Apple rekindles relationship with Imagination Technologies with new deal January 2, 2020 Apple has struck a new licensing deal with a British chipmaker it had previously cut ties with three years ago. Apple previously used chips that were made by Imagination Technologies, before breaking off the partnership in 2017. Read more: Apple supplier Imagination Technologies swings to biggest ever loss Today, Imagination said it had “formed a [...]
Northern Rail franchise likely to be scrapped January 2, 2020 Plans to strip Northern Rail of its franchise have begun, according transport secretary Grant Shapps Shapps said that the process to take away routes from the rail operator has already begun due to its “completely unacceptable” performance over several years. Read more: Northern Rail could be split up amid nationalisation plans The rail operator has [...]
Seven arrested by Turkish authorities for Carlos Ghosn escape January 2, 2020 Seven people have been arrested by Turkey in relation to Carlos Ghosn’s escape from Japanes authorities. The former Nissan boss was awaiting trial in Japan, before fleeing to Lebanon via Turkey on 31 December. Read more: Carlos Gosn met Lebanon’s president after fleeing Japan Turkish authorities have now launched an investigation into how Ghosn was [...]
Sadiq Khan promises free travel for disabled people’s carers January 2, 2020 London’s public transport system will be free for anyone accompanying a disabled passenger if Sadiq Khan is re-elected. The Labour mayor of London has pledged to create a “companion pass” if he wins the May election, which would provide free travel on all Transport for London (TfL) services for carers of disabled people. Read more: [...]
UK PMI: Manufacturing sector contracting at fastest rate since 2012 January 2, 2020 Factory output in the UK fell in December at its fastest rate in eight years, after a slowing global economy helped crimp domestic demand. The IHS Markit UK Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – measuring the manufacturing and services sectors – fell from 49.1 in November to 45.6. Anything below 50 means the sector has contracted. [...]
Eurozone PMI: Poor end to the year for European factories January 2, 2020 The Eurozone’s manufacturing sector contracted for the 11th consecutive month, according to newly released figures. IHS Markit’s Eurozone Purchasing Mangers’ Index (PMI), which measures conditions in the manufacturing and services sector, for December sank to 46.3 from 46.9. Read more: Eurozone PMI: Economy mired in worst spell since 2012 Figures feeding into the PMI figure [...]
Small business confidence at an eight-year low December 30, 2019 Confidence among small businesses reached an eight-year low this month, according to a new survey. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Small Business Index (SBI) was negative for a sixth straight quarter, reaching its lowest point since the last recession. Read more: UK business confidence slumps to seven-year low The confidence index now stands at [...]
Google workers exposed to chemical that causes birth defects December 29, 2019 Google has admitted that some of its employees have been exposed to harmful chemicals than can cause birth defects. Factory workers making Google products, but hired by an outside supplier, have been exposed to N-Methylpyrrolidone, which can cause birth defects and serious skin and respiratory irritation. Read more: France fines Google over anti-competitive behaviour The [...]
Ex-Labour MPs criticise party ‘cronyism’ and call for sweeping changes December 29, 2019 A group of former Labour MPs unseated at the election have accused the party leadership of “cronyism” and that it needs to be fundamentally reformed. The 12 MPs signed a letter that criticised the party’s response to Labour’s historic election defeat, saying that it needs to go “way beyond a simple review”. Read more: Tom [...]
Steel industry urges government not to shelve HS2 December 29, 2019 The UK’s steelmakers have urged the government to complete HS2 to boost the struggling sector. The rail project – which would link London, the Midlands and the north – is expected to use 2m tonnes of steel if it goes ahead. Read more: Election 2019: Boris Johnson raises red flag over Heathrow expansion and HS2 [...]