Exclusive: Hong Kong refugee activists on the UK’s new visa scheme February 11, 2021 The UK’s visa program for British national overseas passport holders is generally seen in Hong Kong as a “last resort” for those who wish to flee Beijing’s new National Security Law, but the program should be extended to youngsters, multiple activists in exile have told City A.M. Baggio Leung, a former Hong Kong legislator and [...]
City Moves for 9 February: Who is switching jobs in the Square Mile this week? February 10, 2021 City Moves provides a roundup of the most important hires and job moves across the City, every Wednesday afternoon. Email citymoves@cityam.com to be featured. This week hosts movements over at Big Four auditor Deloitte, JP Morgan, HMRC and PE firm Dean Street. Meanwhile, green London housing looks to be a focus for 2021 with Public Sector Plc’s new [...]
Lancashire offset Covid losses with strong investment portfolio February 10, 2021 City-based insurer Lancashire left 2020 “relatively unscathed” as its investment portfolio offset nearly $150m in losses linked to the pandemic and natural catastrophes, the company announced this morning. The Group credits the positive fiscal year to its investment portfolio, which ranges from political risk to AV52 markets. Gross premiums written increased by 15.2 per cent [...]
Fossil fuel pollution causes one in five premature deaths: study February 9, 2021 Three British universities have discovered that fossil fuel pollution is responsible for one in five premature deaths globally, with western Europe facing some of the greatest mortality rates. The new research, published this morning, suggests the health impacts of burning coal, oil and natural gases are far higher than originally believed – with Eastern North [...]
Safety equipment giant Halma appoints healthcare veteran as its new chair February 9, 2021 Safety equipment maker Halma has appointed former BTG CEO Louise Makin as its new chair this morning. She will take up the role in July. Makin who will join the board as an independent non-executive director and chair designate, replacing Paul Walker who has held the post for eight years. “Halma is driven by its [...]
Drax invests £226m in biomass power ahead of coal plant closure February 8, 2021 British power company Drax will buy major Canadian biomass fuel producer Pinnacle for £226m, as it prepares for the closure of its coal power stations next year. Once the biggest polluter in the UK, the firm will cease burning coal at its two North Yorkshire units in March this year and will eventually close the [...]
UK to see six new offshore windfarms in drive toward net zero February 8, 2021 Britain’s first major auction of offshore wind farm leases in over a decade has seen Orsted, RWE, BP and Total awarded contracts, the Crown Estate said this morning. With six projects, the venture will represent nearly eight gigawatts (GW) and could provide enough power to fuel around 7m homes. Chief executive of The Crown Estate [...]
On the Beach online sales plummet 85 per cent due to lockdown restrictions February 5, 2021 Online holiday retailer On the Beach remained debt-free despite online sales plummeting 85 per cent in the first quarter due to two lockdowns. Lockdown measures enforced in November and early January drove “very weak” UK travel traffic and bookings, the Group said, with rates down 73 per cent and 83 per cent, respectively. Chief Executive [...]
Rightmove toasts record-breaking January but deals begin to crumble ahead of stamp duty deadline February 5, 2021 Rightmove enjoyed its busiest January on record as visits to the property platform jumped nearly 40 per cent with many buyers seemingly undeterred by the approaching end of the stamp duty holiday. However, the firm said there had been a seven per cent increase in sale fall-throughs as buyers realised they do not have the [...]
Scottish rocket company to clean up space debris from 2023 February 4, 2021 The UK could become a world leader in tackling space debris after successful trials of a ‘space tug’ align with a new UN space initiative, the Scottish rocket company behind the development said today. Skyrora said that its orbit transfer vehicle, part of its Skyrora XL rocket, could clear debris, reposition satellites and remove redundant [...]
