FTSE 100 falls back as extra restrictions mulled January 11, 2021 The FTSE 100 fell back slightly this morning as reports that the government is mulling further restrictions pressed on the markets. London’s premier index fell 0.5 per cent by mid morning to stand at 6,838 points after a rapid start to the year last week. In the first week of trading, the bourse picked up [...]
The week ahead, 11-15 January: FTSE housebuilders, Asos, Tesco and UK GDP January 10, 2021 London’s markets started the new year in a frenzy last week, picking up over five per cent and closing the gap on their counterparts around the world. This week is set to be a busy one for the FTSE, with a raft of companies due to provide updates, as well as key economic data in [...]
UK supermarket sales soar to record-breaking £11.7bn in December January 5, 2021 UK supermarkets recorded their busiest ever month in December as grocery sales soared to £11.7bn amid bar and restaurant closures during the festive period. Morrisons was the strongest performer of the Big Four UK supermarkets, with sales jumping 13.1 per cent, followed by Tesco, which toasted a 11.1 per cent rise in sales. Sainsbury’s recorded [...]
Morrisons posts sales growth but warns of higher Covid-19 costs January 5, 2021 Morrisons has reported a rise in sales during the second half of the year, but warned that tougher new Covid-19 lockdown measures would increase its costs. The supermarket chain posted an 8.1 per cent rise in like-for-like sales excluding fuel in the 22 weeks to the 3 January. Including fuel, like-for-like sales rose 1.9 per [...]
Jamie Oliver takes payday hit as restaurant collapse eats into profits January 3, 2021 Jamie Oliver has suffered a decline in profit from his business ventures as the collapse of his restaurant chain continues to take its toll. Pre-tax profits at the celebrity chef’s group of companies dropped to £7.1m in 2019, down nine per cent on the previous year. Turnover dropped just over five per cent to £38.8m, [...]
15 incredible Londoners in the New Year’s Honours List January 2, 2021 In a list that was largely dominated by health staff and civil servants this year, Christopher Woolard, who served as interim Chief Exec of the FCA in 2020, became a Commander of the British Empire, while Kate Nicholls, a vocal advocate for the hospitality industry throughout this terrible year for bars, pubs and restaurants, received [...]
Former Tesco chief Dave Lewis amongst New Year’s Honours December 31, 2020 Former Tesco boss Dave Lewis has been knighted in the New Year’s Honours List, alongside a number of business figures given gongs. Ocado boss Melanie Smith receives a CBE in recognition of her firm’s upscaling during the lockdown pandemic, and Co-op retail chief Joanne Whitfield receives the same honour. Read more: Retail wonks expect a [...]
Festive cocktails, whether you’re fully stocked or the cupboard’s bare December 23, 2020 What a short-lived foray back into the great restaurants, bars and pubs of London that was! Like many restaurateurs and publicans across the country, I don’t mind being told to close my venue for the good of the nation (although there is still no evidence that hospitality contributes significantly more than other sectors to the [...]
Naughty or nice: Which businesses pleased or peeved Santa in 2020? December 21, 2020 Which businesses stood out this year for going above and beyond for customers and staff, and which will be remembered less favourably for their pandemic policies? The last year has certainly been one that will not be forgotten. The last 12 months have been widely been touted “the worst ever” by people around the world, [...]
FTSE 100 and US stocks slip as market optimism dips December 18, 2020 The FTSE 100 fell along with European and US stocks as optimism faded on trading floors, with doubts creeping in about a US stimulus bill and fresh tensions with China. London’s main stock index was down 0.2 per cent in the afternoon session to 6,539 points. The FTSE 250, which is more domestically focused, fell [...]