FTSE 100 extends rally as investors eye MPC meeting September 23, 2021 London’s FTSE 100 continued its rally today as investors mull whether the Bank of England will follow the US Federal Reserve’s example and signal bond buying will taper this year. The capital’s premier index added 0.50 per cent to reach 7,119.04 points during the first hour of trading. The blue-chip index has recovered from heavy [...]
Spectre of ‘stagflation’ looms over UK economy September 23, 2021 The UK economy is in real danger of undergoing a period of “stagflation” as prices soar and growth slows to a snail’s pace, according to a closely watched survey released today. The latest IHS Markit / CIPS UK composite output index dropped to 54.1 in September, down from August’s reading of 54.8. Chris Williamson, chief [...]
City of London exec: Hybrid working is here to stay and the Square Mile will adapt September 23, 2021 The new flexible ways of working are here to stay – and the City will adapt, the chair of City of London Corporation’s planning and transportation committee, Alastair Moss, has said. Championing the fresh approach to working life in the capital, Moss urged that although employees are seeking a better work-life balance, City office spaces [...]
TfL sanctions for bare-faced commuters slump September 23, 2021 Transport for London (TfL) slapped six non-mask wearing commuters per day with fines in July in the run-up to “Freedom Day” as policing of Covid-19 prevention measures on the capital’s transport network waned. TfL imposed 123 fines on commuters for not wearing a mask in July, a 79 per cent drop from June’s 590 fines. [...]
Suburban and food-led brands drive recovery for Mitchells and Butlers September 23, 2021 Harvester operator Mitchells and Butlers has said it has seen a stronger recovery in suburban and food-led brands. The pub group described sales as “volatile” since pubs were permitted to reopen for indoor trading in May, but said they had generally strengthened overall. Food-led and suburban brands had fared better than city boozers as customers [...]
Liz Truss visits Mexico to boost support for UK to join trade bloc CPTPP September 23, 2021 Foreign Secretary Liz Truss will travel to Mexico today to build support for the UK to join one of the biggest free trade areas in the world and boost Britain’s diplomatic ties with the country. “Closer ties with Mexico,” Truss said, “are a key part of our plan to strengthen economic, security and diplomatic links [...]
City centre pubs enjoy boost from returning office workers September 23, 2021 City Pub Group has reported robust half-year sales at above 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with returning workers driving sales at city sites this month. The group – which operates some 50 pubs in London and market towns – managed to break even by June, despite the period not covering sporting tournaments including Wimbledon [...]
Khan on climate: ‘We either take bold action now or face the consequences’ September 23, 2021 “London is at a crossroads,” London mayor Sadiq Khan is expected to say later today, as climate change can bring both flooding and soaring temperatures to the capital as extreme weather increases. In an address ahead of COP26 in November, Khan is set to warn that “time is running out” to meet the requirements of [...]
FTSE 250 group Investec expects 125 per cent UK profit growth September 23, 2021 Wealth manager and banking group Investec has raised its earnings guidance following a rebound in revenue, with its UK wealth division growing 9 per cent to £45bn. The Group said its UK business’ adjusted operating profit are now expected to be at least 125 per cent higher than the first half of 2021. The Anglo-South [...]
Suburban and food-led brands drive recovery for Mitchells and Butlers – CityAM : CityAM September 23, 2021 Harvester operator Mitchells and Butlers has said it has seen a stronger recovery in suburban and food-led brands. The pub group described sales as “volatile” since pubs were permitted to reopen for indoor trading in May, but said they had generally strengthened overall. Food-led and suburban brands had fared better than city boozers as customers [...]
