Bitcoin soars to new high as market cap edges closer to $1 trillion February 19, 2021 Bitcoin has jumped another 2.6 per cent today, to an all-time high of $52,932, putting it within touching distance of a market cap of £1 trillion. The world’s most popular cryptocurrency is on track for a weekly jump of more than eight per cent, having surged around 60 per cent so far this month. Bitcoin’s [...]
Government ‘acted unlawfully’ by failing to disclose Covid contract details, court rules February 19, 2021 The High Court has ruled that the government acted unlawfully by failing to disclosed details of its Covid contracts. “The Secretary of State acted unlawfully by failing to comply with the Transparency Policy” Judge Chamberlain concluded in his judgment this afternoon. He added “there is now no dispute that, in a substantial number of cases, [...]
Bamboo briefs and kelp knickers: are your pants eco-friendly? February 19, 2021 The latest front in the war against environmental decline is happening inside your pants, with the arrival of bamboo briefs and kelp knickers. London’s Alexander Clementine has launched a collection of ecologically-conscious bras undies made from seaweed. The garments are handmade in London and virtually all waste created during manufacturing is reused or recycled. “We [...]
Renault tumbles to €8bn loss and warns over chip shortage February 19, 2021 Renault this morning fell to a record €8bn (£6.9bn) full year loss as the coronavirus battered the car industry. And the French auto giant said that the pain could continue in 2021, with the current semiconductor chip shortage knocking production. The firm estimated that the lack of chips could cause production to fall by 100,000 [...]
Huawei loses legal case against HSBC over Meng Wanzhou extradition February 19, 2021 Huawei has lost a legal bid to force HSBC to disclose documents, marking a setback in the tech giant’s efforts to prevent the extradition of its chief financial officer to the US. Meng Wanzhou faces charges of bank fraud over claims she misled HSBC over Huawei’s dealings in Iran, causing the bank to violate US [...]
UK PMIs: UK firms fare less badly than expected February 19, 2021 UK firms had a more positive February than anticipated so far, with firms eyeing growth prospects later in the year as the vaccine roll-out continues. The IHS Markit/CIPS purchasing managers index (PMI) jumped to 49.8 in February from 41.2 in January, a far swifter improvement than what was originally feared. The index indicated some stabilisation [...]
Supreme Court rules Uber drivers entitled to workers rights February 19, 2021 The Supreme Court has this morning rejected Uber’s appeal against a ruling that a group of its drivers should be recognised as “workers”. Judges unanimously dismissed the appeal. After nearly five years in the courts, the decision could have profound implications for the so-called gig economy workers. Uber drivers are currently treated as self-employed, meaning [...]
“Some challengers don’t want to make a profit” says Cashplus boss February 19, 2021 With plans to raise external investment and a new chairman in tow, challenger bank Cashplus is going full steam ahead just weeks after securing its full banking licence. Earlier this month the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) granted Cashplus a full banking license. Like its digital peers, Cashplus offers current accounts for UK SMEs, currently serving [...]
British Gas strikes back on today as ongoing talks falter February 19, 2021 Around 7,000 British Gas engineers will be on strike for four days until 23 February, protesting the company’s “fire and hire” plan as ongoing talks between the GMB union and Centrica’s British gas falter. This is the second out of three lots of planned four day strikes, beginning on 12 February, 19 February and 26 [...]
I Care A Lot review – Rosamund Pike’s cold-blooded masterclass February 19, 2021 In these tough times, many of us have turned to movies that lift us up, and remind us that there is some good in the world. Despite its title, I Care A Lot is not one of those films. Rosamund Pike plays Marla Grayson, who makes a living from becoming the legal guardian of elderly [...]
