Competition watchdog launches probe into merger between Cambian and Caretech October 19, 2018 The competition watchdog has launched an inquiry into the £375m buyout of children services provider Cambian Group by social care firm Caretech. An initial enforcement order, published today, prevents the companies from taking any further steps in the merger process that could affect later stages of the investigation. The businesses must stay separate and distinct during the process [...]
Manchester’s iconic House of Fraser store is set to close after rescue talks break down October 19, 2018 Another House of Fraser store has been axed after rescue talks with the landlord broke down, the company confirmed today. The Kendals department store in Manchester's Deansgate will close down in the New Year. Read more: Hamleys replaces finance chief after disappointing results A spokesman for House of Fraser said: "We have suggested various options to the landlord [...]
Toyota president Akio Toyoda warns Britain to avoid no-deal Brexit ‘at all costs’ October 19, 2018 Toyota president Akio Toyoda has warned that a no-deal Brexit should be avoided at all costs. Speaking as chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) Toyoda said that if the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal it will "adversely affect" corporate activities and consumers and urged both sides to work towards [...]
Ryanair signs recognition agreements with pilot unions after summer of strikes October 19, 2018 Ryanair has agreed to recognise a group of pilot unions after a summer of industrial action across Europe. The budget airline has signed a collective labour agreement with the Portuguese Civil Aviation Union (Spac) today, which will to allow negotiations to begin over seniority, which gives preference to the longest serving pilots in requests for annual leave and promotions, and [...]
Hate preacher Anjem Choudary released from jail October 19, 2018 Islamist hate preacher Anjem Choudary has been released from jail today after serving half of his sentence. The notorious extremist, who once led banned network al-Muhajiroun, was released from Belmarsh prison this morning halfway through his five-and-a-half year sentence for inciting support for Isis. Read more: Mystery banker’s wife loses anti-corruption order appeal Choudary, from [...]
Intu considers UK-Saudi takeover offer October 19, 2018 Shopping centre chain Intu is considering a takeover offer from a consortium including British billionaire John Whittakar, Saudi investment group Olayan, and Brookfield Property Group. Shares in Intu were up more than 14 per cent on the news that the company was mulling the offer to go private. Read more: Intu shares soar nearly 30 [...]
London is the best place in the world to start a business, says Innocent co-founder Richard Reed October 18, 2018 London is the best place in the world to start a business, according to Innocent Drinks co-founder Richard Reed. The investor, who set up venture capital fund Jam Jar Investments after selling his smoothies business to Coca-Cola for more than £380m in 2013, said Britain is the birthplace of entrepreneurship. Read more: Entrepreneur outlines Patisserie Valerie rescue [...]
Retail sales slide in September as analyst warns future is ‘highly uncertain’ October 18, 2018 Retail sales slipped last month as September recorded the largest decline in food store sales for three years. Sales declined 0.8 per cent compared to August, mainly due to a 1.5 per cent fall in food sales, which is the largest drop since October 2015. Read more: Footasylum records £4m loss as difficult retail environment hits [...]
‘Outstanding’ summer for National Express UK coach business October 18, 2018 National Express made £5m coach sales a week in August, as an "outstanding" summer saw revenue in the UK increase by 10.1 per cent. UK passenger numbers grew by six per cent and on August bank holiday Monday revenue was up 13 per cent, the coach firm said in a trading update. Read more: Transport operator Go-Ahead [...]
Domino’s Pizza trims profit guidance despite UK sales growing in summer heatwave October 18, 2018 Domino's Pizza sales grew by six per cent year-on-year across the UK and Ireland this summer despite the hot weather, it revealed today, but the fast food brand also cut back its full year forecast for pre-tax profits. Online sales were up by 11.4 per cent – comprising 78 per cent of total sales in the period [...]
