On housing, the government’s numbers just don’t add up October 29, 2024 Developers can only build at the rate they can sell, and this is intrinsically linked to mortgage financing. Long-term, fixed-rate mortgages above the 4.5 times income threshold can be part of the solution, says Arjan Verbeek The United Kingdom’s housing market is at a critical juncture. The government has pledged to deliver 300,000 new homes [...]
The Notebook: Britain’s beauty industry is defying the odds. Here’s why October 28, 2024 The comeback of Britain's beauty industry is a national triumph. Let's celebrate it, writes British Beauty Council CEO Millie Kendall.
Government and business need a new deal to navigate today’s uncertainty October 28, 2024 By year end, over half of the world’s population will have participated in a national election.With so many voters going to the polls, and the potential for disruptive transitions, concernsabout widespread political uncertainty have been chipping away at economic sentiment formuch of 2024. Given the wider global economic and geopolitical headwinds, this uncertaintyrisks dragging much [...]
British athletes issue stark warning to government over funding October 23, 2024 British sport could lose hundreds of elite athletes before the LA 2028 Olympics and Paralympics unless the Government increases funding for the next four-year cycle. The stark warning comes after 85 per cent of funded athletes in a new survey said they would not or might not continue competing if forced to make do with [...]
Burberry, LVMH and Kering: Rebound of travel and China to boost luxury market October 22, 2024 Analysts have stressed the problems in the luxury market are cyclical, not structural, and predicted an upswing at brands like Burberry, LVMH and Kering as international travel looks set to rebound past pre-pandemic levels. The downturn in the luxury market, which has been suffering from the cost-of-living crisis in the West and a slowdown in [...]
Virgin Wines: Revenue flat as it looks to weather bottleneck in market October 22, 2024 Online wine seller Virgin Wines has reported flat year-on-year revenue as it searches for ways to acquire loyal customers and increase efficiency in a tough trading environment. Total revenue remained at £59m in the year ended 28 June, while profit before tax increased by £2.4m to £1.7m, from a loss of £0.7m in 2023. Adjusted [...]
Halfords: Customers more cautious on Autumn budget fears October 22, 2024 Uncertainty around the Autumn budget is holding back consumer confidence, Halfords warned today. This morning the retailer said group like-for-like sales ticked down by 0.1 per cent in the 26 weeks to 27 September, on strong prior-year comparatives of 8.3 per cent growth plus a wet spring. The company is on track to deliver £30m [...]
How we saved Britain’s small businesses millions in energy costs – and counting October 22, 2024 Small businesses across the UK have had to face the wrath of rising energy costs for years - and entrepreneur Joe McDonald is fed up with it.
The Notebook: The self-employed pension crisis is on the cusp of boiling point October 22, 2024 A new report has shown the self-employed are facing a pension crisis. Interactive Investor's Craig Rickman digs into the findings.
Currensea: Travel card fintech targets overseas growth after bumper summer October 22, 2024 Travel debit card start-up Currensea is targeting overseas markets for its next phase of growth after a rebound in holiday demand helped the fintech grow its user base by a third this summer.