From Tesco’s sugary drinks to Alton Towers’ roller coaster incident: How Twitter can make you a better investor August 19, 2015 Social media has long been used as a resource to tap into sentiment. Twitter, a platform that could easily be dismissed thanks to the challenges inherent in sharing information in 140 characters, is in fact a hugely viable source of information and a vital insight into what people are saying about a brand, an event [...]
Britain’s “making” revolution could solve our productivity puzzle August 19, 2015 It is now indisputable that the UK’s, and in particular London’s, economic recovery are well underway. But as Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, has rightly pointed out, challenges remain, and the most important of these is productivity. Contrary to popular assertions, productivity in the UK economy remains quite high in comparison [...]
Ecigarettes in the workplace: After Public Health England finds vaping 95 per cent less harmful than tobacco, is it time to review policy? August 19, 2015 After years of uncertainty surrounding the health implications of ‘vaping’, a report from Public Health England has revealed ecigarettes to be 95 per cent less harmful than tobacco. This evidence should prompt employers to conduct an immediate review of company policy surrounding ecigarette use in the workplace. In the absence of any definitive legislation, [...]
Istanbul shooting: Two men detained after trying to storm German consulate in Dolmabahce Palace – reports August 19, 2015 Turkish police have detained two armed men following reports of gunfire at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul. The men are thought to have had a stun grenade and automatic weapons, and it seemed the pair arrived in a white sedan. They reportedly opened fire on police by the palace entrance while trying to gain entry [...]
London house prices: Not another brick in the wall? London has a 24 million brick shortage August 19, 2015 London is more than just one brick short of a full load. A new study reckons the capital has a 24 million brick shortfall if it's to meet the demand for new homes. As the population of the UK's capital swells to nine million by 2021, the Linton Group claims London will need 66,000 [...]
UK housing: Skills shortages forcing construction firms to turn down building work August 19, 2015 Is a skills shortage fuelling the UK housing market's supply issues? Research published today suggests that two-thirds (66 per cent) of small and medium construction firms have had to turn down work because they don't have the staff to carry it out, according to the Federation of Master Buildings. London has the biggest [...]
Walmart’s Asda has reached its “nadir” says chief Andy Clarke as supermarket chalks up more declines August 19, 2015 Asda boss Andy Clarke has said the troubled supermarket's “nadir” has been reached, as the Walmart-owned retailer revealed yet another slump in sales. Second quarter like-for-likes were down 4.7 per cent, while profits were flat. Clarke described the figures as “disappointing, but a short-term picture”. “We've hit our nadir,” Clarke said insisting there was [...]
Licence to frack: Government gives green light to 27 new onshore oil exploration sites August 18, 2015 The government has given the green light for 27 licences to explore onshore oil and gas, as it looks to strengthen the UK's nascent shale industry. The Oil & Gas Authority confirmed today that the licences from the 14th Onshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round will be formally offered to companies. Sites located [...]
Bangkok blast: Foreign Office confirms British national among those killed in attack August 18, 2015 A British national was among those killed in yesterday's Bangkok bomb blast, which has claimed the lives of at least 20 people. The Foreign Office confirmed the death of a woman, who was living in Hong Kong. British Embassy staff in Thailand are assisting her family. Foreign secretary Philip Hammond said: “The loss [...]
Battle of Britain flypast: 18 Hurricanes and six Spitfires will fly over south east England from Biggin Hill to mark the “Hardest Day” August 18, 2015 A flypast of World War II military aircraft will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the “Hardest Day” in the Battle of Britain. Aircraft including 18 Hurricanes and six Spitfires will fly over south east England to mark the date when Bromley's Biggin Hill came under attack from the Luftwaffe as it attempted to gain [...]
