Nearly 60 per cent of firms will miss UK net zero target, says Microsoft report October 27, 2021 Just over 40 per cent of UK firms are on track to meet the government’s net zero target of 2050, new research from Microsoft and the University of London has revealed. The figures suggest that the country’s net zero efforts may be far more difficult to achieve if the majority (59 per cent) of firms [...]
More than 5m receive Covid-19 booster jab in six weeks as rollout picks up the pace October 26, 2021 More than half of over-50s have received their Covid-19 booster jab, as the once sluggish rollout picks up the pace, NHS England has confirmed. The booster rollout, which targets those who were prioritised last year in the UK’s immunisation programme, has seen over 4.5m over-50s receive a third dose in less than six weeks. The [...]
UK Space Agency renews efforts to tackle ‘neglected’ space debris October 26, 2021 The UK Space Agency has renewed its efforts to tackle the “neglected” issue of space debris, amid concerns it could damage satellites and impact SatNav use. Space debris and orbital congestion is one of the largest issues in the global space sector, as it could cost launching companies millions in damaged satellites. With seven space [...]
Bunzl’s acquisition spree pays off in revenue boost October 26, 2021 Distribution and services group Bunzl has enjoyed 13 per cent revenue jump in its third quarter, which was boosted by its acquisition spree. After its 11th acquisition year, the fresh buyouts of agricultural supplies distributer Intergro and McCue Corporation have contributed 4.3 per cent to its revenue at constant exchange rates. Bunzl boss, Frank van [...]
Whitbread’s Premier Inn recovery ‘ahead of expectations’ despite losses October 26, 2021 Premier Inn owner Whitbread has said the budget hotel chain’s recovery in the past six months has been ahead of expectations. The hotel chain, which was battered by the sudden drop in tourism and overnight stays last year, has enjoyed a strong spike in demand since mid-May, Whitbread said in its interim results for the [...]
City Moves: Who’s switching jobs in the Square Mile today? October 26, 2021 City A.M.’s Millie Turner provides a roundup of the most important hires and job moves across the City, every morning. Email citymoves@cityam.com to be featured. Bought By Many Pet health and insurtech company Bought By Many, which gained unicorn status in June, has appointed former Babylon Health lead as its chief marketing officer (CMO). Adam Rostom moves from Babylon Health, under the [...]
Net zero shift: Fintech’s urge government to offer discounted green loans to SMEs October 25, 2021 The government has been called on to offer discounted green loans to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) as they grapple with the net zero transition. A group of fintech’s led by finance marketplace Funding Options and lender Swishfund has spearheaded the call, as SMEs fall behind in the race to net zero – with [...]
HSBC online banking hit by an outage, impacting business customers October 25, 2021 HSBC’s online banking has been down this morning, according to reports, which primarily impacted the bank’s business customers. Service complaints spiked at around 9:30am this morning, according to DownDetecter, with more than 60 per cent of the complaints regarding HSBC’s online banking. The issue had largely been resolved by around 11:30am, with reports of the [...]
World will ‘never forgive’ leaders for not making hard choices to save planet, says Lord Deben October 25, 2021 The world will “never forgive” leaders for not making the hard choices needed to save the planet from the climate crisis at COP26, chairman of the UK’s Climate Change Committee has said. “We know that we face total destruction and we know how to prevent it, isn’t that a wonderful challenge,” Lord Deben, also known [...]
Pandemic festivities: A ‘normal Christmas’ is on the horizon, says Sajid Javid October 25, 2021 A “normal Christmas” is on the way, providing everyone “plays our part”, health secretary Sajid Javid has said today. Responding to concerns that this Christmas could face the same fate it did last year, Javid told BBC Breakfast: “What we know about this virus is that it’s unpredictable and I don’t think any sensible health [...]