Alibaba reports bumper revenues as Singles’ Day sales steal hearts January 24, 2017 China's biggest e-commerce company Alibaba had a bumper 2016 with a better-than-expected 54 percent rise in third-quarter revenue. The figures Alibaba's revenue hit 53.25bn yuan (£6.16bn) for the three months ended 31 December, compared with analysts' average estimate of 50.10bn yuan. The tech giant's e-commerce business boomed 45 per cent, up from the 41 per cent jump in the previous [...]
These were the 10 most complained about advertisements of 2016 January 19, 2017 The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) will today reveal Britain's most complained about advertisements of 2016. The contenders brought in thousands of angry accusations by displaying twerking businessmen and cat kicking as well as, of course, offending vegans. Although more than 70 per cent of complaints received by the ASA are about misleading adverts, all of the top spots were nabbed [...]
These peer-to-peer platforms lent nearly £3bn in 2016 January 18, 2017 Nearly £3bn was lent across the UK’s biggest peer-to-peer platforms last year, new figures out today showed. More than £800,000 was lent in the last quarter of 2016 by members of the Peer-to-Peer Finance Association (P2PFA). Since the beginning of 2010, members of the association have lent an estimated £7.3bn. Read more: The FCA is [...]
Five ways your drinking habits will change in 2017: Majestic Wine sets its predictions for the year ahead January 10, 2017 Announcing a Christmas season that pushed sales up 15.3 per cent, booze retailer Majestic Wine took the opportunity to polish up its crystal ball and make industry predictions for the year ahead…. 1. We'll start choosing English sparkling wine over champagne In 2016 UK winemakers experienced an exceptional harvest thanks to perfectly timed weather patterns, leading the industry to believe this year's [...]
Cameron Mackintosh takes home £35.5m dividend from theatre empire January 8, 2017 Theatrical producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh more than doubled his dividend payout last year to £35.5m, despite a slight dip in his company’s profits. Cameron Mackintosh Limited, which produces a range of West End hits including Les Miserables, Oliver!, and Cats, reported profits before tax of £27.7m in the year to March, down from £28.2m in [...]
10 things to look forward to in London in 2017 January 6, 2017 Forget 2016; here's what you need to look forward to in London in 2017 1. Nordic Matters Festival, Southbank Centre The Southbank Centre is planning to explore all things Nordic through 2017, with some scandi-tastic special events. Think Moomins, Lego, hygge, saunas and gastronomic treats like cinnamon buns, pickling and curing — alongside the most [...]
West Ham succeed with appeal against Sofiane Feghouli suspension and mull second bid for Jermain Defoe January 4, 2017 West Ham have received a boost ahead of their FA Cup third-round clash with Manchester City after the club succeeded with an appeal against midfielder Sofiane Feghouli’s three-match ban. Feghouli was controversially shown a straight red card for a tackle on defender Phil Jones early in Monday’s 2-0 Premier League defeat at home to Manchester [...]
Natural disaster insurance payouts double after highest losses for four years January 4, 2017 Devastating earthquakes and powerful storms meant insurance firms forked out $50bn (£41bn) to settle disaster claims in 2016. The settlements were almost double the $27bn paid by insurers in 2015, according to an annual review by reinsurance behemoth Munich Re. Globally, an average of just 30 per cent of losses were covered by insurers meaning total losses for [...]
Sunderland 2, Liverpool 2: Jurgen Klopp blames fixture pile-up after Black Cats offer bad omen for Reds’ Premier League title push January 2, 2017 Sunderland 2, Liverpool 2 Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp bemoaned a hectic schedule after his Premier League title-chasing team dropped points at relegation-threatened Sunderland on Monday. Two Jermain Defoe penalties – the latter six minutes from time – cancelled out Daniel Sturridge and Sadio Mane strikes and prevented Liverpool from closing the gap on leaders Chelsea [...]
City Moves for 22 December 2016 | Who’s switching jobs December 22, 2016 Hogan Lovells Hogan Lovells has appointed partner Daniel Norris as its new UK real estate head. Norris, who has been a partner at the firm for eight years, takes over from Michael Gallimore in January when Gallimore becomes the head of Hogan Lovells legal services centre in Birmingham. Daniel has worked on many high profile matters [...]