Andy Burnham resigns from the shadow cabinet at Labour Conference 2016 September 28, 2016 Andy Burnham has resigned as from Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet during his speech at the Labour Conference in Liverpool. Burnham is in the running to become mayor of Manchester and said he was quitting the shadow cabinet in order to focus on the election, which will be held next May. "This is my tenth Conference speaking to you as a [...]
These are the most complained about broadband, phone and pay TV firms, according to Ofcom September 28, 2016 Telecoms regulator Ofcom has revealed the most complained about broadband, phone and pay TV providers for the three months from April to June. “We expect providers to make customer service and complaints handling top priorities," said Ofcom's consumer group director Lindsey Fussell. "While complaints have gone down, providers must work harder to better serve their [...]
Ab InBev shareholders approve Megabrew deal with SABMiller September 28, 2016 Ab InBev shareholders have given their backing to the proposed Megabrew deal with SABMiller. Investors in Anheuser-Busch InBev voted on the £79bn takeover of its rival at a meeting in Brussels this morning. "We are pleased that our shareholders' vote brings us one step closer to combining our companies, teams, strong heritage and passion for brewing," said [...]
Hunter Boot reports 19 per cent revenue growth as North America goes mad for wellies September 28, 2016 Hunter Boot, the company behind the iconic wellies beloved of countryside dwellers and fashionable festival goers, has reported a jump in revenue in 2015, driven by strong sales on the other side of the pond. Revenue grew by 19 per cent to £113.7m, up from £95.7m in 2014, off the back of a 33 per cent increase [...]
AA grows revenue and earnings as it reverses decline in member numbers September 28, 2016 AA has reported an upturn in revenue and earnings for the six months to 31 July – and said membership numbers are showing positive signs of growth. The figures Trading revenue was up 2.2 per cent to £467m from £457m in the same period of last year. Operating profit was flat at £132m, while pre-tax [...]
Sales drop at Sainsbury’s in second quarter – but Argos is growing September 28, 2016 Sainsbury's reported at drop in sales during the 16 weeks to 24 September, despite transaction growth and flat fuel sales – but Argos posted a strong performance for its second quarter. The company's share price had fallen by 3.03 per cent in mid-morning trading. The supermarket posted a 1.1 per cent decline in like-for-like sales, [...]
Thomas Cook bookings dip hit by volatility in Turkey September 27, 2016 Travel company Thomas Cook said today that trading for summer 2016 had gone as expected, with strong demand for most destinations – but not for Turkey. Tourist numbers in the country have plummeted as a result of terrorist attacks and political upheaval. Bookings were up by eight per cent when Turkey was excluded, driven by demand [...]
Legal & General says it will double new business sales in retirement division in 2016 September 27, 2016 Legal & General said today that it's on track to double new business sales in its retirement division, with sales currently at £5.4bn – compared with £2.9bn for last year. The group said its retirement business "continues to experience strong growth in pension de-risking and lifetime mortgages," and demand has not been hindered by the introduction [...]
London transport disruption: Commuters facing delays on Bakerloo Line after person killed by train September 26, 2016 The Bakerloo Line has been suspended in central London after a person was struck by a train at Oxford Circus station earlier this afternoon. There is no service on the line between Elephant & Castle and Paddington "due to a person on the track", Transport for London said. https://twitter.com/bakerlooline/status/780401450795036672 British Transport Police said they were called to Oxford [...]
Baltic Exchange shareholders vote in favour of Singapore Exchange acquisition and announce appointment of new chief executive September 26, 2016 Shareholders in the Baltic Exchange have voted to approved the proposed acquisition of the company by Singapore Exchange (SGX). SGX said today that Baltic Exchange investors had approved all the resolutions required in connection with the proposed scheme of arrangement for the acquisition. “We are very pleased at the outcome of the vote and thank Baltic’s [...]