VCs delay funding for London’s tech startups after the latest Brexit delay May 2, 2019 The latest Brexit extension has struck hesitancy into the heart of London’s venture capitalist scene as funders delay investments in the UK tech sector. Read more: Tech sector activity gets a boost despite falling optimism Almost a quarter of the capital’s technology startups have suffered a drop in VC funding since the end of 2018 [...]
Bank of England upgrades UK growth forecast as household spending boosts economy May 2, 2019 The Bank of England once again voted to keep interest rates on hold today, as it painted a picture of an economy propped up by household spending as Brexit uncertainty continues. Read more: City A.M.'s shadow MPC votes to hold interest rates despite recent growth Threadneedle Street also upgraded Britain's 2019 economic growth forecast to 1.5 [...]
Want Britain to retain its entrepreneurial crown? Bring back the post-study visa May 2, 2019 Parliament is taking back control – and not just of Brexit. Conservative MP Jo Johnson and Labour MP Paul Blomfield have bridged the aisle to introduce an amendment to the Immigration Bill. The primary aim is to ensure that the number of international students cannot be capped by the government in order to comply with [...]
‘Fierce’ manufacturing downturn will act as major drag on Eurozone economy May 2, 2019 The Eurozone suffered its third straight month of contraction in its manufacturing sector in April, data revealed today. Germany continued to lead the downturn as the bloc’s manufacturing industry barely recovered from a six-year low in March, according to a closely-followed measure of activity. Read more: Construction industry bounces back in April amid housebuilding rush [...]
House building props up otherwise struggling construction industry as sector returns to growth May 2, 2019 Britain’s construction industry grew again in April after two months of contraction, driven by the fastest rise in house building so far in 2019. Read more: Eurozone construction sector bounces back in February after weak January The construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 50.5 in April, compared to 49.7 in March, bouncing back from [...]
From Bercow to Corbyn, Trump’s UK visit has exposed a nest of political hypocrites May 2, 2019 No sooner had the announcement been made that President Donald Trump would be making a state visit to the UK in June than a predictable flurry of criticism emerged from a group of the usual suspects. Leading this crowd of dissenters who have said that they will refuse to attend a state dinner with our [...]
It’s time to stop arguing about expanding Heathrow – and get building May 2, 2019 Thankfully for the UK economy, the High Court yesterday quashed a challenge brought against the government’s decision to expand Heathrow Airport. No one questions the need for scrutiny. Indeed, detailed consideration for how to manage the impact of the expansion on local people – which for some will be significant – lies ahead through the [...]
Theresa May moves away from ‘no deal is better than a bad deal’ Brexit pledge May 1, 2019 Theresa May said she was talking in the “abstract” when she claimed “no deal is better than a bad deal” during a grilling over the Brexit stalemate. Appearing before parliament’s powerful Liaison Committee of leading MPs, the Prime Minister repeatedly refused to say whether she would back the UK leaving the EU without an agreement [...]
City watchdog launches review of the financial advice market May 1, 2019 The City watchdog today launched a review of the financial advice market amid concerns investors are paying too much. The Financial Conduct Authority’s review will look at what consumers want from the market and how the market works to deliver this. The FCA will review how changes made since 2012, including the retail distribution review [...]
City A.M.’s shadow MPC votes to hold interest rates despite recent sunnier data May 1, 2019 Ongoing Brexit uncertainty means the Bank of England should hold interest rates steady tomorrow, City economists have said, despite the economy recently showing signs of strength. Read more: UK inflation rate holds steady sending Britons' real wages higher The Bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) will at midday tomorrow announce its latest interest rate decision, along [...]