Ladbrokes owner Entain ‘lines up’ first female gambling boss January 14, 2021 Ladbrokes owner Entain is said to be lining up the first female chief executive of a major listed UK gambling firm as it pushes back against a £8bn takeover approach from MGM. Entain, formerly known as GVC, is in advanced talks to appoint board member Jette Nygaard-Andersen as its new boss, Sky News reported. It [...]
Everyman cinemas secures rent cuts as lockdown hits January 14, 2021 Cinema group Everyman Media today said it has secured further rent concessions from landlords as it battles closures during the latest national lockdown. The upmarket chain, which operates 35 venues across the UK, said it had also focused on reducing capital expenditure and operating costs. “We remain optimistic for the coming year post-lockdown and continue [...]
Paparazzi Dogs: Pack of papping pups pimp up Royal Exchange January 14, 2021 Visitors to the Royal Exchange may be hounded by some unusual guests following the installation of a pack of popular pooches. To kick off a year of celebrations marking the Royal Exchange’s 450th anniversary, the iconic City landmark will play host to the Paparazzi Dogs, a series of sculptures by contemporary artists Gillie and Marc. [...]
New BBC chair Richard Sharp hints at licence fee reform January 14, 2021 The incoming chair of the BBC has hinted at a possible overhaul of the licence fee funding model as he vowed to shake up the culture of the public service broadcaster. Appearing in front of MPs today, Richard Sharp said he believed the licence fee was the “least worst” option and insisted it was fit [...]
Google completes $2.1bn Fitbit takeover after antitrust probe January 14, 2021 Google today said it has completed its $2.1bn (£1.5bn) takeover of Fitbit, more than a year after the deal was announced. The tie-up was subjected to a lengthy investigation by regulators amid concerns about Google’s market power and the use of people’s health data in targeted advertising. But the European Commission last month cleared the [...]
Grab raises $300m to fund financial services expansion January 14, 2021 Southeast Asian ride-hailing app Grab has raised $300m (£220m) to help fund further expansion of its rapidly-growing financial services arm. The series A funding round was led by South Korea’s Hanwha Asset Management, while existing investors K3 Ventures and GGV Capital also participated. Grab, which also offers food delivery services, said the cash injection followed [...]
Grocery delivery app Weezy raises $20m for London expansion January 14, 2021 Grocery delivery platform Weezy has raised $20m (£14.6m) to fund its expansion in London and across the UK as it cashes in on bumper demand during the pandemic. Weezy, which offers local grocery deliveries in 15 minutes, said it will use the funding to add 50 employees to its London-based team over the next four [...]
Train services cut by a quarter during national lockdown January 14, 2021 UK train services will be cut down to below three-quarters of normal levels amid a sharp decline in passenger numbers during the third national lockdown. Brits have been urged to check before they travel as some services will be cancelled and others will change times while tougher restrictions are in place. The fresh cuts mean [...]
Employers urged to do more to tackle domestic abuse January 14, 2021 Employers across the UK have been urged to do more to tackle domestic abuse amid concerns about an increase in offences during lockdown. The government has called on businesses to take steps to ensure they are spotting signs of abuse and helping their staff find the right support. In an open letter to all UK [...]
Sazka taps former Sainsbury’s boss Justin King for National Lottery bid January 14, 2021 European lottery group Sazka has tapped former Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King to advise on its bid for the UK National Lottery licence. King, a veteran retail executive who also serves as vice chairman of private equity firm Terra Firma, is the first appointment to a new advisory board working on Sazka’s tender. He will [...]
