The City’s success depends on our ability not only to compete, but to collaborate October 21, 2019 Just last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel remarked that the UK will join the likes of China and the US in becoming an “economic competitor” of the European Union after Brexit. There is, of course, no doubt about the competitiveness of the UK’s financial services sector, nor about the fundamental strengths of London. But looking [...]
Hey, big spender: Institute for Fiscal Studies boss Paul Johnson on the end of economic orthodoxy October 21, 2019 In the eight years Paul Johnson has been director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), he has seen three prime ministers, two general elections and – so far – one Brexit referendum. Read more: Government almost matching Labour’s spending pledges, says IFS If that wasn’t enough, Britain’s political leaders have recently torn up their [...]
Small firms call for major business rates overhaul Sajid Javid’s November budget October 21, 2019 Small businesses have called on chancellor Sajid Javid to make “radical business rates reform” a key part of the upcoming autumn budget to address the unprecedented slump in confidence among smaller firms. Read more: Remember, remember, 6 November: Sajid Javid sets date for 2019 budget Javid is planning to hold a budget on 6 November, [...]
Leisure spending jumps despite dip in consumer confidence October 21, 2019 Spending in the leisure sector jumped in the third quarter of the year despite a slump in overall consumer confidence driven by ongoing Brexit uncertainty. A boost in disposable income confidence, which was up one point year on year, helped to drive leisure expenditure as consumers favoured experiences over buying material goods. Read more: Consumer [...]
Kester Capital backs management buyout of Yougarden October 21, 2019 Kester Capital has thrown its weight behind a management buyout of Yougarden, as the online garden centre seeks to grow its influence over the UK’s horticultural market. Founded in 2012, Yougarden operates a direct-to-consumer brand and also supplies retailers including Amazon, Groupon and Shop Direct. Read more: M&A activity targeting UK slumps amid no-deal Brexit [...]
Rory Stewart ‘doesn’t speak for London’: Lib Dems mayoral candidate October 20, 2019 Rory Stewart’s support for Brexit makes him unfit to be mayor of London, according to one of his 2020 opponents. Liberal Democrats mayoral candidate Siobhan Benita slammed Stewart for not backing the Letwin amendment in parliament yesterday. Read more: DEBATE: Does former Tory leadership hopeful Rory Stewart have a shot at becoming mayor? The successful [...]
Top City PR quits People’s Vote campaign amid blistering boardroom row October 20, 2019 City public relations tycoon Roland Rudd is set to quit his top role in the People’s Vote campaign as the anti-Brexit movement is rocked by a fierce boardroom battle. Rudd, founder and chairman of financial PR firm Finsbury, is reportedly set to resign as chairman of Open Britain, one of the key organisations behind the [...]
Supermarket chain Iceland takes a hit as insurers freeze out suppliers October 20, 2019 Suppliers to supermarket chain Iceland are said to have had their insurance cover cut amid concerns about the impact of Brexit on the company’s supply chain. Paris-based insurer Euler Hermes reduced the credit cover it provides to Iceland’s suppliers over the summer, while rival Atradius is also mulling a possible cut, the Sunday Times reported. [...]
Brexit: Government sticks firm to its October 31 deadline October 20, 2019 Senior cabinet ministers are insisting the UK will leave the European Union on 31 October, despite the prime minister’s letter to Brussels requesting an extension. Boris Johnson was forced by parliament to send the letter – which he left unsigned – to Brussels asking for an extension last night. It was accompanied by a second [...]
Brexit Super Saturday vote live: PM’s deal blocked as Letwin amendment passes October 19, 2019 15:10pm Well that’s it. Super Saturday has descended into…. Soggy, Stupid Saturday. Boris Johnson’s last minute Brexit deal has been blocked, and he says he won’t “negotiate further delay”. Will he send a letter? Who knows. His spokespeople repeatedly refused to answer any questions on the matter. Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg has announced [...]