H&M: Sales to drop 10 per cent due to unusually hot September and Russia pull-out Retail H&M has warned that its sales are expected to decrease by 10 per cent in September, as unusually hot weather and discontinued operations in Russia have dampened trade. The gloomy forecast puts a damper on the Swedish fashion giant’s latest third quarter update, revealing a six per cent rise in net sales to SEK 60,897m [...]
‘Higher for longer rates’ sparked shift to premium London office space Property Property developer Landsec reported strong demand for premium office space in central London, as firms react to the message of interest rates being “higher for longer.” The commercial real estate giant said office occupancy in Victoria, where half of its central London business sits, is now 100 per cent let and with £17m of lettings [...]
Shepherd Neame: Pub chain posts record revenues as inflation woes start to cool Pubs Britain's oldest brewer Shepherd Neame is toasting record high first-half revenue as inflationary challenges begin to ease.
London sees 24 per cent drop in first-time buyers as high mortgage rates bite September 27, 2023 London experienced a 24 per cent decline in the number of first-time buyers entering the market in the last year as high mortgage rates crush home-ownership dreams.
Greenwich: London council orders demolition of luxury blocks built ‘without planning permission’ September 26, 2023 Greenwich Council has ordered that two luxury riverside residential towers be torn down because they were erected without planning permission. Mast Quay Phase II, located in Woolwich, was completed in 2022 and residents have since moved into the posh towers which feature an onsite gym. But the council has argued that the finished building looks [...]
AG Barr: Profits fizz at Irn Bru maker as recent takeovers lift revenues September 26, 2023 AG Barr, the maker of Irn Bru, today reported a 12.6 per cent leap in profit to £27.8m during the first half of the year as the carbonated drinks maker was lifted by recent takeovers.
Facebook owner Meta shells out £149m to break London Regent’s Place lease September 26, 2023 Facebook owner Meta Platforms surrendered one of its two buildings at Regent’s Place, paying £149m at the end of September to break the lease. Property developer British Land revealed that the end of the lease will result in post interest savings of 0.6 pence for the half year. The £149m fee was first reported by [...]
Card Factory: Profits leap 72.7 per cent amid ‘challenging’ climate before Christmas September 26, 2023 Card Factory has reported a 72.7 per cent leap in profit before tax to the end of July, as the occasion market showed signs of strength despite the cost of living crisis. The seller of personalised celebration cards and gifts said revenues also grew 11.5 per cent to £220.8m as the company’s affordable products appealed [...]
ASOS: Transformation plan on track as firm cuts marketing to ‘least profitable’ customers September 26, 2023 Reduced marketing spend and restrictions on buy now pay later have rooted out Asos' least profitable customers
Tube strikes: Bosses warn of ‘hammer blow’ to London trade as dispute drags on September 26, 2023 Business chiefs have warned that rail strikes set to take place in next week will deal another “hammer blow” to trade in the capital as the cost of rail strikes on City businesses continues to rise.
