The ‘disaster capitalism’ Brexit conspiracy that goes right to the very top September 13, 2019 Confirmation bias: the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or theories. We’re probably all guilty of it in our private thoughts, but the sin is magnified when it results in an “exclusive” piece of journalism making outrageous claims about corruption and market manipulation at the very top of government. But [...]
The great British sell-off: Three ways for investors to profit September 13, 2019 As the final act of the Brexit saga approaches, investors are still locked in a state of perpetual uncertainty. We can’t know what will unfold, but what business is continually telling the government is how difficult it is to plan in the current environment. Brexit is the moment when we will receive some clarity, for [...]
Five common mistakes to avoid on your first day in a new job September 13, 2019 Starting a new job is like the first day of school. You’ve got no idea where anything is, you can’t remember anyone’s name, and you generally feel a bit a clueless about it all. Concerns about making a good impression build up in your head from the moment that you accept the job offer, and [...]
Could MPs on all sides please stop acting like unruly school kids? September 13, 2019 The end of the school term goes hand-in-hand with discipline being somewhat relaxed. Lessons focus on pointless activities, farcical excuses for lack of homework are proffered, and boisterous singing will probably break out at some point. So it has proved too with the end of the parliamentary term. On Monday, having lamented that the prorogation of [...]
Currency and commodities trades to be taxed under new Labour proposal September 12, 2019 The Labour Party today endorsed a proposal which would levy a £2.1bn a year tax on currency and commodity trading. Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said the party will adopt a plan proposed by the Progressive Economy Forum think tank. Read more: Labour pushes for parliament recall after Operation Yellowhammer sheds light on no-deal Brexit It [...]
M&A activity targeting UK slumps amid no-deal Brexit fears September 12, 2019 Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity targeting the UK has fallen almost 40 per cent on the same period last year, with investors slowing down decision making amid ongoing political turmoil. Corporate M&A also tumbled to £15.1bn in the second quarter of 2019, its lowest value since the EU referendum according to data from Mergermarket. Read [...]
Engineering specialist Ricardo suffers amid global car industry downturn September 12, 2019 Engineering consultancy Ricardo’s shares fell seven per cent today after it reported that its automotive business struggled last year. The London-listed firm enjoyed a rise in revenue and growing order books in the year ending 30 June, but its division which serves the car industry was hit by a “pretty awful year” in the wider [...]
Barnier rejects Brexit extension without ‘concrete’ proposals September 12, 2019 A number of leading European figures have said there is “no reason” to extend the Brexit process, with little sign of any change to the UK’s position. The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier held a closed-door meeting with members of the European Parliament today. Ahead of that meeting, Barnier told reporters: “We are still ready [...]
The ‘Boris Bridge’? PM puts price tag on ‘very good’ idea September 12, 2019 Boris Johnson has told a group of schoolchildren about his “very good” idea for a bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland. Speaking to children during his visit to the ship NLV Pharos on the Thames, the Prime Minister said he had recently discussed the possibility of constructing a bridge over the Irish Sea. He said: [...]
Marketers set to double down on digital advertising despite measurement issues September 12, 2019 Global marketers are set to ramp up their investment in digital advertising next year, despite ongoing concerns about effective measurement of campaigns. Roughly 84 per cent of marketers plan to increase their investment in online video ads, while 70 per cent will ramp up spend on social media networks, according to a study published by [...]