KPMG launches energy transition practice to help clients achieve ‘net-zero’ November 27, 2020 KPMG has launched a new specialist Energy Lead Advisory practice to help support clients through energy transition. The new practice will support clients who would like to de-carbonise and embrace the new ‘net-zero’ economy. The new team contains 30 energy specialists in the UK, including newly promoted partner Gavin Quantock to lead alongside KPMG’s new [...]
Planning permission granted for 454 new homes in Wembley November 27, 2020 Brent Council has given the green light on building 454 new homes, including 40 per cent affordable housing, next to Wembley Park underground station. The scheme covers a 1.6-acre site, and will be delivered across five buildings. The new homes will be a mixture of studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The affordable homes will [...]
Spanish banks say adios to merger talks November 27, 2020 Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) and Banco de Sabadell have ended potential merger talks without having reached a deal. “Banco Sabadell informs that the board of directors has decided to terminate the above mentioned discussions, because the parties have not achieved an agreement on the exchange ratio of both entities,” Sabadell said in a statement. [...]
Productivity and wellness up among City of London employees working from home November 26, 2020 Financial services employees reported feeling more productive and well while working from home, new research has found. Some seven in 10 financial services employees who usually work in the City of London found home working to be a positive experience throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Research from Deloitte found 38 per cent of employees felt more [...]
Marks and Spencer to close on Boxing Day to give staff the day off November 26, 2020 Marks and Spencer has cancelled plans to open all of its stores on Boxing Day, choosing instead to allow staff to spend the day with friends and family. M&S had previously planned to open 200 stores on Boxing Day to take advantage of the Boxing Day sales, but in light of the recent relaxation on [...]
Tier 2 restrictions for London confirmed post-lockdown November 26, 2020 The capital will be placed in tier 2 restrictions when England’s national lockdown comes to an end next Wednesday. London will enter tier 2 along with most parts of England. Only a handful of areas will be placed in tier 1, and a significant number will be placed in tier 3, with the toughest restrictions. [...]
FCA: Financial services must reflect the diverse industry it serves November 26, 2020 Action needs to be taken quickly for financial services to become an industry that is representative of the diverse people it serves, according to city regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). “There is a growing consensus that healthy cultures are purposeful, diverse and inclusive… [and] a healthy culture is one where diversity is the fertile [...]
Restructuring firm loans Mothercare £20m to repay debts November 26, 2020 Gordon Brothers Brands has loaned Mothercare £19.5m to be used to repay outstanding debt. Mothercare lost £4.4m in the six months ending 10 October following a difficult year that saw company plans pushed back by the coronavirus pandemic. Net debt at the business is now £17.5 million, of which the loan from global advisory, restructuring [...]
Coronavirus bar and restaurant closures hit Britvic’s income for the year November 26, 2020 Britvic posted a near 22% slide in adjusted operating income for the year as coronavirus restrictions hurt demand at bars, restaurants, cinemas and other public places. The soft drink company’s adjusted earnings before interest and taxes fell to £165.8m for the 12 months ended September 30, down from £214.1m a year earlier. Britvic’s shares, which [...]
Boohoo hires retired judge Leveson to oversee supply chain revamp November 26, 2020 Boohoo has appointed retired judge Brian Leveson, who handled the Leveson inquiry, to independently check its drive to improve its supply chain and business practices. In September an independent review found several failings in the online fashion retailer’s supply chain in England, after allegations about working conditions and low pay. The review then set out [...]
