Here’s a round up of all the rumours about the John Lewis Christmas ad November 4, 2016 The internet is going wild about when an ad will hit TV screens. That’s right, the John Lewis Christmas ad cometh – and before it’s even out, the mums of cyberspace have been speculating about what it will be like, even though it will be played on tellyboxes ad nauseum until Christmas day arrives. Read more: [...]
Could it be? BHS pensions deal to be wrapped up by Christmas November 4, 2016 There could finally be light at the end of the tunnel. Sir Philip Green and pension regulators could reach a deal over the BHS scheme within weeks, according to the BBC. But, don't get too excited just yet: Green could still walk away, which would prompt the beginning of a prolonged legal battle. Newsnight reported [...]
Yule be sorry! Tips to avoid a Christmas office party disaster November 4, 2016 Have you been bestowed with the honour of arranging the office Christmas party this year? Lucky you. Organised well, your success will elevate you to office hero. Done badly, you may return in the new year to a desk relocation, perhaps next to the toilet, or microwave. To avoid giving your office a party to remember [...]
The UK high street gets an early Christmas present as high street sales get a boost for the first time since January November 4, 2016 Is the high street back on track? High street sales are back in positive territory after falling for the past nine months. Read more: Retailers in Mayfair and Bond Street to be hardest hit by rates hike According to data from accountants BDO, sales on the high street grew 0.7 per cent year-on-year in October. [...]
Hurricane Matthew impact “less than it might have been” for Lloyd’s insurer Lancashire November 3, 2016 Hurricane insurer Lancashire's share price spiralled up over eight per cent today after blowing away analysts with its third quarter results. Announcing a $150m (£121m) special dividend, the Lloyd's insurer said that the impact of Hurricane Matthew – the worst in the Atlantic for nine years – wasn't quite as bad as it had expected. "As an [...]
RMT announces fresh Christmas strike dates in Southern Rail row November 3, 2016 The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has announced more industrial action by Southern Rail guards in the dispute over the role of the guard. Members will take strike action by not booking for any shifts between: 0001 on Thursday 22nd December and 2359 on Saturday 24th December 0001 on Saturday 31st December 2016 and [...]
Southern Rail strikes set to cause Christmas chaos November 3, 2016 Southern Rail workers have announced they will strike for three days in December, certain to cause Christmas chaos for travellers and commuters. Strikers from the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said they would stage industrial action for three days from 22 December, and three more days from New Year's Eve as part of the long-running [...]
The Aldi fightback is on: Morrisons records fourth consecutive quarter of growth November 3, 2016 After the devastating news that Morrisons was hiking the price of Marmite, it needed a good third quarter. And it has delivered the fourth consecutive quarter of growth, with sales up 1.6 per cent. Potentially a sign of, whisper it quietly, momentum building? The figures The 13 weeks to 30 October, like-for-like sales were up [...]
Harrods posts a profit despite tough trading conditions November 2, 2016 Upmarket department store Harrods posted a robust profit last year, despite the difficulties faced by the retail sector. Harrods reported in its accounts for the year that profit was up 16.9 per cent to £129.7m, compared to £110.9m the year before. Group turnover for the period ending 30 January 2016 came to £788.9m, up from £769m [...]
West End retailers are expecting a £2.34bn boost from Christmas this year November 2, 2016 The West End is expecting some healthy takings at the till this Christmas – the most important time of year for retailers. The New West End Company has forecast that till receipts will rise 1.6 per cent year-on-year this Christmas, hitting £2.34bn. Average takings are expected to come to £51.1m per day during the peak period for [...]