THG share price lifts after SoftBank sells stake to boss Moulding and Qatar October 18, 2022 Beleaguered retailer THG saw its share price leap after SoftBank is to sell its stake to the group’s co-founder Matthew Moulding and Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund. THG’s shares were boosted 13 per cent on Tuesday afternoon, after the loss-stricken Japanese investment management firm said it would offload its stake. SoftBank’s stake was once valued at [...]
Government should axe apprenticeship levy and forge skills body, says CBI exec October 18, 2022 The government should axe its levy on apprenticeships, the head of skills at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said, as the UK wrestles with STEM skills shortages and shrinking talent pools. Speaking to the science and technology Lords committee in parliament yesterday, the CBI’s Robert West urged that an independent government taskforce to [...]
Rolls-Royce enters next era as first fully-electric motor car goes on display, in gold October 18, 2022 Rolls-Royce has unveiled its first fully-electric motor car. The British manufacturer said the first customer cars of the new Spectre model will be delivered late next year. The model, displayed in gold by Rolls-Royce, fulfils a “prophecy” by the maker’s founder, Charles Stewart Rolls, who said in 1900 the electric car is “perfectly noiseless and [...]
Heathrow creates new exec position to mend fences with airlines October 18, 2022 Heathrow has created a new executive position to mend fences with its airline customers following this summer’s travel chaos. The west London hub today appointed director of operations Kathryn Leahy as director of Team Heathrow. “The new position is designed to ensure we build on the close-knit co-operation required between the 400 companies that operate [...]
Dear Diary: Moleskine wants to win the TikTok generation with notebook vending machines October 18, 2022 Beloved by wordsmiths across the globe, Moleskine notebooks are based on the black books of Parisian cafes in the 19th century – where artists would meet up over a glass or three of wine to share notes and experiences. But the firm’s boss is not looking back today – Daniela Riccardi’s eyes are very much on tomorrow’s [...]
‘How dare they?’: Klarna chief hits back at critics of Deliveroo deal October 18, 2022 The UK chief of buy-now pay-later firm Klarna has mounted a defence of the firm’s tie-up with Deliveroo today after claims from debt campaigners that the deal will plunge struggling Brits into debt.
Khan: Crossrail’s Bond Street station can revitalise “tired” parts of Oxford Street October 18, 2022 London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said the opening of Bond Street’s Elizabeth Line station next week will help revitalise a “tired” part of Oxford Street – and keep big-ticket retailers in the West End. The station is the last of the Crossrail stations to open, having been delayed due to the complexity of the build. [...]
Khan: Tourist tax-free shopping u-turn bad for London’s businesses October 18, 2022 Sadiq Khan has slammed the government’s decision to u-turn on a plan to give tourists tax-free shopping. The Mayor of London said he “absolutely” shared the concerns of West End businesses, who have expressed disappointment that the capital will lag behind other cities’ in efforts to welcome high-spending foreign visitors. “VAT-free shopping for international tourists [...]
Cleverly summons China’s deputy ambassador after consulate protester beaten October 18, 2022 Foreign secretary James Cleverly has summoned China’s deputy ambassador to the UK, after a pro-Hong Kong democracy protester was beaten outside the country’s consulate in Manchester. Greater Manchester Police said a protester was on Sunday dragged into the Chinese consulate by its staff and beaten, sparking serious freedom of speech concerns within the UK government. [...]
Half-term boom: Stansted expects 400,000 departures October 18, 2022 Over 400,000 people are expected to fly from Stansted during the October half-term, according to forecasts released today. Stansted has predicted that more than 800,0000 passengers will pass through its gates between 21 and 30 October, with Friday 21 being the busiest day. This is up on last year’s levels as 500,000 passengers were reported [...]
