‘Game over’ for TGI Fridays’ UK owner Hostmore as shares crater almost 90 per cent September 9, 2024 TGI Fridays’ UK owner Hostmore is set to be wound down in a move that could wipe out its shareholders, after revealing it had dropped plans to buy the US restaurant chain for £177m. Shares in the London-listed company tanked by almost 90 per cent following the announcement on Monday. Hostmore, a hospitality firm which [...]
The secret language of City dealmaking September 9, 2024 Dealmaking on the public markets can be a dense and confusing world. Firms court each other in the public domain; cryptic, flirtatious barbs are fired across the market, and bosses on either side try to size each other up. But what do their messages really mean? What is the hidden meaning behind the jargon? From Pac-Man [...]
Remaining 116 Body Shop stores rescued by acquisition deal September 7, 2024 The Body Shop has been rescued from administration by a consortium led by British tycoon Mike Jatania, with remaining stores to continue trading. Jatania’s investment firm Aurea announced the completion of the acquisition on Saturday, with Jatania and Charles Denton, former chief executive of beauty brand Molton Brown, to head the new leadership team. In [...]
UK and US spy chiefs ‘working ceaselessly’ for Gaza ceasefire September 7, 2024 British and American spy chiefs have said they are together “working ceaselessly” for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, in a rare public statement. MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore and CIA director Bill Burns said the agencies have “exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation” in the Middle East. In [...]
Ukraine destroys scores of Russian drones as long-range attacks continue September 7, 2024 Scores of drones were shot down over Ukraine on Saturday as the country continues to face increased long-range bombardment from invading Russian forces. The Ukrainian Air Force said 67 drones were launched over the country overnight, with air defences active in 11 regions, including in the capital, Kyiv. Fifty-eight drones were shot down, with three [...]
Keir Starmer visits Ireland in bid to reset UK’s relationship with Dublin September 7, 2024 Sir Keir Starmer is to visit Ireland as he seeks to reset the UK’s relationship with its nearest neighbour. The Prime Minister will travel to Dublin on Saturday to meet with the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, in his first official visit to Ireland. Commerce across the Irish Sea, a trade relationship worth 100 billion euros a [...]
Majority of business managers back improved workers’ rights, survey shows September 7, 2024 Most employers support government plans to strengthen workers’ rights, new research has suggested. A survey of 1,000 managers indicated more than two in three believed the rights of workers should be improved. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Persuasion UK said their study suggested that among [...]
Amazon announces pay rise for its operational employees September 4, 2024 Online giant Amazon has announced a pay rise for its operational staff. The minimum starting pay for frontline operations employees will increase to between £13.50 and £14.50 an hour, depending on location. For those with 36 months’ service, the increase will be to between £13.75 and £14.75 an hour. Amazon said the increase was worth at least 9.8 [...]
Letter: As a freeman of the City, I would welcome Taylor Swift! September 3, 2024 I've been reading City A.M. for 15 years or so now & really enjoy it. I've just read Anna's article on Hampstead Heath (& the previous one on Taylor Swift).
Four-day working week will not be imposed on employers, says Government August 30, 2024 The Government has denied it will force businesses to allow staff to work a four-day week but said it supports flexible working. Education minister Baroness Jacqui Smith dismissed a report in The Telegraph that Labour’s Make Work Pay plans could force businesses to accept employees’ demands for a four-day week. She told LBC radio: “We [...]
