An introvert’s confession: I really need the office January 15, 2021 I’m an introvert. When people first get to know me they find it ridiculous I tell them this. I apparently do a very convincing impression of someone who isn’t panicking, but the truth is socialising is a very difficult thing for me. When faced with social situations, my flight or fight reflex kicks in, and [...]
Transport for London facing £2bn a year funding gap, warns report January 15, 2021 Transport for London (TfL) is facing a funding gap of up to £2bn every year as a result of Covid-19, a new report has found. The pandemic has forced passengers off London’s transport network in record numbers, causing its finances to crumble. The operator has already received two bailout deals with a combined worth of [...]
Pubs and restaurants suffer festive flop as Christmas sales slump January 15, 2021 Pubs and restaurants were plunged into festive misery as tough Covid-19 lockdown restrictions prompted a slump in sales in Christmas. UK boozers and eateries saw total sales drop by almost three-quarters during what should have been the sector’s busiest trading period of the year. Drink-led pubs and bars were worst hit, with sales down 83.7 [...]
Ladbrokes owner Entain ‘lines up’ first female gambling boss January 14, 2021 Ladbrokes owner Entain is said to be lining up the first female chief executive of a major listed UK gambling firm as it pushes back against a £8bn takeover approach from MGM. Entain, formerly known as GVC, is in advanced talks to appoint board member Jette Nygaard-Andersen as its new boss, Sky News reported. It [...]
Everyman cinemas secures rent cuts as lockdown hits January 14, 2021 Cinema group Everyman Media today said it has secured further rent concessions from landlords as it battles closures during the latest national lockdown. The upmarket chain, which operates 35 venues across the UK, said it had also focused on reducing capital expenditure and operating costs. “We remain optimistic for the coming year post-lockdown and continue [...]
AA shareholders approve £218m takeover by private equity firms January 14, 2021 The AA shareholders today approved the takeover deal
Paparazzi Dogs: Pack of papping pups pimp up Royal Exchange January 14, 2021 Visitors to the Royal Exchange may be hounded by some unusual guests following the installation of a pack of popular pooches. To kick off a year of celebrations marking the Royal Exchange’s 450th anniversary, the iconic City landmark will play host to the Paparazzi Dogs, a series of sculptures by contemporary artists Gillie and Marc. [...]
Middle-aged Brits look ahead to post-Covid holidays after over-50s get vaccine, says Tui January 14, 2021 FTSE-listed travel giant Tui said it has seen a jump in holiday bookings from those aged over 50 in the UK, which it hasn't seen since the Covid-19 pandemic struck
Virgin Atlantic part-owner Delta posts $12bn loss for 2020 — and is still burning $12m in cash a day January 14, 2021 Delta Airlines, which owns a 49 per cent stake in Virgin Atlantic, has posted an eye-watering $12bn (£8.77bn) loss for 2020.
New BBC chair Richard Sharp hints at licence fee reform January 14, 2021 The incoming chair of the BBC has hinted at a possible overhaul of the licence fee funding model as he vowed to shake up the culture of the public service broadcaster. Appearing in front of MPs today, Richard Sharp said he believed the licence fee was the “least worst” option and insisted it was fit [...]