FTSE flies as investors bet on global economic recovery August 2, 2021 The FTSE 100 was up by more than a percentage point in early trading amid renewed confidence in the global economic recovery. At 8:40am the flagship index was up 1.04 per cent. Asian markets were up overnight and that confidence appears to have translated to a positive European open. The FTSE 250 was up 1.47 [...]
First-half profits double at HSBC as bank reinstates dividend August 2, 2021 Banking behemoth HSBC appears to have recovered from the ravages of Covid-19, with first-half profits more than doubling on last year. The Asia-focussed bank recorded pre-tax profits of $10.8bn for the first six months of the year, some $6.5bn ahead of last year’s equivalent. The bank said all of its regions were profitable, with HSBC’s [...]
Welsh whiskies apply for special ‘geographical indicator’ tag July 29, 2021 Melton Mowbray’s pork pies and Cheddar’s… cheddar may soon have another companion in the protected category club. The Welsh whisky industry has filed for a ‘geographical indicator’ with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. So-called GIs are, according to the National Farmers Union, given to “products identified to have quality, reputation or other [...]
England will open borders to double-jabbed EU & US citizens in much-needed boost for London recovery July 28, 2021 The Government will reopen England to the world after plans to allow fully-vaccinated travellers from the EU and the US to enter the country without quarantining were approved today. The new regime, which could come into effect as soon as next week, was approved by cabinet ministers in the Covid Operations Committee on Wednesday morning, [...]
Beer taps to run dry if logistics staff vote to strike July 23, 2021 As if the hospitality industry didn’t have it tough enough, industrial action could be set to make it even tougher. Union officials are warning of a ‘beer drought’ if around 1,000 workers integral to the delivery of 40 per cent of the UK’s beers vote to strike after a below-inflation pay offer. Staff at XPO [...]
The race is on: London medical firm begins 3 hour PCR tests July 22, 2021 Those who thought the requirement for Covid-19 tests prior to flying signalled the end of the last minute getaway – or business trip – might be wrong. One Harley Street firm has launched 3-hour PCR testing for those City high-flyers who simply have to be in Geneva for lunchtime. Testing firms are competing to turnaround [...]
Football review chair: Game could face “existential crisis” without reform and regulation July 22, 2021 Tracey Crouch, the former sports Minister tasked with a review of football governance in the UK, has written to the Culture Secretary to say “football authorities have lost the trust and confidence of fans.” In her interim findings, Crouch calls for an independent regulator of football clubs to monitor in particular financial regulation, corporate governance [...]
Boisdale Life: Canary Wharf sees the first big bash of a post-pandemic summer July 22, 2021 Journalists, jazz musicians and bon viveurs joined forces at the Boisdale Life Editor’s Lunch yesterday, in what was surely one of the capital’s first big bashes as we emerge from pandemic restrictions. The restaurant’s magazine has become a staple of luxury journalism in recent years and the Editor’s Lunch saw 170 of Boisdale’s connections tuck [...]
Pingdemic: MPs slam “lack of clarity” on self-isolation advice July 21, 2021 The Work and Pensions Committee have written to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) seeking clarity on self-isolation rules. Ministers have tied themselves in knots this week with contradictory advice on whether individuals and employers should pay attention to close-contact Covid-19 app ‘pings.’ Chair of the Committee Stephen Timms has therefore asked the HSE for [...]
Everton first team player suspended pending police investigation July 20, 2021 An Everton first-team players has been suspended “pending a police investigation” the club confirmed this morning. “Everton can confirm it has suspended a First-Team player pending a police investigation,” read a statement on the club website. Read more: World’s richest football clubs 2021: Barcelona top Deloitte Football Money League ahead of Real Madrid while Bayern [...]