Warning NHS dentistry ‘approaching the end of the road’ as Bupa to shut 85 practices impacting 1,200 jobs March 29, 2023 Bupa Dental Care is set to cut 85 dental practices in a move that will affect 1,200 staff across the UK, amid a national shortage of dentists and “systemic” challenges across the industry. The healthcare group said patients at the affected practices have not been able to access the NHS dental service they need. Bupa, [...]
Which is best? Star analyst forecasts, or forward guidance? March 29, 2023 BETTER to trust independent analysts or company bosses when it comes to forward guidance? It appears insiders really do know best. That’s according to a recent study from the University of New South Wales, which suggested so-called ‘star’ analysts – those picked out on the Institutional Investor All-American analyst team or the European Extel survey [...]
UK urges Israel PM Netanyahu to seek ‘long term compromise’ on reform plans as thousands strike and protest March 28, 2023 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday announced a delay in his judicial overhaul plan, saying he wanted to give time to seek a compromise over the contentious package with his political opponents. He made the announcement after two days of large protests against the plan. “When there’s an opportunity to avoid civil war through [...]
Bellway: How a spring uplift in the property market is giving housebuilder cause for optimism March 28, 2023 Bellway has said homebuyer demand has started to improve after seeing reservations plunge by nearly 50 per cent due to soaring mortgage rates. The housebuilder group, whose headquarters are in Newcastle, reported underlying pre-tax profits falling 4.6 per cent to £312.1 million for the six months to January 31. It delivered record revenues, up 1.6 [...]
Gambling crackdown continues as William Hill told to pay record £19.2m fine over ‘widespread and alarming’ failures March 28, 2023 Three gambling businesses owned by William Hill will pay a total of £19.2 million for “widespread and alarming” social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures, the Gambling Commission has announced. The settlement is the largest in the Gambling Commission’s history. WHG (International) Limited, which runs williamhill.com, will pay £12.5 million; Mr Green Limited, which runs mrgreen.com, [...]
Cath Kidston: Next looks set to pick up troubled vintage staple March 28, 2023 High street giant Next is reportedly in talks to pick up the vintage-inspired Cath Kidston chain. According to reports from Sky News’ Mark Kleinman late on Monday evening, Next – which has been on an acquisition spree in recent months, picking up Made.com and Joules – is set to add the brand to its growing [...]
Moorgate moves: Why a Malaysian property fund is betting big on Deutsche’s London HQ March 28, 2023 A MALAYSIAN property fund has teamed up with London-based Castleforge to buy Deutsche Bank’s current London base in Moorgate for just over a quarter of a billion – in what amounts to a big bet on London’s commercial property market and the ‘flight to quality’ in office space. Castleforge and its Malaysian partner Gamuda plan to refurbish [...]
What are Heathrow’s contingency plans ahead of a 10-day strike by security guards? March 27, 2023 Heathrow has announced contingency plans to keep the airport operating despite a 10-day strike by security guards. Members of the Unite union will walk out on Friday in a dispute over pay. A Heathrow spokesman said: “We will not let these unnecessary strikes impact the hard-earned holidays of our passengers. “Our contingency plans will keep [...]
Tortilla swings to loss after ‘unprecedented’ food and energy inflation March 27, 2023 Burrito chain Tortilla Mexican Grill has revealed it swung to a loss last year as it came under pressure from “unprecedented” food and energy costs, and avoided raising its prices above inflation. The fast-casual restaurant chain insisted its sales have benefited from consumers opting for value-for-money meals over dining out at restaurants. Its revenues jumped [...]
Chelsea puts £121m loss down to sanctions imposed on ex owner Roman Abramovich March 27, 2023 Chelsea say Government sanctions imposed on former owner Roman Abramovich were a factor in the club posting losses of £121million in 2021-22. Russian billionaire Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK Government in March last year as it sought to freeze the assets of individuals it believed had connections to the country’s president, Vladimir Putin, following [...]