Car insurers set to return to profit following record losses December 16, 2024 A report from accountancy giant EY estimates car insurers paid out 93p in claims and expenses for every £1 made in premiums in 2024.
London’s flexible office workers shift to four days a week December 16, 2024 Workers in London’s flexible office space have increased the number of days at their desk, despite sentiment that Londoners were unlikely to return to pre-covid working patterns. Three quarters of workers in flexible offices now use the working space at least four days a week, according to fresh data from Knight Frank. This comes amid [...]
‘Czech Sphinx’ Royal Mail takeover signed off by government and unions December 16, 2024 The takeover of Royal Mail parent company International Distribution Services has been signed off by the government and unions, as EP Group is now set to officially gain control of the firm. The £3.6bn takeover by ‘the Czech Sphinx’, billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, was approved by shareholders in September, and was waiting on approval from the [...]
Persimmon boss warns triple Budget hit will add billions for housebuilders December 16, 2024 Persimmon chief executive Dean Finch has warned that higher costs from new levies will add around £40m in annual costs and add “billions” in expenses across the housebuilding sector. He claimed that the taxes would hurt the government’s ambitious target of building 1.5m homes by 2029, telling The Times that there was a “disconnect” between [...]
Investor calls for Johnson Matthey to explore sale after shares slump December 16, 2024 Standard said it believed in the "unique value of JM," but warned a "massive credbility gap" had emerged with investors and the broader market.
Ageas to acquire part of Saga’s insurance business in 20-year deal December 16, 2024 Saga, the financial services and travel provider for over-50s, has begun a 20-year partnership for motor and home insurance with Belgian insurance giant Ageas. Ageas’ UK arm will take over Saga’s price-comparison website, pricing, claims and customer service activities, while Saga will hold onto brand and direct marketing. Under the terms of the deal, Saga [...]
Payments regulator in Treasury crosshairs as firms revolt December 16, 2024 As the government hunts for ways to make Britain more competitive, the country's payments regulator has become caught in the crosshairs.
Canal+ IPO offers hope for troubled London Stock Exchange December 16, 2024 French media giant Canal+ will list on the London Stock Exchange this morning in an early Christmas present for a bourse battered by a string of exits this year.
Bank of England set to hold interest rates after inflation jump December 16, 2024 The Bank of England is poised to leave interest rates on hold this week after inflation rose more than expected.
Metro mayors to control railways and housing in ‘landmark’ devolution plans December 16, 2024 Mayors of large cities and regions across England will soon be able to take control of local infrastructure and skills projects under a new devolution bill, which was introduced in Parliament today. The English Devolution White Paper will give metro mayors – directly elected regional leaders who chair combined authorities – significant new powers in [...]
