Police and army launch investigation after drone grounds Heathrow flights January 9, 2019 Police have brought in help from the military as they carry out an investigation into a drone sighting that brought Heathrow airport to a standstill last night. The Met police said it has launched a “full criminal investigation” into the drone, which grounded flights for roughly an hour last night, just weeks after a similar [...]
Ted Baker posts Christmas sales rise despite chairman harassment investigation January 9, 2019 Ted Baker today reported double-digit sales growth over the festive period as it proved resilient to retail fears and an investigation into its founder. The fashion brand said retail sales increased by 12.2 per cent in the five weeks to 5 January compared to the same period last year. The growth was spurred on by [...]
Sears set to liquidate assets as it rejects chairman’s $4.6bn takeover bid January 8, 2019 US department store Sears could face liquidation today after failing to reach an agreement over a proposed takeover bid by chairman Edward Lampert. Sears, which also owns low-cost retailer Kmart, will ask a bankruptcy judge today if it can proceed with liquidation, Reuters reported, citing sources close to the matter. The struggling chain, which filed [...]
John Lewis enjoys sales boost after strong Christmas performance January 8, 2019 John Lewis has doubled down on a positive festive period after reporting double-figure sales growth over the last week. The department store chain said total sales for the week to 5 January were up 11.2 per cent on the same period last year, thanks to its post-Christmas clearance. The figures were driven by soaring menswear [...]
HSBC slammed over controversial ‘anti-Brexit’ ad campaign January 8, 2019 HSBC is facing criticism over an advertising campaign stating the UK is “not an island” amid complaints it is anti-Brexit. The bank’s new campaign, launched last week, highlights the influence of other cultures on life in the UK. The posters and accompanying video celebrate Britons’ penchant for foreign imports, such as Columbian coffee, American films [...]
Joules records strong Christmas trading thanks to online sales surge January 8, 2019 Fashion retailer Joules today reported a double-figure sales rise over the Christmas period as online success crushed retail fears. Joules said like-for-like sales rose 11.7 per cent in the seven weeks to 6 January compared to the same period the year before. The company said the strong festive performance was driven by online trading, which [...]
Softbank shares up on reports it will scale back Wework investment amid tech rout January 8, 2019 Shares in Softbank rose more than five per cent this morning following reports it has scaled back its new investment in Wework. The Japanese conglomerate reportedly plans to invest $2bn (£1.6bn) into the shared workspace startup, down from the original sum of $16bn. The investment will no longer involve Softbank’s prolific $100bn Vision Fund, the [...]
UK house prices get unexpected December boost but market remains subdued January 8, 2019 UK house prices rose 1.3 per cent in the three months to December compared to the same period last year, according to new figures from Halifax. The annual growth rate was up from the 0.3 per cent recorded in November, but house prices were 0.4 per cent lower than in the preceding three months. Read [...]
Greene King toasts record Christmas trading amid cost-cutting plans January 8, 2019 Pub chain Greene King today recorded strong sales growth over Christmas and the New Year as it cashed in on festive drinking. Greene King said like-for-sale sales over the last two weeks rose 10.9 per cent, while Christmas day sales hit a record £7.7m. The chain, which operates almost 3,000 pubs, restaurants and hotels across [...]
Cars, lorries and taxis to be banned from Tottenham Court Road as part of £35m revamp January 4, 2019 Cars, lorries and taxis will be banned from Tottenham Court Road as part of a £35m project to improve the West End. The road will be open to buses and bikes only between 8am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday, in a bid to reduce congestion and air pollution and speed up bus routes. The changes, [...]
