Housebuilder Vistry to reinstate dividend due to strong sales November 12, 2020 Vistry Group is planning to resume shareholder payouts next year as the housebuilder said demand for new homes had remained strong despite the second England-wide lockdown. Vistry, which was previously known as Bovis Homes, said it is on track to report full-year profit before tax at the top end of its expected range of £130m [...]
Young’s swings to a loss in ‘toughest period’ of 189-year history November 12, 2020 Pub chain Young’s swung to a loss in what it called one of the “toughest years” in its 189 years of trading, but said it has the resilience to survive the coronavirus crisis. The company this morning said it has the resources and funds to “see through the very worst that this pandemic can throw [...]
London’s housing market activity expected to slow next year, survey finds November 12, 2020 London’s housing market activity is expected to slow down next year as the withdrawal of government support measures and a difficult economic backdrop dampens the post-lockdown surge in demand. The latest research showed that both demand for properties and new homes being listed for sales remained strong last month. However a survey by the Royal [...]
Google searches for ‘takeaway pints’ rise 3,000% in a week November 12, 2020 Brits are missing the pub during the latest coronavirus lockdown, new research showed, as searches for reopening dates and takeaway pints rocketed during the first week of new restrictions. According to analysis of Google data, last week searches for “when can pubs reopen in England” soared 2,501 per cent. Meanwhile, the question “what pubs are [...]
£200m Mayfair office redevelopment gets green light November 11, 2020 Developers have been given the go-ahead for a £200m project to transform Mayfair’s Lansdowne House into office and retail space. Westminster City Council granted planning permission to real estate firm Core to redevelop the property in Berkeley Square. Core said the project is a “huge boost” for central London and the city’s office market, despite [...]
Restaurants and pubs granted extension to provide takeaway services until 2022 November 11, 2020 Restaurants, pubs and cafes have been given the green light to provide takeaway services for another year, providing a “lifeline” during the coronavirus pandemic. The government announced today that hospitality firms will be allowed to offer food and drink takeaways until March 2022 without having to go through a planning application process. Rules around takeaway [...]
Snakes and Ladders: Who is moving jobs in the City this week? November 11, 2020 Snakes and Ladders provides a roundup of the most important hires and job moves across the City, every Wednesday afternoon. Email citymoves@cityam.com to be featured. Firms are continuing to adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic as they vie to be in prime position to recover from the economic fallout of the crisis. Read more: Snakes [...]
Guinness recalls non-alcoholic stout over safety concerns November 11, 2020 Guinness has urged customers not to drink its new non-alcoholic stout due to a microbiological contamination. The brand, which is owned by drinks giant Diageo, recalled its Guinness 0.0, saying the product may not be safe to consume. Guinness’ alcoholic stout is not affected by the contamination issue. It told customers to return the non-alcoholic [...]
Wetherspoon slams ‘baffling’ Covid-19 restrictions as sales slump November 11, 2020 JD Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin this morning slammed “baffling” coronavirus rules, as the pub chain reported a sharp drop in sales due to tightening restrictions. The company, which also revealed it had accepted a £48.3m government-backed loan during the crisis, said sales in the 15 weeks to 8 November plunged 27.6 per cent. Sales had [...]
The Piano Works and Kerb market bosses among those pushing Rishi Sunak to back hospitality investment November 11, 2020 London hospitality firms including The Piano Works, street food market Kerb and bar operator Lollipop have called on the government to incentivise investors to help rebuild the sector without burdening struggling companies with extra debt.
