Arron Banks apologises for Leave.EU anti-German Angela Merkel tweet that ‘went too far’ October 9, 2019 Leave.EU founder Arron Banks apologised today for an anti-German tweet featuring chancellor Angela Merkel that was published by the pro-Brexit group. The tweet featured a picture of Merkel next to the tagline: “We didn’t win two world wars to be pushed around by a kraut”. Banks, who initially defended the tweet which was posted yesterday, [...]
UK energy boss conned out of £200,000 in ‘deep fake’ fraud October 6, 2019 A top energy executive has been conned out of £200,000 by cyber scammers who used artificial intelligence to mimic his boss’s voice. The UK boss of an unnamed energy firm was tricked into transferring the money following a phone call from that appeared to come from his boss at the German parent company, the Mail [...]
AA share price knocked as FCA warns insurers it could ban loyalty premiums October 4, 2019 The UK’s financial watchdog may ban loyalty premiums for customers who renew their home and motor insurance as it outlined a raft of possible remedies to address market competition issues. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said today that “competition is not working well for all consumers”, with 6m people paying high prices without getting a [...]
Sun, sea and skint Spaniards: Spain plans up €300m tourism rescue package after Thomas Cook collapse October 3, 2019 Spain is preparing a $300m rescue package for its tourism industry, after the collapse of Thomas Cook is said to have left bars deserted and beaches empty at its holiday hotspots. The country’s tourism minister said the cash would be split across 13 different measures, including a credit line for companies struggling to cope. Read [...]
Deliveroo losses deepen in expansion drive October 2, 2019 Deliveroo deepened its losses last year despite soaring sales as it pushed forward with expansion plans. The food delivery app said losses before tax were £232m in 2018 from £199m the previous year. Global sales increased by 72 per cent to £476m for the year. Read more: Deliveroo ad banned over misleading claim it could [...]
Diversity can prepare City firms for uncertain times ahead October 1, 2019 City bosses need to keep the issue of diversity and inclusion high on their agenda as the UK heads into uncertain times and use it as a tool to both leverage opportunity and improve resilience, according to a panel of experts. In the first of a series of events hosted by City A.M., executives from three of the City’s largest [...]
Eurozone manufacturing sector suffers worst month in seven years October 1, 2019 The Eurozone’s manufacturing sector suffered its worst month in seven years in September, according to a closely-followed industry survey, as the malaise in the area’s economy shows no sign of relenting. Read more: Sterling sinks after ‘simply shocking’ manufacturing data Factory output decreased markedly in September, with IHS Markit’s Eurozone manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) [...]
Dame Inga Beale: I’m not surprised by Lloyd’s of London sexual harassment claims September 30, 2019 The controversial drinking culture at Lloyd’s of London is so entrenched that a former chief executive admits she does not know how to tackle it. Dame Inga Beale, who ran the historic institution for five years, spent much time trying to tackle behavioural problems among its staff. Read more: Nearly 500 Lloyd’s of London workers [...]
Thomas Cook: Customers face two-month wait for holiday refunds September 30, 2019 Refunds for package holidays booked with liquidated UK travel giant Thomas Cook could take up to two months to reach customers, the UK’s aviation body warned today. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that while direct debit customers can expect refunds within two weeks, other people face a wait of up to 60 days. Read [...]
Marketing trends 2019: Interactive content and voice search are in, annoying chatbots are out September 28, 2019 Marketing is an industry undergoing seismic changes. New technology, changing consumer attitudes and shrinking budgets mean marketers are constantly having to adapt. But while many large advertisers have tightened the purse strings, marketing remains a key way for businesses to drive growth. A recent report by marketing consultancy Lewis, which looked at the world’s 300 [...]