Manufacturing props up UK output growth as business optimism wanes October 8, 2018 British business output growth is being propped up by the resilient performance of the manufacturing sector, despite ongoing uncertainty. Though still falling below long-term trends, output held steady in September, while business optimism declined, according to BDO’s latest Output Index. Read more: Lloyd's boss 'accelerates' Brussels operation amid no-deal fears The manufacturing sector, which makes [...]
Crossrail faces handover to government if costs continue to rise October 7, 2018 The government could take over the reins of Crossrail from its fellow joint sponsor Transport for London (TfL) if a lid is not kept on the costs of the £15.4bn project. The Sunday Times first reported that in Crossrail's sponsor agreement, signed in 2008, there is a clause that entitles the Department for Transport (DfT) [...]
Theresa May urges Labour voters to ‘look beyond’ party labels and back her plan for post-Brexit Britain October 7, 2018 Theresa May has launched a bid to woo disgruntled Labour voters, asking them to "look at her party afresh" and "beyond party labels". Writing in the Observer yesterday, May said she wanted the Conservatives to be a party "for the whole country" and that the Tories were capable of going beyond criticising the opposition. "To [...]
French Connection chief seeks to sell off controlling stake October 6, 2018 French Connection founder Stephen Marks is sounding out potential buyers for his controlling stake in the retailer, it emerged today, in a deal which could trigger a takeover of the whole business. Advisers from Numis Securities, acting on Marks' behalf, have been speaking to prospective bidders this week about the 42 per cent shareholding, sources [...]
Juncker signals optimism for agreement on Brexit deal October 6, 2018 European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker has expressed optimism that a Brexit deal could be reached by November, as talks between the UK and the EU gained pace over the last few days. Speaking to reporters in Austria this morning, Juncker signalled that while there remains some stumbling blocks, such as the Irish border issue, a no-deal [...]
Founder syndrome: Are you suffering? October 5, 2018 When you start a new business, there is an expectation that your leadership will be marked by certain qualities – purpose, authenticity, and a lack of hierarchy. In the modern era, those leading tens of thousands of people, in businesses that were founded decades ago are now expected to display those same qualities. In a [...]
Tesla shares fall after Musk trolls US securities watchdog October 5, 2018 Tesla billionaire Elon Musk appeared to mock the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Twitter late last night, less than four hours after a federal judge demanded an explanation of the settlement deal reached between the two sides. "Just want to [sic] that the Shortseller Enrichment Commission is doing incredible work," wrote Musk, who has frequently [...]
Sports Direct’s Mike Ashley tees off in bidding war for American Golf October 5, 2018 Sports Direct owner and retail tycoon Mike Ashley is set to expand his business empire further, as it suggested he has tabled a bid for Britain's largest golf retailer American Golf. Ashley is among a number of interested parties in the American Golf takeover, including JD Sports Fashion, sources told Sky News. Deloitte, who is advising [...]
Everyone’s a loser in today’s fabricated generation wars October 5, 2018 According to doomsayers in policy and media circles, the young have never had it so bad, and the fault lies with their greedy elders. The allegedly enormous, voracious baby boomer generation, living it up on the golf course with the ill-gotten gains from gold-plated pensions and over-valued houses, is in the firing line for causing [...]
The Tories talk the talk on free markets, but the policies don’t match the rhetoric October 5, 2018 Last year’s Conservative party conference marked a change in tone for the Prime Minister and her relationship with the free market. Perhaps it was the 2017 snap election upset that made her roll back her language around “untrammeled free markets”, or maybe there was increased understanding that after Brexit a commitment to competition would be vital [...]