Starmer meets BlackRock’s Larry Fink for growth talks May 20, 2025 The Prime Minister this morning met the boss of the world’s largest money manager, in the latest such conversation as part of ministers’ growth agenda. Sir Keir Starmer held discussions with Larry Fink, who leads the $11.6tn giant BlackRock. Fink was pictured leaving Downing Street on Tuesday morning. This follows on from the American billionaire’s [...]
European leaders talk of war, but I keep getting out of offices May 20, 2025 Europe talks a hard game on defence, so why is the ministry of defence more concerned with horse dentists, asks Michael Martins.
Government urged to prioritise high streets or risk losing seats to Reform May 19, 2025 A retail lobby group has warned that job losses in the sector could overwhelmingly affect areas at risk of turning from Labour to Reform. The Retail Jobs Alliance (RJA), made up big names like ASDA, Primark, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, found that retail is a major driver of local employment in areas where Reform made significant [...]
The Punk Patissiere – Sanji Parvee May 16, 2025 What makes a ‘good’ cupcake? If we’re speaking technically, it’s the fluffiness of the sponge, the silky smoothness of the frosting, and a perfectly flat top. But we don’t just settle for good down the Lane. Oh no. We’re striving for greatness, an unforgettable edible experience, and for that you need to “trigger a memory. [...]
Don’t force pension funds to buy British, Aviva chief warns ministers May 15, 2025 British pension funds should not be forced to invest in UK assets, the boss of one of London’s biggest insurance firms has said, in a rebuke of the government’s pension reforms plans. The Treasury this week helped seal a voluntary, non-binding agreement by pension funds, dubbed the Mansion House Accord, will see increased investment into [...]
Week in Business: Small glass of champagne for Reeves? May 15, 2025 There was some welcome economic growth in Q1 but it's in the rear view mirror; is there any on the horizon?
CMA handed ‘strategic steer’ as government pushes pro-growth agenda May 15, 2025 The UK’s competition watchdog has been handed a “strategic steer” from Downing Street as the government pushes regulators to adopt its pro-growth agenda. The strategic steer, which is issued to regulators each parliament, sets out the government’s priorities for regulators and how they engage with the private sector. According to the Treasury, the steer “resets [...]
The Capitalist: This isn’t just blackmail, it’s M&S blackmail May 15, 2025 Embarrassing Ed Miliband, dream dinner party guests and window taxes, catch up with the latest gossip from the Square Mile M&S is clearly playing by the book in its response to the crippling cyber attack launched on its systems over Easter, with talk of a £100m insurance claim to help them get over the losses. [...]
Starmer’s trade deal triumphs fail to impress UK voters May 13, 2025 With Sir Keir Starmer’s approval ratings languishing below those of both the Reform UK and Conservative leaders, Downing Street would have hoped that signing trade deals with India and the US last week could have turned the dial on the PM’s unpopularity. However, despite the diplomatic coups voters appeared unmoved by Starmer’s success on the world [...]
Tesla and Apple shares surge as US markets rally on trade deal May 12, 2025 Markets on Wall Street soared on Monday as investors welcomed the trade progress between the US and China. The S&P jumped over 2.6 per cent as markets opened and the Dow Jones 2.41 per cent. Amazon gained over seven per cent and Nike six per cent. The tech-heavy Nasdaq rallied 3.5 per cent. Tech giants [...]