UK looks to remove China’s CGN from nuclear energy projects July 26, 2021 Britain is said to be exploring ways to remove China’s state-owned nuclear energy company China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) from all future power projects in the UK. The more hawkish policy will cast doubts over a £20bn project to build the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk, which is being led by French [...]
Softbank’s bet on Chinese app Didi falls $4bn into the red July 26, 2021 Softbank’s bumper bet on Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi has plunged $4bn (£2.9bn) into the red as authorities in Beijing crack down on the app following its New York stock market float. The Japanese conglomerate took a 2.1 per cent stake in Didi worth $11.8bn in 2019, but its shareholding is now worth just $7.8bn, the [...]
Swedish drinks firm Kopparberg sues HMRC over tax loophole July 26, 2021 Swedish cider maker Kopparberg has filed a High Court claim against HM Revenue and Customs over allegations of unlawful tax discrimination. The popular booze brand argues that the UK applied excessive duties on imported alcoholic ciders by allowing domestic producers to dilute their products to avoid taxes. The tax loophole, known as post duty point [...]
Bezos-backed plant food firm NotCo secures unicorn status July 26, 2021 A plant-based food firm backed by Jeff Bezos has nabbed unicorn status after raising $235m (£170m) in a star-studded funding round. NotCo, which makes plant-based milk, burger patties, meat and ice cream, was valued at $1.5bn following the round, which was led by Tiger Global. Venture capital firm DFJ Growth Fund also took part in [...]
S4 Capital snaps up Salesforce specialist Destined July 26, 2021 S4 Capital has snapped up a marketing firm specialising in Salesforce as Sir Martin Sorrell’s ad firm targets further expansion in the aftermath of the pandemic. The London-listed company said it will merge with Australia-based Destined with its data division Mightyhive in a bid to bolster its presence in Asia Pacific. Destined, which is a [...]
Train passengers braced for pingdemic chaos amid restaurant closure threat July 24, 2021 British rail passengers are braced for a summer of travel chaos after a string of operators prepare for mass cancellations due to the so-called pingdemic. At least seven train networks have been granted government approval to impose emergency timetables as a result of a severe shortage of drivers and crew. The measures could reportedly last [...]
Health secretary Sajid Javid makes ‘full recovery’ from Covid July 24, 2021 Sajid Javid today said he had made a “full recovery” after testing positive for coronavirus a week ago. In a tweet the health secretary said he had recovered from the virus and encouraged Brits to get their jabs. “Symptoms were very mild, thanks to amazing vaccines,” he wrote. “Please — if you haven’t yet — [...]
Covid: Almost half of young adults have had to self-isolate during pandemic July 24, 2021 Almost half of young adults in the UK have been forced to self-isolate at least once during the pandemic, a new survey has revealed. Research by Yougov showed 46 per cent of Brits aged 18 to 24 have quarantined at least once after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for Covid. For the [...]
Brits could get rewards for healthy eating under new obesity plans July 24, 2021 British families could be handed rewards for switching to healthier food and exercising under new proposals in the government’s war on obesity. The scheme will monitor family supermarket spending and reward those who reduce their calorie consumption and buy more fruit and vegetables. People increasing their exercise by taking part in organised events or walking [...]
Covid: Falling cases could be ‘false peak’, scientist warns July 24, 2021 A decline in the number of Covid-19 cases across the UK could be a “false peak” and figures over the next fortnight will be crucial in showing the course of the pandemic, a top scientist has said. Data released yesterday showed coronavirus cases had fallen for the third consecutive day, with 36,389 new infections marking [...]