Beazley records record profit despite wildfire losses March 4, 2025 Lloyd’s of London insurer Beazley has reported a record profit before tax of $1.4bn (£1.1bn) for 2024, a 13 per cent increase from the previous year. The specialist insurer also announced a $500m (£394m) share buyback programme alongside a 76 per cent rise in its ordinary dividend to 25p per share. Gross insurance written premiums [...]
Will western brands return to pariah state Russia? March 4, 2025 It was the sight that heralded a new geopolitical era. Hundreds of Russian punters standing in a disorderly queue and braving the bitter Moscow air to sample their first bite of the latest big import from America. The iron curtain – having been chipped away slowly for years – had fully fallen just two months [...]
Higher executive pay is not a silver bullet for UK competitiveness March 4, 2025 Whilst competitive pay is undoubtedly a factor in attracting and retaining talent, it is rarely the sole, or even a major, determinant of a company’s decision to list in a particular market, says Paul Arathoon The recent moves by some of the FTSE 100’s largest companies, such as British American Tobacco and Compass Group, to [...]
Wembley Stadium set to host Ashes Test versus Australia this summer March 3, 2025 Wembley Stadium is being lined up to host the first UK rugby league Ashes Test in over two decades. The 90,000 capacity home of the Challenge Cup final is set to open the three-Test series against Australia, which has not been held since Kangaroos beat Great Britain 3-0 in 2003. Wembley Stadium will be followed [...]
Six Nations investors CVC bids $1bn for major tennis competitions March 3, 2025 Private equity giant CVC Capital Partners are set to bid for a portfolio of high-profile tennis events worth £790m that includes the Madrid and Miami Opens. It could see the Six Nations investor add to its existing tennis interests, which include a commercial joint venture with the WTA launched in 2023. The portfolio – currently [...]
BAE Systems boss in line for huge pay day at FTSE 100 giant March 3, 2025 The chief executive of FTSE 100 defence giant BAE Systems is in line for a huge pay day if shareholders approve proposed changes to the group’s remuneration policy. Charles Woodburn could be handed a bonus worth 500 per cent of his base salary, which currently sits at £1.27m, if he is still in post in [...]
The Barbican and the Ned to represent London at major New York travel show March 3, 2025 Two of the City of London’s most important cultural venues will promote the area at a New York travel show later this month. The Barbican and the Ned will attend SMU International, an event that connects industry experts with travel buyers looking to invest worldwide. Jenny Waller, head of sales at the Barbican, said the [...]
Mid size firms stifled by export barriers and rising costs March 3, 2025 Increasing workforce costs and export barriers are threatening the growth of UK mid-size firms. According to new research from BDO, which surveyed 500 business leaders representing companies with turnovers between £10m and £300m, the sector cited international trade challenges as the top concern over the next six months. Over a third, 34 per cent, of [...]
9 of the best International Women’s Day events in London March 3, 2025 International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March provides a moment to celebrate all women, as well as reflect and protest about the challenges they face. Events vary from conversations and debates with a political hue through to cultural activities and events. Running since 1911, the official website for IWD says the event “honors the achievements [...]
Sadiq Khan’s plan to ‘turbocharge’ London’s economy is wilfully naive March 3, 2025 Sadiq Khan’s London Growth Plan is an admirable and ambitious vision for the capital, but its bold projections should be taken with a pinch of salt, says James Ford When running for his historic third term last year, Sadiq Khan claimed to be the “most pro-business Mayor ever”. Now he is putting his money where [...]