Sovereign Capital plans professional services mega-merger December 1, 2024 Sovereign Capital is set to merge seven of its regional professional services firm into one, according to reports. The private equity firm is planning to combine the regional accountants under the name Affinia, The Sunday Times revealed. Affinia is expected to make around £35m a year in sales cumulatively, and is aiming to double its [...]
Labour urged to scrap ‘vindictive’ farm tax as Tories set to force vote December 1, 2024 Labour MPs are being urged to back scrapping the “vindictive” changes to inheritance tax (IHT) on farms, as the Conservative Party prepares to bring a vote on the issue. Tory MPs are set to use their opposition day debate on Wednesday, December 4, to insist Parliament hold a vote on Labour’s controversial move for farmers [...]
30th anniversary of VCTs celebrated as 2024 raise approaches £240m December 1, 2024 The total amount of money raised through venture capital trusts (VCTs) this tax year is approaching £240m, 20 per cent higher than last year, as the investment industry celebrates the vehicle’s 30th birthday. The VCT was unveiled in the 1994 Budget, where Chancellor Ken Clarke launched the scheme, and have since raised £12.5bn, funnelling money [...]
No ‘numerical’ migration target but UK should train own workers, minister says December 1, 2024 The UK won’t have a “numerical target” for net migration but should focus on training “our own workforce”, a cabinet minister has said. Pat McFadden has said the government wouldn’t be putting a figure on the level of net migration it wanted to see as part of the wider plan for change to be announced [...]
Investor row erupts over Loungers private equity bid December 1, 2024 An investor battle has erupted over a private equity bid for Cosy Club and Brightside operator Loungers, with some “furious” over the perceived low offer. On Thursday, the Loungers board backed a £338m takeover offer from Fortress Investment Group, a 30 per cent to its share price. Despite the board accepting the offer, various shareholders [...]
Starmer to unveil ‘mission’ milestones and compares Whitehall to ‘oil tanker’ December 1, 2024 The Prime Minister will set out a “plan for change” with milestones set in key policy areas, or ‘missions’ to achieve the targets laid out in Labour’s manifesto, Downing Street has said. Sir Keir Starmer will this week kick off what he called the “next phase” of his government, and announce the markers for achieving [...]
EY to cut 150 UK consultants as division head steps down December 1, 2024 Big Four accountancy firm EY is set to cut 150 roles in its UK consultancy division and replace one of its most senior executives amid a slowdown in demand. Cuts in the 4,700-strong unit are expected to impact managers, senior managers and directors, it is understood, which are the highest-paid roles below partner level. Meanwhile, [...]
Tensions flair at Direct Line following Aviva takeover bid December 1, 2024 A battle is brewing over Direct Line about whether to accept any further takeover bids from Aviva, as its CEO seeks more time to turn the business around. Talking to the Sunday Times following the rejected £3.3bn bid from Aviva last week, Direct Line CEO Adam Winslow urged shareholders to back his turnaround plan over [...]
UK business leader confidence nosedives towards pandemic lows December 1, 2024 Confidence among business leaders in the prospects for the UK economy nosedived towards levels not seen since the coronavirus pandemic during November, as fears over rising national insurance bills plague firms. The Institute of Director’s monthly Economic Confidence index fell to -65 in November, down from -52 during October in its fourth consecutive monthly fall. [...]
Trump uses JP Morgan chief Jamie Dimon as ‘informal adviser’ December 1, 2024 Donald Trump has reportedly used JP Morgan Chase boss Jamie Dimon as a “sounding board” for policy ahead of returning to the White House. The Wall Street veteran has been in regular communication with Trump for months, including after his election victory, The New York Post reported. The “no-holds-barred conversations” are said to have centred [...]
