Central London only slightly busier amid Black Friday sales November 29, 2021 Central London was only ever so slightly busier thanks to Black Friday deals last week as retail chiefs noted fewer shoppers than pre-pandemic levels. Central London saw a 2.3 per cent boost to footfall week on week for the week beginning 21 November. Footfall in the area was down 22.3 per cent on 2019 levels, [...]
Staffing challenges biggest issue for hoteliers as firms introduce ‘golden hellos’ to entice new workers November 29, 2021 Hoteliers believe increasing labour costs and a shortage of staff are the most weighty challenges to be faced by the sector over the next five years. Soaring staff costs were pegged as the biggest issue for 59 per cent of hotel bosses while a shortage of skilled labour troubles 54 per cent of those surveyed [...]
Revealed: London businesses the most profitable in the country November 26, 2021 Businesses in London are leading the nation in profitability with margins of 8.1 per cent according to data from accountancy firm BDO.
George at Asda launches treasure hunt for second-hand Gucci items November 25, 2021 Supermarket Asda has teamed up with vintage wholesaler PreLoved, ahead of the anticipated release of Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci. Some 30 exclusive pieces have been hidden across 50 Asda stores across the country, with shoppers encouraged to hunt for second-hand items. Pieces will be on sale for as little as £12. With the latest [...]
London hotels hope for a cracker Christmas as Covid recovery lags behind rest of country November 25, 2021 London hotels are still lagging behind in their Covid recovery compared to rivals elsewhere – but have reported strong festive bookings. The capital’s occupancy rates were 26 per cent behind pre-pandemic levels last month, as the sector continues to suffer from the slow return of international tourists and business travellers. Hotels are also facing a [...]
Met police officer charged with rape faces 13 additional offences against three more women November 24, 2021 A Metropolitan police officer charged with rape will also now face an additional 13 offences, relating to the rape and sexual assault of three more women. The Crown Prosecution Service said on Wednesday it had authorised Hertfordshire Constabulary to charge officer David Carrick with 13 additional offences. The offences are alleged to have taken place [...]
London recovery: West End busier than week before as shoppers get into Christmas spirit November 22, 2021 Central London was busier last week than the previous week, as shoppers got into the festive spirit. Shopping destinations including Oxford Street and Regent Street saw an 8.3 per cent boost to footfall, in the week beginning 14 November. In a further endorsement for the City’s rebound, London’s office hubs were also busier than the [...]
Ministers warned that failing to solve £360m in pandemic rent arrears could lead to ‘mass homelessness’ November 22, 2021 Ministers are being warned this morning that a failure to tackle the £360m in rent arrears accrued during the pandemic could cost the Government over £2.6bn because of the danger of “mass homelessness.” The Big Issue said it costs the Government £9,266 for every person made homeless, whereas the price of preventing homelessness is £2,263. [...]
CBI pushes Tories on levelling up and says regions need cash and clusters November 22, 2021 Business group the CBI today said delivering economic growth across the country will be the determining factor in whether the Government’s levelling up agenda will be a success. Director general Tony Danker said clusters of economic activity will have to be created or built on, in different parts of the UK. Danker will push for [...]
While you were asleep: Two children and two women die in house fire in Bexleyheath November 19, 2021 Two children and two women have died in a house fire in Bexleyheath in south-east London. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said in a statement six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze on Hamilton Road around 8.30pm on Thursday. Crews in breathing apparatus rescued two women and two children from [...]