Bamford closes in on Boris bus maker Wrightbus October 9, 2019 Boris bus maker Wrightbus could secure a rescue deal as Jo Bamford, a member of the family behind JCB, has entered negotiations to buy the Northern Irish firm. Bamford has entered exclusive talks about a potential deal, a fortnight after the company – which built the Routemaster buses during Boris Johnson’s time as mayor – [...]
New home demand falls as buyers wait for clarity on Brexit October 9, 2019 The demand for new homes has slumped to a six-year low as consumers delay buying property until a Brexit plan becomes clear. New research shows that consumer demand for new homes has fallen eight per cent over the last year. Read more: Housebuilder stocks facing a Brexit wrecking ball? Small house building firms said current [...]
Johnson & Johnson battles reputation crisis amid opioid epidemic October 8, 2019 Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson is battling a reputation crisis worsened by its involvement in the opioid crisis sweeping the US, according to the latest research. The brand has fallen from 8th position in 2014 to 57th place this year on a ranking of 58 global pharmaceutical companies. Read more: Johnson & Johnson fined $572m [...]
Center Parcs owner to mull sale of holiday resort chain October 8, 2019 The owner of Center Parcs UK is preparing to conduct a strategic review of the business with a view to explore a potential sale or stock market listing. Brookfield Property Partners, a subsidiary of Canadian firm Brookfield Asset Management, is preparing to appoint advisors to weigh up options for the UK holiday chain, Sky News [...]
Retailers brace for tough Christmas trading as confidence slumps October 8, 2019 Retailers are bracing themselves for a challenging Christmas trading period as consumer confidence this autumn slumped to a five-year low. Only 21 per cent of shoppers think they will have more disposable income in the coming year, while 28 per cent expect their amount of extra cash to decrease, marking the lowest autumn sentiment levels [...]
Ex-Tory MP Heidi Allen joins Liberal Democrats October 7, 2019 Former Conservative MP Heidi Allen has joined the Liberal Democrats, the party announced this evening. The MP for South Cambridgeshire left the Conservative Party in February 2019 over its stance on Brexit. She plans to contest her seat as a Liberal Democrat when an election is announced. Read more: Ex-Change UK MPs set up new [...]
Number of deepfake videos online almost doubles October 7, 2019 The number of “deepfake” videos – which use artificial intelligence technology to superimpose images onto existing footage – on the internet has surged over the last nine months. Researchers at cyber security firm Deeptrace found 14,698 deepfake videos online last month, compared to 7,964 in December last year. Read more: The threat of deepfake videos [...]
Unilever pledges to cut plastic use in half October 7, 2019 Unilever has pledged to halve the amount of new plastic it uses over the next five years by increasing its efforts in producing reusable and recyclable packaging. The consumer goods giant, which owns brands such as Dove and Ben & Jerry’s, said it will reduce its use of plastic packaging by more than 100,000 tonnes [...]
Schroders and Lloyds JV appoints IG Group boss as CEO October 7, 2019 The wealth management joint venture between Schroders and Lloyds Banking Group has appointed former IG Group boss Peter Hetherington as its new chief executive. Hethrington worked at IG for 25 years after joining the firm as a graduate trainee and spent 13 years as its chief operating officer and executive director before taking the top [...]
M&G Prudential backs London with £875m investment in City skyscraper October 7, 2019 M&G Prudential has backed London with a multimillion pound investment in a new Square Mile skyscraper development. The firm has invested £875m to buy and develop the 40 Leadenhall site – nicknamed Gotham City – which is expected to be constructed in the next four years. Read more: Batman-inspired skyscraper set for approval M&G Prudential [...]
