Marks & Spencer reports 1.1 per cent dip in UK revenue, driven by 8.3 per cent decline in clothing and home sales July 7, 2016 Marks & Spencer has reported a 1.1 per cent reduction in UK sales for the first quarter of its financial year, as the retailer continues to try and turn around its struggling clothing & home division – but guidance for its full year results remains the same. A four per cent increase in UK food sales [...]
Henderson becomes fourth firm to close commercial property fund July 6, 2016 Henderson Global Investors has suspended trading in its commercial property funds, the latest in a series of closures as companies combat investor panic. The company said it has temporarily suspended all trading in the Henderson UK Property PAIF and the Henderson UK Property PAIF Feeder Fund to "safeguard the interests of all investors". "Despite a strong underlying portfolio, the [...]
Theresa May’s pitch for Tory leadership: Distilling the persuasion July 6, 2016 Aristotle suggested that effective persuasive communication turns on three different elements: the character of the speaker (ethos), the emotions stirred within the listener (pathos) and the strength of the logical argument presented (logos). In her pitch for the Tory leadership – and Prime Minister – candidacy late last week, Ms May tapped into all three of these elements. [...]
Fraud squad calls for retrial for two ex-Barclays traders for Libor-rigging offences July 6, 2016 The fraud squad has today announced it is seeking a retrial for two ex-Barclays traders accused of Libor-rigging offences. Stylianos Contogoulas, 44, and Ryan Reich, 34, have been charged with conspiracy to defraud in relation to manipulating US-dollar linked Libor between June 2005 and September 2007. The pair previously stood trial for the offence, but [...]
City A.M. Unregulated: Has Brexit ruined your pension? July 6, 2016 Brexit has thrown markets into uncertainty, which in turn has brought on a series of warnings about how people's personal finances will be affected – so this week's podcast takes a look at what impact the vote to leave the EU will have on pensions. Joining hosts Caitlin Morrison, City A.M.'s deputy digital editor, and usual [...]
London Capital Group share price jumps almost 13 per cent as company says Brexit has been positive for revenue and profits July 6, 2016 Shares in London Capital Group (LCG) rose by 12.8 per cent after the market opened this morning, following a trading update from the company in which it said the recent Brexit vote had been good for the business. The online trading services firm said: "Despite the unprecedented volatility in the financial markets as a result [...]
After opinion polls got the EU referendum result wrong, is social media the future of polling? July 5, 2016 For years now, marketers have been trying to tap into consumer insight. Methods used include anything from planned focus groups and online surveys, to people standing on the high street with a clipboard and pen. Understanding and capturing the thoughts and opinions of the public as well as the conversations that are happening in everyday life is vital [...]
“I don’t mind who wins as long as Gove comes third” – Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Ken Clarke caught on microphone criticising Conservative leadership candidates July 5, 2016 Former cabinet minister Ken Clarke has been caught on microphone at Sky News' Westminster studio giving his unguarded opinion of the Tory leadership candidates. Conservative MPs are today voting in the first stage of the contest, with Michael Gove, Theresa May, Andrea Leadsom, Stephen Crabb and Liam Fox all battling it out to remain in [...]
Balfour Beatty wins £170m Heathrow Airport contract to upgrade baggage screening systems July 5, 2016 Infrastructure firm Balfour Beatty has won a £170m contract to upgrade baggage screening and handling systems for Heathrow Airport. The project will involve upgrading and installing baggage screening and handling systems at Heathrow's eastern baggage facility. The company's share price fell 2.03 per cent in early trading. Balfour Beatty boss Leo Quinn said: "This contract award is testament [...]
Ryanair has cancelled over 100 flights due to more French strikes on Tuesday 5 July July 4, 2016 Budget airline Ryanair has called on the European Commission to take action over striking air traffic controllers (ATC) in France, after being forced to cancel more than 100 flights. The company has had to call off 102 flights due to take place tomorrow, and said the cancellations will affect over 18,000 customers – with 100,000 more [...]