New store openings drive revenue increase at Card Factory November 14, 2019 Card Factory has reported a jump in revenue this year driven by sales at new stores and a boost in online trading, as sales at existing stores slumped due to falling high street footfall. In the nine months to 31 October revenue increased five per cent as Card Factory grew its store portfolio with 38 [...]
UK retail sales unexpectedly fall as economy slows November 14, 2019 The amount of goods sold in UK shops unexpectedly fell in October, official figures have shown, in the latest sign that the economy is slowing. The weak performance will be a concern to retailers as the sector heads towards Christmas, especially given that the period covered Halloween, a traditionally busy time for shops. Read more: [...]
Burberry boosts revenue despite Hong Kong disruption November 14, 2019 Shares in Burberry jumped more than five per cent this morning after the luxury retailer reported it is on track to meet expectations despite political disruption in Hong Kong, which contributed to a slump in sales in one of the retailer’s core markets. The figures Burberry increased revenue by three per cent to £1.3bn in [...]
Germany beats recession fears in third quarter – but only just November 14, 2019 Germany narrowly avoided falling into recession in the third quarter thanks to unexpectedly strong consumer spending, data showed today. Europe’s largest economy thwarted expectations of a contraction as it eked out a 0.1 per cent quarter-on-quarter growth rate. Read more: Eurozone industrial production beats predictions but Germany remains weak The country’s GDP posted a 0.5 [...]
Four areas that the next government must focus on November 14, 2019 Britain is facing a momentously critical General Election. Beyond this vote, there are unprecedented challenges and opportunities ahead in the short and long term. Regardless of the outcome, several areas will demand clarity, close attention, and innovative solutions from our next government. 1. Brexit quandary Economic confidence has fallen heavily in recent years. ACCA’s Global [...]
This election has exposed Britain’s foreign policy vacuum November 14, 2019 The 2020 US presidential election will be heavily influenced by foreign policy debate. So was the last one, and the one before that. Barack Obama initially stood out against Hillary Clinton by defining himself in opposition to the Iraq War. Donald Trump represented a break from the typical interventionist nature of Republican candidates, and so [...]
CFOs hold increasingly pessimistic outlook amid backdrop of uncertainty November 14, 2019 Over a third of Europe’s finance chiefs feel gloomier about their companies’ prospects now than they did three months ago. According to accountancy group Deloitte, 36 per cent of Europe’s chief financial officers feel more pessimistic today than last quarter, underlining current concerns over the future of the global economy. Read more: UK businesses increasingly [...]
General Election 2019: Boris Johnson promises “pent-up tidal wave” of new investment after Brexit November 13, 2019 Boris Johnson has promised voters there is a “pent-up tidal wave” of new investment waiting to flow into the UK once Brexit is done. Speaking from Coventry after visiting flood-hit communities in Yorkshire, the Prime Minister claimed the country would benefit from “tens of millions” that is being held back because of uncertainty. Johnson’s Brexit “is ready [...]
Brexit has cost Britain a Tesla gigafactory, according to Elon Musk November 13, 2019 Britain missed the opportunity to have Tesla’s first European factory because of Brexit, according to chief executive Elon Musk. Instead, the electric car maker plumped for a site near Berlin for the so called gigafactory, where it will make batteries, powertrains and vehicles. Read more: Tesla holds share gains after surprise third quarter profit The [...]
Former Labour spinner Alastair Campbell to campaign for ex-Tory minister Gauke November 13, 2019 Labour’s former spin doctor Alastair Campbell has said he will campaign for ex-Tory minister David Gauke. Gauke, the former justice secretary, this morning said he was standing as an independent in his constituency of South West Hertfordshire. He told the BBC he was hoping to deprive the Tories of the seat, warning a majority would [...]