National Audit Office finds serious failings in procurement process of contract between UK Trade and Investment and PA Consulting June 10, 2016 The National Audit Office (NAO) has today slated both the government department and the consulting agency involved in a contract which saw the government being questionably charged for services. Among the report's criticisms are that UK Trade and Investment's (UKTI) governance of the procurement process for its contract with PA Consulting was weak, that the government department [...]
Government urged to step in as small firms find themselves front and centre of the firing line for cyber crime June 10, 2016 An industry body is calling on government to do more to help the UK's smallest businesses protect themselves from cybercrime, after a report out today found such crimes are hurting these firms disproportionately. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) study discovered that smaller businesses are collectively the target of 7m attacks a year, with two-thirds of small [...]
Accused ex-Barclays banker likely kept in the dark about any supposed Libor conspiracy by boss, court told June 9, 2016 An ex-Barclays submitter currently standing trial accused of Libor-rigging offences was likely kept in the dark about the full extent of any fixing activity by his boss, a court was told today. Jonathan Mathew, along with former Barclays traders Stylianos Contogoulas, Jay Merchant, Alex Pabon and Ryan Reich, has been charged with conspiracy to defraud on allegations [...]
City watchdog bans pensions firm duo for lack of integrity June 9, 2016 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has banned two men from working in the financial services industry today, on the grounds that they lack integrity. Mark Kelly traded under PCD Wealth and Pensions Management to provide customers financial services, while Patrick Gray was one of his advisers. However, the FCA cannot fine either of the men because they [...]
Why it’s time to put your smartphone down June 9, 2016 A sneaky peaky at a mobile phone screen is a common occurrence for most office employees, but it hasn't gone unnoticed by the boss – and, according to research out today, they think it's the reason you're not getting to the bottom of your to-do list quicker. The research, which was carried out by Harris Poll on [...]
HSBC sale of Brazil business given the thumbs up by Brazilian competition watchdog June 9, 2016 HSBC's sale of its Brazil business took one step closer to reality last night, after the deal was approved by Brazil's competition agency. The banking giant intends to sell its entire business in Brazil – which consists of HSBC Bank Brasil S.A – Banco Multiplo and HSBC Servicos e Participacoes Ltda – to Banco Bradesco, the fourth largest bank in [...]
Due to popular demand, MPs will now inquire into what you can and can’t be asked to wear at work, including high heels June 8, 2016 What you wear to work is about to become a hot topic in parliament, after an inquiry was launched into high heels and workplace dress codes. The inquiry, which has been launched jointly by the Petitions Committee and the Women and Equalities Committee, has been sparked by a petition started by a receptionist who was sent [...]
Ready, set, go: Pension scheme investors need to be ready to react quickly in run up to EU referendum June 8, 2016 Pension scheme trustees should pour their coffee is extra strong over the next few weeks, as research out today has found they'll need to be quick to react in the run up to the EU referendum. Investment consultants LCP warned that, thanks to the level of uncertainty caused by the upcoming vote, pension trustees will have to [...]
HMRC tells accountants it’s business as usual for routine tax planning June 8, 2016 The taxman has written to a leading accountancy firm to reassure it that it's business as usual for routine tax planning. Accountancy firm RSM, which has offices in the City, previously wrote in its weekly tax bulletin that it was concerned about a report that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) had published in May. The report [...]
