Falling through the cracks: How Covid-19 has put London’s events sector on the brink October 19, 2020 Perched on the banks of Regent’s Canal, Kings Place is — in normal times — one of London’s most popular events venues. From conferences and concerts to dance workshops and comedy shows, the glass-fronted building has played host to an array of spectacles in recent years. But since the coronavirus lockdown descended in March, Kings [...]
French buyers top London prime property purchases as Chinese investment slips October 19, 2020 French buyers have jumped to the top of the rankings for property purchases in prime central London as international investors cash in on the weak pound. Property purchasers from France made up the largest group of buyers for prime spots in the capital in the first nine months of the year accounting for 11 per [...]
Tech Nation taps Boris Johnson’s brother to join board October 18, 2020 Tech Nation has hired Boris Johnson’s brother to join its board, becoming the entrepreneur body’s fifth new director in recent weeks. Jo Johnson, who was handed a peerage in July, will become a non-executive director at the government-funded organisation. Tech Nation chair Stephen Kelly said: “I’m pleased to welcome Jo Johnson onto the Tech Nation [...]
Retail mogul Mike Ashley makes fresh bid for Debenhams October 18, 2020 Sport Direct tycoon Mike Ashley has reportedly made a fresh bid for Debenhams, reviving his long-standing pursuit of the department store chain. The retail billionaire this month submitted an improved offer as the auction for Debenhams nears its final stages, the Sunday Times reported. Debenhams, which collapsed into administration in April, has hired Lazard to [...]
Gardaworld advisers set for £312m payday in G4S bid October 18, 2020 Advisers to Gardaworld are in line for a £312m payout from the Canadian firm’s hostile takeover bid for outsourcing giant G4S. Banks, lawyers, accountants and PR professionals are set to share a reward package ranging from £13m to £312m if Gardaworld’s £3bn bid is successful. In a takeover document published yesterday, Gardaworld said it will [...]
Businesses warn of ‘mass redundancies’ as fresh restrictions set in October 18, 2020 Businesses have warned Boris Johnson that the UK is facing a fresh wave of “mass redundancies” unless more financial support is provided for companies hit by Covid-19 restrictions. In a letter to the prime minister the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the government’s tiered restrictions and the looming threat of a so-called circuit breaker [...]
Instagram vows to tackle hidden celebrity ads after watchdog probe October 16, 2020 Instagram has pledged to do more to prevent hidden advertising on its website and app amid concerns that influencers are failing to make it clear when they have been paid to promote products. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into Instagram over its failure to tackle the problem of hidden advertising. Facebook, [...]
Screenshot – City A.M.’s new weekly TMT column October 16, 2020 This new weekly column brings you all the biggest stories and trends in technology, media and telecoms This week: ** Media Moment of the Week: Piers Morgan makes a confession ** The OECD, Amazon and a terrible week for tech tax ** All streamed up: What’s next for Netflix? Media Moment of the Week “I [...]
Murdoch’s TV plans mature as News UK searches for more big names October 16, 2020 Rupert Murdoch’s plans to regain a footing in the British TV market have stepped up a gear as his media empire circles some of the biggest names in broadcasting to front its new channel. Alan Sugar and Piers Morgan are among the stars that have been approached by News UK over the new venture, the [...]
West End extends festive period in bid to win back shoppers October 16, 2020 The West End is set to extend the festive shopping season as ailing retailers look to lure Londoners back into shops. The Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Oxford Street and Bond Street on Monday 2 November and Thursday 12 November respectively, marking the earliest ever start to the festive season for the district. [...]