Deal fever: Banking giants plot takeovers to ramp up market share June 18, 2025 British banking is poised for a major shake-up as top names go on the hunt for fresh acquisitions. Lenders have been scouting new deals that would send shockwaves across the industry. Much of the prospective dealmaking involves London lender Shawbrook, whose private equity owners have been circling high street bank Metro. Ahead of this, Shawbrook [...]
We’ve been building since 1886 – the planning system is the worst it’s ever been June 18, 2025 Delays in the UK planning system – down to brick colour and tile choices – are stalling housing delivery. We need 3,000 new planners and faster approvals to meet national housing goals and boost economic growth, says Tim Roberts When Britain is in the midst of a housing crisis you don’t, as a house builder, [...]
The City needs a Thatcher-style revolution June 18, 2025 Fifty years after Thatcher took charge, the City of London faces a crisis of confidence and capital— and only bold, radical reform in her spirit can revive its global standing, says Tim Focas Hard to believe, but it is 50 years since Margaret Thatcher took the helm of the Conservative Party. Though her tenure as [...]
Financial services firms expected to dump green finance and DEI June 18, 2025 The financial services industry is taking a dramatic step back from green finance and diversity policies. Over half of UK senior financial professionals believe their leadership will place less focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies in the coming years. Meanwhile, a similar proportion, 54 per cent, believe diversity, equality and inclusion commitments will [...]
Bolt vs Lime: Uber rival to launch e-bikes in London June 18, 2025 Bolt has unveiled plans to introduce electric bikes in London this summer, challenging Lime’s near-monopoly in the capital. The Estonian ride-hailer, which is the largest e-scooter and bike provider in Europe, will launch its London service in August under close supervision from Transport for London (TfL) and local councils. The move makes Bolt the first [...]
Best vineyards to visit this English Wine Week June 17, 2025 England is bursting at the seams with bucolically beautiful places to visit. With over 1,000 vineyards up and down the country it would be such a waste not to spend at least a few weekends wandering through them and trying exciting wines – especially with English Wine Week upon us! Last weekend I drove an [...]
Law firm mergers down as lawyers hold out for private equity appetite June 17, 2025 Mergers within the UK legal market have declined in the past year as lawyers are holding out for a bite from private equity.
Sale Sharks tycoon Simon Orange buys steel giant June 17, 2025 The co-owner of rugby union side Sale Sharks, Simon Orange, has bought the UK’s second-largest steel contractor just a few months after selling his investment business in a deal worth more than £1bn. Self-made millionaire Orange, whose brother Jason was an original member of Take That, has snapped up a majority stake in Greater Manchester-based [...]
Aldgate Connect BID Presents: Stories of Aldgate Exhibition – A Celebration of Heritage, Community, and Vibrant Stories June 17, 2025 Aldgate Connect BID is proud to announce the launch of the Stories of Aldgate Exhibition, a showcase celebrating the rich history, diverse community, and vibrant culture of Aldgate. Running from June to August across Aldgate’s Vine Street, EC3, this free public exhibition invites visitors to explore the people, places, and history that have shaped Aldgate [...]
Inside Queen’s Club: Life as a member at exclusive west London institution June 17, 2025 For a fortnight in June, Queen’s Club becomes the centre of the tennis world; a sort of boutique version of Wimbledon as thousands descend on a small corner of west London to catch a glimpse of the world’s best players trying to fine-tune their grass-court games in the lead-up to the Grand Slam. The other [...]