The future of the office – What will be the ‘new normal’? May 14, 2021 As we slowly contemplate a return to “normal” life following the disruption caused by the Government’s response to Covid-19, office-based employers are trying to figure out what that return looks like for their businesses. There is a real difference of opinion, both between sectors and in-sector, with some firms advocating that everyone should immediately return [...]
FTSE 100 rebounds from five-week low while Wall Street extends recovery May 14, 2021 London’s FTSE 100 rebounded this afternoon as heavyweight financials stocks lifted the index after hitting a five-week low yesterday. The blue-chip index rose one per cent during afternoon trading, with software firm Sage adding 3.4 per cent after forecasting a year of growth towards the top end of its range. Read more: IPO: London commodities [...]
Pension transfer scam crackdown risks delaying thousands of transfers May 14, 2021 The government tabled proposals to tackle pension scheme fraud today, but it could risk blocking or delaying thousands of legitimate transfers, AJ Bell’s chief executive has warned. The plans outlined by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could push providers to ask people transferring to a pension scheme not on the government-approved ‘safe destination’ [...]
Semiconductor shortage to cost carmakers $110bn in 2021 May 14, 2021 The current global shortage of semiconductors is on track to cost the world’s automakers $110bn in revenue this year, almost twice previous estimates. Consultants at Alix Partners said that 3.9m fewer vehicles would be manufactured in 2021 as a result of the shortfall, weighing on car firms’ earnings. One by one the world’s car giants [...]
Pubs will ‘struggle to break even’ until all Covid restrictions are lifted May 14, 2021 Pubs across England are preparing to open their doors from Monday as indoor trading resumes, but the industry body has warned that ongoing social distancing restrictions will force 2,000 to remain closed. The British Beer and Pub Association said today that 45,000 venues will reopen next week, serving around 3m pints, as punters flock back [...]
6 Technology-driven trends that will change business strategy May 14, 2021 Last year Gartner’ published ‘Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2021’ as an e-book to highlight those trends that are set to drive significant disruption and opportunity over the next five to 10 years. Nearly half-way into 2021 and many of the trends identified in the report are as pertinent now as they were then, with some [...]
End of lockdown and decade-low rents entice Londoners back to the city May 14, 2021 Londoners that left the capital during coronavirus lockdowns are heading back to the capital as the city begins to open up again. Rents in central London locations have declined sharply during the pandemic, as Londoners left the city and lockdown saw fewer people moving to the capital for work. However that trend looks set to [...]
In the lead up to COP26, ministers need to revolutionise procurement policies to meet net zero targets May 14, 2021 Boris Johnson’s bold aim to cut carbon emissions by 78 per cent by 2035 has cemented Britain’s commitment to address the climate crisis in the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow later this year. Questions on delivery remain, however. While we await the Treasury’s much-anticipated Net Zero review, the UK needs to deploy a smart [...]
Boris Johnson to address nation at 5pm as Indian variant Covid cases spike in UK May 14, 2021 PM to address nation at 5pm as Indian variant Covid cases spike in UK
The Woman In The Window is a dreadful Hitchcock imitation May 14, 2021 When a film is delayed or undergoes reshoots, the first thing those behind the production will say is that this doesn’t necessarily mean the film is doomed. This can be true – Rogue One, for example, is a film that benefitted from a second pass. However, for every success story there are many more projects [...]
