Homeowners rush to departures before third Heathrow runway takes off February 17, 2025 The housing market around the planned area for Heathrow’s third runway has seen a surge of activity in the last few weeks as homeowners look to avoid the noise, pollution and lower house values that the major infrastructure project would usher in. On January 29, the government spoke to an audience of business chiefs at [...]
UK defence stocks soar ahead of European summit on Ukraine February 17, 2025 Shares in UK weapons manufacturers have soared today as leaders from across the continent convene for an emergency meeting in Paris to discuss the war in Ukraine. “We’re facing a generational challenge when it comes to national security,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer before heading to the meeting, adding that he was “ready and willing” [...]
Value of UK housing stock hits £9 trillion for the first time February 17, 2025 The total value of all homes across the UK has passed £9 trillion for the first time, according to new research by property firm Savills. After a brief slump in 2023, the UK’s housing stock grew by £346bn last year – meaning it is now more than 3.5 times the annual GDP of the UK. [...]
First privately financed nuclear project begins licensing February 17, 2025 A US start-up has formally entered the running to build four micro-nuclear plants in South Wales without a dime from the taxpayer. Washington-based Last Energy on Monday announced confirmation from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) that it had entered the nuclear site licensing process for the plans. The ONR’s notice follows seven months of [...]
Gold price highs ‘are yet to come’, says UBS February 17, 2025 Gold prices have already increased 10 per cent in 2025 to $2,900 (£2,300), but UBS has upgraded its target price for the precious metal again. UBS analyst Joni Teves said gold has had “unprecedented market dislocations” and reached a record high in 2024, but it’s only expected to move higher in 2025. Teves explained that [...]
Shein: Discounted valuation would give IPO a ‘better chance of going ahead’ February 17, 2025 Fast-fashion giant Shein is under investor pressure to slash its valuation by two thirds from its all time high should it go ahead with its long-awaited float on the London Stock Exchange later this year, according to a report. Shen was valued at $66bn (£52bn) in a funding round in 2023 and as high as [...]
Almost 300 pubs closed last year ahead of cost rises February 17, 2025 The British Beer and Pub Association warned that urgent Government action is needed to avoid more “completely avoidable” closures.
Employer confidence heading in the ‘wrong direction’ as firms plan job cuts February 17, 2025 A new survey suggests that more firms are planning job cuts in the next quarter than at any time in the last decade, excluding the pandemic. The latest labour market outlook from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) paints a bleak picture of the labour market, as firms plan job cuts in response [...]
City braces for inflation rebound February 17, 2025 City analysts expect the headline rate of inflation to rise to 2.8 per cent, up from 2.5 per cent in December.
John Major warns of ‘dangerous world’ if US does not stand behind allies February 16, 2025 A world in which the United States does not support its allies will be “rather more dangerous”, former prime minister Sir John Major warned.
