The Mayor of London has opted to protect privilege not competition September 14, 2016 Sadiq Khan’s crackdown on London’s private hire industry is a sop to a privileged monopoly that distorts competitive markets and fails to defend consumer interests. As private hire services make inroads into London’s black cab monopoly, the case to protect them from decline and enforce consumer safety may sound reasonable. But Khan’s reforms go beyond safety and are [...]
A shortage of land could kill off London’s e-commerce revolution September 13, 2016 Recent reports that Amazon is set to test drone deliveries in partnership with the UK government is just the latest salvo in the fiercely contested battle between the e-commerce giants that are transforming the way we shop. The move also demonstrates the challenges of a constantly evolving logistics sector. City A.M. readers are at the [...]
United House Group chairman Jeffrey Adams named as new London Chamber of Commerce and Industry chair September 13, 2016 Business group the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has a new chairman after the retirement of former chair Mark Adams. Jeffrey Adams, chairman of London housing developer United House Group, was elected at last night’s annual general meeting. The board recommended that Jeffrey Adams – who was previously headed up LCCI’s property and construction committee – should succeed Mark Adams, who retired [...]
Delays at King’s Cross and Moorgates stations due to derailed train at Welwyn Garden City September 13, 2016 Commuters are facing delays at King's Cross station after a train derailed at Welwyn Garden City. According to Great Northern rail, the low speed derailment of an empty train at Welwyn Garden City late last night is causing disruption to journeys between Stevenage and London Kings Cross and Moorgate. As a result of the incident, the company [...]
Uber accuses Sadiq Khan of favouring London’s black cabs September 13, 2016 Uber has accused the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan of discriminating against its drivers and favouring black cabs in the capital with new measures to regulate the industry. In an email sent to customers, Uber claims that thousands of minicab drivers could lose their livelihoods with a knock on effect on waiting times and availability of cars. [...]
London mayor pledges new support for black cab industry in Uber fight September 13, 2016 The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has put his backing behind the capital's famous black cabs as they face competition from Uber with new measures to support the industry. City Hall has promised to increase the number of taxi ranks around the city and increase access to bus lanes, while cab information will be added to Transport for London's journey [...]
Paws for thought: Should you be allowed pets in your office? September 13, 2016 How would you feel about a colleague bringing their pet to your workplace? Maybe you’re having a ruff time, feline a bit down, and a furry friend would brighten up your day. Perhaps a yapping mutt would be a cat-astrophic distraction, leaving you fur-ious by the end of the day. Following Brexit, last week our politicians [...]
The future of London: Is the city edging towards independence? September 12, 2016 It is increasingly easy to characterise London as a “city state”. Its scale, wealth and multi-dimensional differences (as compared to the rest of the country) mean it has more in common with New York or Toronto than with Yorkshire or Scotland. The creation of the office of mayor of London, a glamorous Americanised form of government, makes [...]
City firms carry on hiring through Brexit uncertainty September 12, 2016 London’s firms are still taking on staff despite the uncertainty caused by June’s referendum, two new surveys of the capital’s businesses have found. Recruitment outfit Manpower said the number of employers planning to hire more staff in the final three months of the year has increased, taking London to second place on the nationwide league [...]
Public Health England issues health warning ahead of heatwave set to arrive this evening September 12, 2016 The government has issued a health warning ahead of a heatwave which is set to hit the capital this evening. The Met Office has warned that hot and humid weather will arrive today in the east of England, the south east, London and the east Midlands, which will all be put on heatwave level 2 status [...]