Ashley’s empire grows: Frasers picks up nearly 20 per cent of retailer AO World June 12, 2023 Mike Ashley's Frasers Group has invested £75m in electronic retailer AO World, taking a stake of almost 20 per cent in the business.
The Notebook: Octavius Black on HR’s ‘Davos’, how to fix low productivity rates and wellbeing June 12, 2023 The Notebook is a column where interesting people say interesting things: today, it’s Octavius Black, CEO of learning platform MindGym, to discuss productivity, wellbeing and workplace culture’s Davos. Big hitters gather to look at HR’s biggest 2023 challenges The floorboards of the Royal Opera House have been trodden by many a global superstar over the [...]
Barratt warns of skills shortage if solar panels made mandatory for new homes June 12, 2023 The UK's biggest housebuilder has warned of a skills shortage in the country's solar panel sector, arguing that there would need to be significant boost in training for new technicians if the government decides to make the installation of solar panels mandatory for new-build houses.
Ex-Barclays boss: Banks must adapt or face ‘slow decline’ under pressure from tech firms June 12, 2023 Ex-Barclays boss Antony Jenkins has warned established banks that they could be in a “world of very slow decline” if they failed to adapt to new technologies. Speaking to City A.M., Jenkins said “this industry is really on the brink of having to undergo radical transformation if it’s going to remain relevant to its customers.” [...]
Political pressure builds on banks to close gap between savings and mortgage rates June 12, 2023 Banks have been shortchanging customers for nearly a year with the average mortgage rates exceeding savings rates by over three per cent since last July. According to data from Moneyfacts, at the end of last week the average rate on offer for a two year mortgage was 5.87. The average rate on a savings account [...]
Labour’s energy agenda needs a solution for the UK’s oil and gas demands June 12, 2023 Labour's energy manifesto needs a solution for the UK's oil and gas needs if the opposition are fit for government.
New biothreats radar amid warnings Covid vaccine prep ‘dismantled’ June 12, 2023 Government ministers are set to launch a new biothreats radar programme to guard the UK against disease outbreaks, bio-attacks and antimicrobial resistance. Pandemic preparedness, data monitoring and boosting the UK’s life sciences sector with £1.5bn a year are also priorities for the unit, set to be run by the National Situation Centre. Deputy prime minister [...]
Asian investors head to London as ministers look to lure in tech cash June 12, 2023 Asian investors are set to descend on London this week as the government tries to lure foreign cash to the UK in a post-Brexit investment offensive.
UK on course to dodge recession but ‘lacklustre’ growth will linger, KPMG says June 12, 2023 The UK will dodge a recession this year but a tight labour market and sticky inflation will choke off growth, according to the latest forecast from KPMG.
If Ben Wallace takes the helm of NATO it could be a boost for Global Britain June 12, 2023 If Ben Wallace becomes the head of NATO, he’ll leave a big hole to fill at the Ministry of Defence. But it would be good for the UK’s international standing, writes Eliot Wilson
