Martin Wheatley says FCA was not informed of HSBC tax allegations February 10, 2015 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) did not know about the HSBC tax allegations until media reports released details on Sunday, according to the watchdog's chief executive. Earlier today, Martin Wheatley told the Commons Treasury Select Committee that no formal information regarding claims of tax evasion was passed on to the body. "I am [...]
General Election 2015: David Cameron plans new “help to grow” scheme to create British Mittelstand February 10, 2015 David Cameron has pledged billions of pounds in new funding to help small and medium-sized businesses grow. The Prime Minister promised £1bn as part of a new “help to grow”scheme to create a British version of Germany’s Mittelstand- a backbone of medium-sized firms across the country. Speaking to business leaders at the British Chambers of [...]
London mayor Boris Johnson’s trade mission helped by $40m investment in life sciences and technology companies February 10, 2015 Boris Johnson's most recent trade mission was helped by news of a $40m (£26m) investment from two US companies yesterday, boosting the capital's reputation for cultivating life science and technology industries. The London mayor is currently on a US trade mission in a bid to attract investments for British businesses. Heavy snowfall means he's currently [...]
Hotel cancels Rangers’ shareholder meeting over Mike Ashley’s involvement following concerns about “significant disruption” February 10, 2015 The hotel that was to host the upcoming general meeting for Rangers shareholders has pulled out over fears it would result in “significant disruption” to other guests and neighbours. The meeting is expected to be something of a showdown between the club's shareholders and Mike Ashley, who recently lent Rangers more than £10m to [...]
David Cameron at the British Chambers of Commerce conference: “Give Britain a pay rise” February 10, 2015 "It is time Britain had a pay rise": that will be the message from David Cameron, as the Prime Minister addresses the British Chambers of Commerce conference today. In his speech, Cameron will say that in the current low-inflation, low-oil-price environment, businesses can afford to pay workers more – and that conditions "have not been this good [...]
Prime Minister David Cameron holds emergency meeting to protect British banks from Grexit February 9, 2015 David Cameron has held emergency talks with officials from the Treasury and the Bank of England to prepare for a possible Greek exit from the Eurozone. The Prime Minister held meetings this morning, as the chances of a "Grexit" increased following a defiant speech from prime minister Alexis Tsipras yesterday. Although the UK isn't part [...]
Goodbye Jammersmith, hello to Wombling free? Mayor Boris Johnson outlines radical plans to solve capital’s congestion headaches February 9, 2015 London mayor Boris Johnson has unveiled plans to reduce congestion and open up more land for housing developments and public space across some of London's busiest hubs. Five of the capital's biggest traffic pinchpoints – including the A4 in Hammersmith – are going under the knife as part of the plans, which will see [...]
Bank of England Governor Mark Carney: “No room for complacency” in global banking reform February 9, 2015 Bank of England governor Mark Carney has cautioned against slowing the pace of global banking reforms, saying the financial system is more resilient than during the financial crisis, but there's still "no room for complacency". Speaking in his role as chairman of the Financial Stability Board (FSB), a body which monitors the global financial system, [...]
Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct faces legal challenge over claims sacked USC staff were given 15 minute warning February 9, 2015 Former USC staff who were made redundant when the fast fashion business was put into administration are taking legal action, claiming they received just 15 minutes' consultation over the job losses. The chain, which is owned by Mike Ashley's Sports Direct, was put into administration last month and bought out just a few days later [...]
George Osborne sets sights on pensioner votes with extension of 65+ bonds deadline past General Election day February 8, 2015 Chancellor George Osborne yesterday revealed that the government will now be offering £15bn worth of controversial so-called pensioner bonds, with an extended application deadline that falls on 15 May – one week after the General Election. The 65+ guaranteed growth bonds, as they are officially known, offer marketing leading rates, at 2.8 per cent interest [...]