How London can fend off the European hotspots vying for its fintech crown October 1, 2018 Flash back to the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote. “London has committed suicide as a leading fintech centre,” tweeted Traxpay, a German payments platform. Catchy advertising urged startups to “keep calm and move to Berlin”. Read more: Meet the startups in the Treasury-backed Tech Nation fintech accelerator Over two years later, and it’s French [...]
Responsible business isn’t a fad – it’s at the heart of how the City operates October 1, 2018 Being a responsible firm is now an essential part of everyday business for many companies, with this ethos engrained in the culture, purpose, and day-to-day activity, rather than as a separate initiative. This is a great step forward from the picture 10 years ago – and progress is continuing. Last week was a big week [...]
Bull market: New version of Wall Street’s iconic ‘Charging Bull’ goes under the hammer later this week October 1, 2018 A new version of the Charging Bull, the dramatic sculpture which has become a symbol of Wall Street, goes on sale in London this week. The highly-polished bronze by Arturo di Modica features in the sale of 20th century and contemporary art by auctioneers Phillips on Thursday, City A.M. can reveal. At 6ft long the [...]
Peer-to-peer lender Funding Circle gears up for £1.5bn valuation in London listing September 28, 2018 British peer-to-peer lender Funding Circle has valued its debut initial public offering (IPO) at £1.5bn, despite initially having aimed to raise as much as £1.8bn. The firm, backed by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, tested investor appetite in the run-up to next week’s debut, selling off shares at 440p on London’s main market. Read more: [...]
Uber drivers would rather keep self-employed worker status than sign a fixed contract, report claims September 28, 2018 Uber drivers would prefer to remain as independent contractors on flexible hour deals than work fixed hours as part of the company, according to responses from Uber drivers in a new study. In a report undertaken by Oxford University's Oxford Martin School entitled “Uber Happy? Work and Well-being in the 'Gig Economy'”, a resounding majority [...]
Gintastic: Chapel Down to open new Kings Cross gin bar amid healthy results September 27, 2018 English drinks firm Chapel Down posted its results with a twist this morning, revealing a new bar, restaurant and gin distillery venture to be opened in Kings Cross in March 2019. Named the Chapel Down Gin Works, chief executive Frazer Thompson is hoping to build on the success of its vodka and gin products [...]
Mayor of London reveals first projects to benefit from Strategic Investment Fund September 26, 2018 Ideas to regenerate the West End and to provide more affordable workspace in the capital are set to benefit from a £112m investment fund. The Mayor of London today announced the first tranche of projects to benefit from the Strategic Investment Fund – generated from growing business rate receipts. Sadiq Khan’s own Good Growth [...]
Crispgate: Royal Mail asks people to stop posting empty crisp packets September 26, 2018 Royal Mail is urging people to stop putting crisp packets in postboxes without envelopes amid fears that it might cause a delay to operations. The postal service has been caught in the firing line of a brewing row between environmental campaigners and crisp maker Walkers over non-recyclable packets currently being sold in the UK. [...]
Poll: Brexit won’t lead to financial services brain drain September 26, 2018 Just 630 UK finance jobs have moved abroad since the Brexit vote, a Reuters poll found today. It contrasts fears voiced immediately after the vote that leaving the EU could badly damage the UK’s financial services sector. Read more: Brexit: Rees-Mogg tells businesses to accept customs delays Reuters’ poll of 134 financial giants found [...]
Whale of a time: Beluga whale ‘seen in River Thames’ September 25, 2018 A Beluga whale has been spotted in the River Thames, with marine rescuers saying it is “swimming strongly”. Ecologist Dave Andrews made the sighting, saying the mammal has been feeding near barges around Gravesend in Kent. He shared videos online, saying it hasn’t moved more than 200m in any direction. Can't believe I'm writing this, [...]