Shapps ends flagship small business digital support scheme December 15, 2022 Grant Shapps has pulled the plug on the ‘Help to Grow: Digital programme’ following lacklustre participation and rising costs, sparking a backlash from industry bodies. In a statement on Thursday, Shapps who currently serves as the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said Government “cannot justify the continued cost” of the “Digital” [...]
Piazza at the Royal Opera House is perfect for festive fun December 15, 2022 London is beautiful at Christmas and one of the most festive corners of our city is Covent Garden. Opening to the general public for the first time, Piazza is the fifth floor restaurant in the iconic Royal Opera House, boasting a huge terrace with panoramic views over Covent Garden’s holiday wonderland. The dining room is [...]
Pinot Noir: Why this classy grape should be your christmas wine December 15, 2022 There is something special about Pinot Noir. Beloved the world over, it has been referred to as “the heart break grape” due to its exacting demands on those growing it. It was immortalised in the film Sideways by the lead character’s impassioned speech: “Pinot needs constant care and attention, you know? And in fact, it [...]
Apprentice star Kathryn Burn: Royal Mail strikes ‘complete nightmare’ for small businesses December 15, 2022 The Apprentice star and small business owner Kathryn Burn has said the Royal Mail strikes are a “complete nightmare” for retailers and accused posties of being “almost greedy.” Burn, who owns the My Christmas Pyjamas and Pyjamily brands, told CityA.M. that protracted industrial action over retail’s ‘golden quarter’ had “made my job very, very hard.” [...]
Platform staff accept Network Rail’s pay offer December 15, 2022 Platform staff at Network Rail are getting closer to ending their industrial dispute after members of the union TSSA accepted a pay increase. The union – which didn’t have any strike action planned after calling off its walkout on 17 December – said 85 per cent of members voted in favour of the proposal. As [...]
Dolly Parton’s Christmas Carol, Southbank Centre review: Catchy new tunes in touching show December 15, 2022 As a title, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol doesn’t give away much. It inevitably conjures images of Parton herself: her widely permed hair and even wider smile, an image as familiar and iconic as the Coca-Cola sign. Eavesdropping on conversationsn in the foyer of the Southbank Centre, it was clear that audiences hadn’t got [...]
No10 confirms strike-busting bill paused as ministers look to broaden scope December 15, 2022 No10 has confirmed that its bill on guaranteeing minimum service levels during strike days is being paused as ministers look to broaden its scope. “Essentially we’ve paused that bill and are looking at adding additional measures to it to widen its scope,” said the Prime Minister’s spokesperson. “We haven’t set out exactly the scope of [...]
Unexpected little treats and gifts – Make luxury your own with Needi. December 15, 2022 Our carefully curated and lovingly packed gift hampers are bursting with tempting treats and little delights you or your lucky recipient are guaranteed to love. Our experts will curate a gift guide especially for you, with over 3,000 handpicked products from our finest local, sustainable and independent businesses. Whether it’s for Christmas, wellness, birthdays, clients or [...]
Hunt considers extending energy support for all businesses past March December 15, 2022 Jeremy Hunt is considering proposals to extend energy support for all businesses past March, instead of targeting a package at “vulnerable” industries. The chancellor may scrap his plan to target certain industries from April due to difficulties in getting information on sector-by-sector energy usage. The Financial Times reports that another universal support package would be [...]
Ed Warner: Bullingham must own England manager decision if it comes December 15, 2022 “The FA should only look at English managers if Gareth Southgate steps down.” “No, the FA should be prepared to hire a foreign coach.” Discuss ad nauseam. Now imagine you are Mark Bullingham, the Football Association’s chief executive, possibly (but not certainly) about to have to make an appointment whose success or failure would stand [...]