Easter “masks” wider problems in supermarket sector as price war continues to take toll on Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury and Morrisons April 10, 2015 Supermarkets experienced their first growth in spend during March – but the early Easter is “masking” the sector's problems, Nielsen claims. Sales rose 0.7 per cent for the four weeks to March 28 against the same period last year. The last time grocers saw an increase in spend was April last year, when Easter distorted [...]
Leaders of the world’s micronations to meet this weekend in global summit MicroCon 2015 April 10, 2015 One of the largest summits of world leaders is taking place in the US this weekend – but David Cameron won't be attending. Nor will Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin or Angela Merkel. Because today is the start of MicroCon 2015, what is set to be a major get-together for rulers of the world's [...]
Delays on the Tube and M25 causing commuter havoc April 10, 2015 There was travel chaos in London and the south east this morning with severe delays on the Central line and M25. The entire line was down in early rush hour because of a faulty train at Ruislip Gardens and a signal failure at Woodford. There were subsequently severe delays, causing crowds to build [...]
St Paul’s opens its doors to photographers for one night only as part of fundraising initiative #SurpriseStPauls April 9, 2015 St Paul's has opened its doors to photographers for the first time in its history, allowing 300 ticketholders a rare opportunity to capture the inside of the cathedral. The iconic building, designed by Sir Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of London, usually operates a strict no-photos policy “in an attempt to help preserve the [...]
Hatton Garden jewel thieves used used heavy duty drill Hilti DD350 to bore holes into vault – but did not break into the building April 9, 2015 The Hatton Garden jewel thieves who have made off with what is believed to be millions of pounds worth of valuables did not break into the premises, the investigation suggests. There was “no sign of forced entry” to the building, a police statement released this afternoon revealed. Hatton Garden Security Deposit Limited shares its [...]
French magistrates launch formal criminal investigation into HSBC’s Swiss private bank over tax claims April 9, 2015 Britain's biggest bank HSBC has been put under formal criminal investigation by the French authorities for the activities of its Swiss private bank. In a statement to the market, the bank said it had been informed of the probe, into “alleged tax-related offences” between 2006 and 2007, by the French magistrates. At that time, a [...]
LinkedIn splurges $1.5bn on learning hub lynda.com April 9, 2015 LinkedIn has just splurged $1.5bn to acquire online learning firm lynda.com. The deal, which is due to complete during this quarter, breaks down as 52 per cent cash and 48 per cent stock. At this point, “most” members of lynda's team are expected to join the larger company. Set up in 1995 by Lynda [...]
Here comes the sun: Parts of England hotter than Cyprus today April 9, 2015 Summer is officially here. Parts of England will be warmer than Cyprus today, official forecasts suggest. Temperatures are expected to reach 20 * C in London, the Midlands and the north east, according to the Met Office. https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/586106051897987072/photo/1 The warm weather is being caused by high pressure and warmer air coming in [...]
Holborn fire and Hatton Garden heist connection claims dismissed by Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade April 9, 2015 London Fire Brigade (LFB) believes the blaze on Kingsway, Holborn, that broke out last week was caused by an electrical fault in the Victorian-era tunnels running under the road – putting paid to suggestions it may have been connected to the jewel heist in Hatton Gardens some days later. Holborn is still getting back to [...]
Toxic cloud returns: Defra warns of “high or very high” levels as Saharan dust mixes with Continental pollution April 9, 2015 London is bracing itself for another wave of pollution blowing over from the Continent – but this time it'll be mixed with Saharan dust. The capital is set to get the brunt of the bad air, with the government warning of “high or very high” levels of pollution from later today and into tomorrow. The [...]
