to digital age, says director general March 7, 2019 The BBC risks irrelevance unless it adapts to changing viewing habits, the broadcaster’s director general has said. Speaking at the Media & Telecoms Conference this morning, Tony Hall admitted the BBC faces an uphill struggle to keep up with deep-pocketed rivals such as Netflix and Amazon, but insisted public service broadcasters are as important as [...]
Amazon backs women in tech with new £130,000 grant March 7, 2019 Amazon has unveiled a plan to increase the number of women in technology and innovation by improving diversity on interview panels and encouraging women to apply. Read more: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos accuses National Enquirer of blackmail The effort, which comes in time for International Women’s Day tomorrow, will try to overcome some of the [...]
Short sellers tailing off at Pets at Home March 6, 2019 In a rare sign of City confidence in the struggling high street, short sellers have been backing off the recently targeted retail giant Pets at Home. Last year hedge funds were vigorously targeting the leading pet care business, which spooked investors when it posted an 80 per cent crash in profits and vet practice closure [...]
Financial institutions beware – big tech is moving into banking March 6, 2019 Despite Brexit uncertainties and stock market collapses, British banks concluded their 2018 earnings season with improved performance. Profitability increased thanks to cost drives, while balance sheets strengthened through derisking assets. Banks’ ability to grow revenue, however, remains a perennial challenge. The quest to growth may be harder in the digital age. In a recent report [...]
To buy to not to buy? The pitfalls of online shopping when at work March 5, 2019 A furtive glance to the side, to gauge your neighbour’s gaze. A quick dart over the shoulder, perhaps a slight bob upwards in the chair above the rim of the screen, to check if the coast is clear. And then, the adrenaline building, comes the lightning-quick rattle of the keyboard, the double click and, yes, there [...]
Music streaming revenues overtake ownership for the first time amid shift to ‘rental’ market March 4, 2019 The popularity of subscription services reached record levels in the UK last year as music streaming revenues overtook ownership formats for the first time. Revenues from paid-for music subscription services such as Spotify jumped 39 per cent last year to £829m, meaning subscriptions now account for 62 per cent of all music revenues, according to figures [...]
Amazon to open supermarkets across US in food business expansion March 2, 2019 Amazon is looking to open dozens of supermarkets across America as it tries to expand its food business. The online retailer is also exploring the option of buying regional chains that have at least 12 stores as it bids to strength its new supermarket brand, according to the Wall Street Journal. Read more: New York leaders beg Amazon to [...]
Strong and stable: London extends lead as Europe’s top hub for unicorn startups March 1, 2019 London has cemented its status as the home of more young billion-dollar tech companies than any other European city, taking home the crown for ten consecutive years. Read more: Female fintech leaders highlighted as sector battles gender imbalance The number of so-called unicorn startups – private businesses valued at $1bn (£752.6m) and founded after 2000 [...]