Natwest unveils £5bn coronavirus support package for small businesses March 9, 2020 Natwest today said it will pledge £5bn of funding to support small and medium-sized businesses across the UK amid disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The bank, which recently rebranded from RBS, said the cash injection will mark an extension of its existing growth funding package, which is designed to help companies that have been [...]
New government cyber unit to grill social media firms over coronavirus fake news March 9, 2020 The government has set up a new cyber team to crack down on the spreading of fake news linked to the coronavirus outbreak on social media platforms. Departments across Whitehall have been brought in to form a new unit aimed at assessing the potential extent, scope and impact of fake news. The team will also [...]
Mobile networks reach compromise over rural mast-sharing plans March 8, 2020 The UK’s mobile networks have signed off on a deal to banish so-called signal not spots in rural areas, despite squabbling over how to split the costs of the venture. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to unveil the £1bn agreement in the Budget on Wednesday as part of a plan to improve 4G coverage across [...]
London broadband firm G Network eyes bumper funding boost March 8, 2020 London full-fibre broadband firm G Network is said to be seeking a huge funding boost as network providers race to roll out superfast internet connections across the UK. G Network, which targets affluent central London postcodes including Mayfair, Marylebone and Chelsea, has reportedly hired bankers from Rothschild to locate new funds over the coming months. [...]
Lord Ashcroft’s Devonshire Club set to appoint administrators March 8, 2020 A luxury private members’ club co-owned by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft could be on the brink of insolvency after launching a hunt for administrators. The Devonshire Club, close to Liverpool Street station in the City, has filed notice with the High Court of its intention to appoint an administrator. It has also hired insolvency experts [...]
Suitors line up bids for troubled ad agency M&C Saatchi March 8, 2020 Hedge funds and private equity firms are said to be lining up bids for M&C Saatchi as the City prepares to pounce on the embattled advertising agency. Asset management firm Dbay Advisors, which took a controlling stake in Eddie Stobart in December, and Exponent, which owns publishing firm Dennis, are among the suitors circling the [...]
Entertainment sales hit £7.8bn as streaming growth continues March 6, 2020 Sales of video, music and games grew 2.4 per cent last year to hit an all-time record of £7.8bn, according to figures published today. The Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) said the rising sales, which mark the seventh consecutive year of growth, was once again driven by the popularity of digital streaming. In 2019 streaming accounted [...]
The Simpsons WILL be on Disney Plus: Here’s the streaming service’s full list of shows March 6, 2020 Springfield super fans breathed a sigh of relief this morning after Disney revealed that The Simpsons will feature on its full list of content. The US media giant sparked outrage last month when the cartoon classic was omitted from an initial list of titles for its upcoming streaming service in the UK. But Disney today [...]
Exclusive: Theatre producers mull plans to stream shows amid coronavirus fears March 5, 2020 Theatre production companies behind some of the West End’s biggest hits are considering streaming performances of their shows as the coronavirus sparks fears of mass cancellations. City A.M. has learnt that Delfont Mackintosh, whose shows include Hamilton, Les Miserables and Mamma Mia, has held discussions with broadcasting firms as they ramp up their contingency plans. [...]
Three boss Dave Dyson steps down after nine years March 5, 2020 Mobile operator Three today announced that chief executive Dave Dyson will step down after nine years at the helm. Dyson, who is stepping down for personal reasons, is the longest-serving boss of a UK telecoms firm. He will be replaced by Robert Finnegan, who is currently chief executive of the company’s Irish business. Finnegan will [...]
