Britain’s small businesses deserve a simpler, fairer tax system May 21, 2019 “When you look after small business,” Sajid Javid said last week, “you look after Britain”. But too often, he admitted, the government has focused its attention elsewhere – big government finding it easier to talk to big business than small. Britain has an enviable record of company creation. Indeed, alongside our stellar job creation rates, [...]
Waitrose sets out £1bn online shopping plan as it prepares for life without Ocado May 16, 2019 Waitrose has revealed a £1bn plan to bolster its online operations today as it prepares for life without Ocado. The upmarket grocer has signed a deal with Today Development Partners (TDP) in a bid to treble the size of its online business over the next three years, as its 20-year relationship with delivery giant Ocado nears its [...]
Two-thirds of small businesses say government is not on their side, new poll reveals May 16, 2019 Two-thirds of small businesses do not feel the government is on their side, a new survey has revealed in a report calling for a radical shake-up of the tax system. A YouGov poll for the Centre of Policy Studies think-tank shows 62 per cent of small business owners and managers don’t believe those in power [...]
Could Capita’s move to put workers to boards fix capitalism’s crisis? May 14, 2019 Capitalism is being questioned in Britain more intensely than for decades. Some want to destroy it. Others believe that it is the only economic system which works, but want to reform it. I am in the latter camp. Part of the debate around Brexit has centred on preserving workers’ rights, enshrined in EU law. But rights [...]
Time to party: John Lewis & Partners opens summer roof garden on top of flagship Oxford Street store April 17, 2019 John Lewis & Partners is launching its summer rooftop garden at the summit of its Oxford Street store this week. Read more: Ranked: The top 15 retailers to work for The venue will open its doors at the start of the bank holiday weekend on Friday, and busy shoppers can enjoy the opportunity to relax [...]
Five retail tips for small businesses worried about Brexit March 29, 2019 So much of the political debate over Brexit has focused on the impact on big business. The banks, multinational drug companies, carmakers, and other corporate pressure groups have been leading the conversation. But Brexit also impacts the hundreds of thousands of small businesses that employ most Britons and are the heartbeat of the economy. Read [...]
John Lewis tumbles down UK top employer rankings March 26, 2019 John Lewis and Partners has lost its crown as Britain’s top employer following a tough 2018 that saw its profits drop by 45 per cent, according to a yearly survey released today. Read more: John Lewis profits plummet 45 per cent in ‘challenging’ market Wren Kitchens now tops the list of UK employers as ranked [...]
Felix Capital leads £3m funding round in mental health app Unwind March 11, 2019 London venture capital firm Felix Capital has led a £3m funding round in workplace mental health app Unmind. The app, which is used by employees at John Lewis, William Hill and Yorkshire Building Society, launched in London in 2016 and provides clinically-backed tools, training and assessments to improve mental health in the workplace. Read more: [...]
The real John Lewis bonus today was Waitrose March 7, 2019 Caution was in no short supply at this morning's breakfast with the bosses of John Lewis Partnership. Over coffee and croissants at its Victoria HQ, the retail giant’s directors echoed worries that the industry as a whole has been voicing for months: namely, the major structural changes on the high street and fears over a [...]
John Lewis slashes bonus as profits plummet 45 per cent in ‘challenging’ market March 7, 2019 John Lewis has cut its staff bonus after posting a 45 per cent fall in profits as the retailer battles against high street woes. Profit before tax dropped to £160m last year as the department store chain slashed prices in a bid to combat declining footfall and excess retail space. Read more: John Lewis considers cutting staff [...]