The Notebook: Ian Whittaker on S4’s bad luck, a surprising election forecast and the unbeatable pull of strong brands August 1, 2023 Where the City’s movers and shakers get some things off their chest. Today it’s Ian Whittaker, founder of Liberty Sky Advisors S4’s latest woes are down to bad luck, not bad judgement The Q2 results season is in full swing and, so far, it is fair to describe the season as better than expected. The [...]
CMA aims for decision on £55bn Microsoft-Activision deal by 29 August July 31, 2023 The UK’s competition watchdog has opened up its inquiry into Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal for comments, as it aims for a final decision by Aug. 29 on a £55bn takeover it had previously blocked in April. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) also on Monday published Microsoft’s arguments explaining why the deal should be re-evaluated, as the [...]
Marshalls to cut 250 jobs as housebuilding slump takes toll July 31, 2023 Building products supplier Marshalls is axing around another 250 jobs and closing a factory in Scotland after sales dived due to a housing market slowdown. The group said the cuts come as part of plans to save £9 million a year, which will see it shut a factory in Carluke in South Lanarkshire, while also [...]
Heineken cuts earnings guidance after price rises hit sales July 31, 2023 Brewing giant Heineken has cut its earnings guidance after consumer demand was hit by price increases. The Dutch brewer, which also makes Fosters and Amstel, said it made “significant price increases” at the start of the year in an effort to offset “unprecedented levels of commodity and energy inflation”. In the UK, the Office for [...]
Russia hit by drone attacks as Ukraine fights back with buildings hit miles from the Kremlin July 31, 2023 Ukraine attacked Russia with drones on Sunday, damaging two office buildings just miles from the Kremlin and a pig-breeding complex on the countries’ border. The attacks, which Ukraine did not acknowledge in keeping with its security policy, reflected a pattern of more frequent and deeper cross-border strikes the Kyiv government has launched since starting a [...]
The Notebook: Andy Silvester on suppressed British success stories, why Global Airlines could raise the game and Bazball July 31, 2023 Where the City’s movers and shakers get a few things off their chest. Today, City A.M. editor Andy Silvester takes the pen British cynicism can mean we overlook our success stories Heading east out of the City towards the Strand one passes the ugly, brutalist facade of King’s College London, nobody’s idea of an architectural [...]
Stuart Broad: England fast bowler announces retirement at end of the Ashes July 29, 2023 England bowler Stuart Broad will retire from Test cricket following the Ashes. The 37-year-old made the announcement at stumps on day three of the final Test against Australia at the Kia Oval. Broad has taken 602 wickets in 167 Tests, making him the second most successful paceman in Test history behind team-mate James Anderson. “Tomorrow [...]
UK and India could sign trade deal this year, says official July 29, 2023 The UK and India could sign a long-awaited trade deal before the end of the year, according to a senior Indian official. The country’s commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal told reporters on Friday: “We want to finalise the deal at the earliest.” He also said that it was possible that the deal could be agreed “much [...]
Zak Crawley sets the tone as England turn up the heat against Australia July 29, 2023 Zak Crawley continued his excellent series with an unbeaten 50 on the third morning of the final Ashes Test to help England into a position of strength at the Kia Oval. Crawley signalled his intentions from ball one on Saturday with another booming drive through cover and walked off at lunch on 71 not out [...]
Sales of Covid tests have increased by a third in July, says Boots July 29, 2023 Sales of Covid tests have increased by a third this month, while official estimates of the number of people with the virus have also risen. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said its surveillance showed a slight increase in cases and hospital admissions, including those in intensive care, as of July 20. Its records show [...]