Ernst & Young posts fastest revenue growth in seven years as income jumps to £2bn October 6, 2015 Ernst & Young saw its fastest revenue growth since 2008 last year, with global revenues up 11.6 per cent to $28.7bn (£19bn). The professional services group announced today that it also grew fee income by eight per cent in the year to 3 July, up to £2bn from £1.87bn, while profits grew by six per [...]
Foreign firms prey on British companies to exploit attractive investment environment October 6, 2015 Foreign firms have had UK companies in their sights this year as the robust British economy presents them with rare opportunities for growth in a weaker global economy. The value of inbound merger and acquisition (M&A) deals – foreign firms taking over British ones – reached $191.8bn (£126.6) in the year to the end of [...]
British entrepreneurs and new business owners raring to grow in 2016 October 5, 2015 British entrepreneurs have shaken off a turbulent year and are steaming ahead with growth plans, as a new study shows 90 per cent are optimistic for the future. A survey by EY out today, reveals 90 per cent of UK entrepreneurs think their business’ profits will increase over the next 12 months, and 53 per [...]
City Moves for 05 October 2015 | Who’s switching jobs October 4, 2015 EY The professional services firm has appointed Omar Ali as its new UK financial services leader. He replaces Chris Price, who will lead EY’s global people advisory services. Ali was previously UK banking and capital markets leader. He joined EY in 2001, becoming a partner at the age of 29 in 2006. He began his [...]
Oil prices: Has black gold lost its shine? As Royal Dutch Shell takes a $4bn hit from a failed venture, are oil companies still investable? September 29, 2015 Royal Dutch Shell has halted oil exploration in the Arctic, after a $7bn (£4.6bn) quest failed to yield enough crude to justify continued spending. The venture has been a “very costly error” and will damage the company both financially and reputationally, according to Deutsche Bank analyst Lucas Herrman. Shell said it is likely [...]
UK to dodge spectre of secular stagnation as investment rises September 28, 2015 Britain is set to avoid falling into “secular stagnation” – low inflation and interest rates holding back investment in advanced economies – according to forecasting group the EY Item Club. The think tank has reported that business investment in the UK has performed relatively strongly since the economy emerged from recession at the end of [...]
City Moves for 17 September 2015 | Who’s switching jobs September 16, 2015 STANHOPE CAPITAL The investment office has appointed Bernard Kalfon as partner to develop its private and institutional client base outside the UK. He has over 20 years’ experience and has held roles at Société Générale Asset Management, Salomon Brothers-Citibank, and Bear Sterns. In 2009, he co-founded Nexar Capital Group. INVESTEC PRIVATE OFFICE Rafe Garvin has [...]
British retailer Next is the latest FTSE giant to invite companies to compete for its audit contract September 13, 2015 Recent regulatory changes have seen blue-chip companies enter an audit merry-go-round, with big names like Shell, British American Tobacco, Vodafone and RBS changing accountants. PwC, the market leader, is expected to lose out under the new rules, but chairman Ian Powell commented: “It’s obviously a challenge to the business, but actually our experience so far [...]
The government must understand the impact of the bank surcharge before it goes any further September 7, 2015 The tax policy of the UK government for the banking sector has changed dramatically over the last three administrations, with very little consultation or detailed impact assessment. Labour introduced a bankers bonus tax; the coalition focused primarily on the bank levy; and, in the summer Budget, the current Conservative government announced a slow and [...]
Bank surcharge could increase tax take from lenders to “far more than double” Treasury’s forecast September 7, 2015 Accountancy giant EY added its voice to the chorus of those speaking out against the government's new bank surcharge, warning that under the new rules the tax take from the banking sector could be double what the Treasury has forecast – and retail banks could be the ones hit hardest. Under plans for the surcharge, [...]