Long-time boss of free market think tank IEA to step down after 14 years at the helm August 1, 2023 The long-time boss of free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, Mark Littlewood, will step down after 14 years at the helm. The director general will step down from right-wing group this year, with the search for a successor underway. Littlewood will remain in post until a new director general is found. The [...]
Travis Perkins profits slip 31 per cent amid slow down in house building August 1, 2023 Travis Perkins blamed a weak market for its falling revenues as the home improvement retailer struggles to cope with dwindling sales and a tough economic climate. In its half year results, the tools supplier said revenue slipped 2.5 per cent to £2.5bn and adjusted operating profits fell 31 per cent to £112m. A slowdown in [...]
Meta to launch AI-powered chatbots in a bid to cling on to users August 1, 2023 Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is reportedly gearing up to deploy a squadron of artificial intelligence-powered chatbots, each with their own distinctive personalities, in an effort to cling on to its users who have been dwindling lately. Meta has been crafting prototypes for these chatbots, aptly named “personas”, the Financial Times reported today, citing [...]
HSBC in tech push as boss Noel Quinn suggests acquisitions spree August 1, 2023 HSBC will launch a new joint venture with B2B fintech firm Tradeshift as boss Noel Quinn said more bolt-on acquisitions could be in the offing to develop its appeal to tech firms. As part of the new venture, announced this morning, HSBC will invest $35m into Tradeshift. The investment will be made in two parts [...]
A whole new Cineworld: Cinema chain back from bankruptcy with ex-WarnerMedia boss on board August 1, 2023 Cineworld has emerged from bankruptcy and added Ann Sarnoff, the former boss of WarnerMedia Studios, to its board. After filing for bankruptcy in the US last September, the embattled cinema chain has come out the other side having slashed its debt pile. The firm said today that the ‘New Cineworld’ has cut its debt by [...]
Uber makes operating profit for the first time in its history August 1, 2023 Uber reported an operating profit for the first time in its history in its second quarter results today.
Konnichiwa! Binance opens for business in Japan August 1, 2023 Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has launched a dedicated platform in Japan after acquiring SAKURA Exchange BitCoin Inc.
Going out on top: Irn Bru boss to step down after two decades as revenues set to rise August 1, 2023 The chief of Irn Bru maker AG Barr will step down after nearly two decades at the Scottish soft drinks giant. Boss Roger White has plans to exit the firm within the next 12 months, when he and the rest of the board agree on a date. A plan to appoint a successor is underway. [...]
Chemring shares jump on launch of £50m share buyback August 1, 2023 Chemring today launched a £50m share buyback programme prompting shares in the British aerospace technology supplier to jump over 4 per cent. The FTSE-250 firm said it would purchase up to 28.4 million ordinary shares, with its dividend policy “unaffected.” Michael Ord, Chemring’s chief executive, said the programme would “provide us with additional flexibility to [...]
BMW warning over inflation and supply chain issues pressure sends shares down August 1, 2023 BMW lifted its annual outlook for its margin on earnings before interest and taxes in its automotive segment on Tuesday, but warnings of the impacts of supply chain challenges and inflation prompted a sell off from investors. The carmaker’s forecast mirrored that of competitors such as Mercedes-Benz which also raised their earnings outlook but warned the macroeconomic [...]
