London suffering from UK economic malaise, NatWest data suggests June 9, 2025 Businesses in London saw output decline for the second consecutive month in NatWest’s growth tracker – yet there is some optimism that the capital’s economy could resurge. Firms widely reported Chancellor Reeves’ tax hikes and a rise in energy bills, which kicked into effect in what has been dubbed ‘Awful April’, contributed to a decline [...]
UK dominates European investment appeal despite drop in activity June 9, 2025 The UK has continued to storm ahead of its European rivals as the region’s most attractive destination for financial services investment, despite a sharp drop in activity. The UK recorded 73 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in 2024, a steep 32 per cent drop from 108 the previous year, according to EY’s latest Attractiveness Survey for [...]
This is what London needs in the spending review June 9, 2025 We need radical action if we’re going to hit the target of building 88,000 homes a year, more powers for the Mayor and improvements to productivity to get London out of the cycle of spending cuts and tax rises, says John Dickie In less than a week, the Chancellor will fire the starting gun on [...]
Week in Business: Warning lights in the City as another firm quits London for New York June 5, 2025 The trend has been clear for some time and the evidence points to a story of decline for the UK's capital markets.
Double blow to London as Cobalt Holdings abandons IPO June 5, 2025 Cobalt Holdings has abandoned its plans for a $230m float on the London Stock Exchange, issuing a double blow to UK markets after losing Wise to the US today. The company confirmed in a brief London Stock Exchange notice that it “will not proceed with its proposed initial public offering”, dashing hopes for what would [...]
Natwest returns to private ownership May 30, 2025 Natwest has finally re-entered private ownership ending one of British banking’s longest-running sagas. The government sold off its remaining 0.26 per cent stake in the group on Friday marking a full exit from the lender. The Treasury’s share of the FTSE 100 lender dates back to the 2008 financial crisis. Natwest, then under the Royal [...]
What’s on June 2025 May 29, 2025 | City Talk June is a vibrant time in London, ideal for enjoying the city’s lively outdoor scene. With long daylight hours, explore blooming parks like Hyde Park, catch open-air performances, or enjoy picnics in St James’s Park. Take part in one of the sporting activities in London Sports Festival, dive into bustling street food markets, visit world-class [...]
Revolut: UK is ‘entrepreneurial hub of Europe’ May 28, 2025 UK entrepreneurship has stormed ahead of its European rivals, according to findings from the region’s most valuable fintech company. Fresh data from Revolut’s business arm shows half of British businesses using its services are startups, a figure that dwarfs its European counterparts. Their closest rivals, the Netherlands and Ireland, sit at near 40 per cent. [...]
The Emory London review: is this £1k per night hotel more fun than Claridge’s? May 28, 2025 INTRODUCING THE EMORYAs the hotel beloved by Princess Victoria and the late Queen and Madonna and just about everyone worthy of admiration, Claridge’s is considered by those lucky enough to go as the pinnacle of London luxury. Even if you visit once a year for their afternoon tea or to stare at the Christmas tree, [...]
Sadiq Khan backs calls to decriminalise cannabis possession May 28, 2025 A report commissioned by Sadiq Khan has called for decriminalising the possession of cannabis in small quantities, in a major policy pivot for City Hall. The London Drugs Commission, which was set up by the Mayor of London two years ago, argues that while the production and supply of cannabis should continue to “be policed [...]