Never mind the Big Six, it’s all about the Premier League’s Big Three as Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham underline gulf in quality February 10, 2019 We all know about the Big Six, the Premier League’s half a dozen richest clubs who monopolise the top places in the table, effectively creating a two-tier division of haves and have-nots. It’s plain to see in the current rankings, with the biggest gap between positions anywhere in the top flight being the 12 points [...]
West End property giant Shaftesbury posts ‘resilient’ retail demand ahead of investor showdown February 8, 2019 London landlord Shaftesbury said this morning that demand for retail space had been resilient over the crucial Christmas trading period, with consumers continuing to visit bars and restaurants in the firm’s West End portfolio during the festive season. The FTSE 250 group, which is bracing itself for a shareholder showdown at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) [...]
Comedian and writer Paul Whitehouse on fishing, mental health and why the BBC needs to take more risks February 7, 2019 Last year, Paul Whitehouse appeared alongside his lifelong friend Bob Mortimer in Gone Fishing, a BBC Two show in which the comedians travelled the riverbanks of the UK in search of rare species of fish. In contrast to an increasingly bleak news cycle, it was relentlessly genial television, uncomplicated, familiar, cheerful and good-natured. Both men [...]
Superdry points finger at warm weather for cooling winter sales February 7, 2019 Superdry suffered a dip in sales over the crucial Christmas trading period, citing unseasonably warm weather for a fall in demand for the fashion group’s flagship Japanese winter hoodies. The British fashion group, which has seen its shares crash 70 per cent in the last 12 months, said its performance in the three months to [...]
Redrow hails record profit as founder bows out on a high February 6, 2019 Housebuilder Redrow hailed record half-year profits before tax this morning, striking a resilient tone despite fears of greater uncertainty over Britain's imminent departure from the EU and a “subdued” Christmas. The figures In Steve Morgan’s final trading statement as chairman, the FTSE 250 developer said that pre-tax profits rose five per cent to £185m in [...]
Aldi and Lidl bag more market share as Veganuary boosts supermarkets’ fresh produce sales February 5, 2019 Aldi and Lidl enjoyed the strongest growth of any UK supermarket over the past 12 weeks, according to the latest industry figures, as Veganuary boosted fresh produce sales across the sector. Around 18.3m households shopped in at least one of the discount supermarkets in the 12 weeks to 27 January, industry research firm Kantar Worldpanel data revealed [...]
January discounts give retailers a boost but high street caution remains February 5, 2019 Retail sales rose last month thanks to a boost from January discounting, but retailers remain cautious as uncertainty on the high street continues. Total sales were up 2.2 per cent in January compared to the month before, an improvement from the 1.4 per cent increase seen in the same period last year and the highest [...]
Ocado investors set to quiz boss Tim Steiner over M&S food delivery deal February 3, 2019 Ocado boss Tim Steiner will be in the spotlight this week as he delivers the firm’s annual results amid reports of a possible partnership with Marks & Spencer. The two companies are said to be in talks over a food delivery partnership that would see the retailer use Ocado’s warehouses and delivery lorries. Read more: Ocado [...]
Interim Debenhams chair shortlisted for Moss Bros role February 1, 2019 The interim chair of Debenhams could be in line for the role of chair at suit retailer Moss Bros. According to Sky News, Terry Duddy has been shortlisted as a potential successor to current Moss Bros chair Debbie Hewitt, who will step down from her role later this year. Duddy took on the chairman role [...]
Sale of airline Norwegian fell through because of Brexit, chairman says February 1, 2019 A sale of airline Norwegian Air Shuttle fell through last year amid Brexit uncertainty, the company has revealed. Chairman Bjorn Kise said that he and chief executive Bjorn Kjos, who is also a major shareholder, were onboard with a plan to sell the company to an unnamed bidder before Christmas. Read more: Budget airline Norwegian takes [...]