Labour squeeze shows no signs of loosening before Christmas November 12, 2021 The ongoing labour squeeze shows no signs of loosening in the run up to Christmas, raising fresh concerns that usual festive activities could be scuppered. In the first week of this month alone, over 220,000 new job ads were posted in the UK, a historically high print since records began, according to the Recruitment and [...]
Slim pickings: Frozen turkeys dwindle amid labour shortage and consumer spending splurge November 11, 2021 There is slim availability of frozen turkeys, which prompted fears over Christmas after Covid-19 curbed festivities last year, according to the latest research. Around 18 per cent of stores stocking the Christmas dinner staple in the UK had either “low” stock or “none” at all, market researcher Kantar found, although supplies have increased slightly since [...]
These aren’t just good results…M&S buoyed by update November 11, 2021 Marks and Spencers’ shares were back in fashion on the FTSE 250 yesterday, after a buoyant update indicated greener pastures for the once ailing brand. The retailer boosted full year profit expectations as it reported a profit before tax of £187.3m in the six months to 2 October, sending shares up more than 16 per [...]
British brands to miss out on Chinese shopping occasion Singles Day November 11, 2021 British brands are set to lose out on the Chinese shopping occasion Singles Day today as consumers opt for local brands instead. More than a third of Chinese shoppers said they would buy fewer products from British brands this year compared to last year. Consultancy AlixPartners, who organised the survey of over 2,000 Chinese consumers, [...]
The magic of Cinema: Why there’s no better place to be this winter November 10, 2021 One of my great joys is the cinema. I don’t mean that I rush to see every new release; what I mean is that I love the experience of watching a film as it was intended to be seen. A hushed, darkened room, a ripple of anticipation, the trailers for features to come, the escape [...]
Ireland begins reactivating no-deal contingency plans as potential unravelling of Brexit accord looms November 10, 2021 The Irish Government has begun reactivating no-deal contingency planning in preparation for a potential unravelling of the Brexit deal. Talks between London and Brussels over the contentious protocol remain deadlocked and there is growing speculation that the UK is poised to trigger Article 16 in the coming days. Lord Hain, a former secretary of state [...]
M&S shares surge more than 15 per cent following full year profit hike November 10, 2021 Marks and Spencer (M&S) has lifted its full year profit expectations as the high street retailer looks to expand its store offering – and take over six former Debenhams sites. Shares surged a massive 15.76 per cent to 225.10p per share by mid-morning, boosting the entire market. “The shares have come roaring back from the [...]
Coca Cola Europacific Partners hikes guidance in bubbly update November 9, 2021 Coca Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has raised its full year guidance on the back of a strong third quarter. CCEP hiked guidance for revenue for the 2021 financial year, expecting comparable growth of 29 per cent to 30 per cent, up from 26 per cent to 28 per cent expected before. Operating profit is expected [...]
Use it or Lose it: UK airport coalition calls on government to restore slots November 9, 2021 A coalition of Gatwick, Belfast and Edinburgh airports has urged transport secretary Grant Shapps to restore the ‘Use it or Lose it’ airport rule. Backed by low-cost carrier Wizz Air, the coalition has called on the government to revert to the slot rule – which imposes on airlines to fly, trade or hand back airport [...]
PA Awards 2021 November 8, 2021 Behind every great business person is an exceptional PA, EA or VA. City A.M. is once again celebrating those Personal, Executive and Virtual Assistants in a unique ceremony at Bob Bob Ricard in the heart of the Square Mile on Tuesday 7th December. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more [...]