The Works activist investor hits back at retailer’s ‘absurd’ claims August 13, 2026 The activist investor seeking to gain a seat on the board at The Works has hit back at the discount retailer’s “absurd” claims the move would undermine its growth plans. Kelso, an activist investor, has criticised the AIM-listed retailer for urging shareholders to block its attempt to install retired private equity partner Graeme Coulthard as [...]
The Works braces for boardroom battle as activist investor pushes for more control August 13, 2026 Discount retailer The Works has been engulfed in a boardroom drama as a notorious activist investor pushes to install a retired private equity partner as a director. The retailer, which sells toys and arts and crafts, warned on Thursday that the attempted coup could “create unnecessary distraction [and] risk derailing” the board’s growth strategy. Kelso, [...]
Stamp duty on shares is ‘biggest handbrake’ says UK bank chief August 13, 2026 The boss of a London-listed bank and former Labour party donor has called for stamp duty on shares to be ditched in the Autumn Budget to boost trading from retail investors. Ian Corfield, the boss of Secure Trust Bank, told City AM one of the firm’s “biggest challenges is trying to generate liquidity into the [...]
Strzala Architects and Corgan to Support Major Capital Investment Programmes for UK’s Manchester Airports Group August 13, 2026 Manchester-based Strzala Architects, with global architecture and design firm Corgan as subconsultant, has been appointed to a consultancy framework established by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) to support capital investment programmes across its airports over the next five years. Strzala Architects has secured a position on the framework under Lot 7: RIBA Stages 1+2 Architecture, partnering [...]
Banning vape shops won’t fix scuzzy high streets August 13, 2026 Andy Burnham’s plans to revamp high streets by cutting down on vape shops aren’t ambitious enough, says Joseph Dinnage Andy Burnham is taking his hand to cleaning up Britain’s high streets. Commenting on the degradation of our urban centres, Burnham said that many areas have been “hollowed out”, and that the high streets we grew [...]
Martin Williams on his favourite Toast the City venues August 12, 2026 Ahead of Toast the City this October, our restaurant columnist on his favourite City spots Bank is almost unrecognisable from when I began my career in the area with Gaucho in 2004. I went on to become MD of the brand before leaving in 2014 to take an entrepreneurial journey, founding M on Threadneedle Street. [...]
Emergency government meeting held over high temperature amid ‘strain on public finances’ August 12, 2026 The government will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the country’s response to this summer’s high temperatures and drought amid fears that it will add a “strain” on the public finances. Prime Minister Andy Burnham will chair the ‘Cobra’ meeting of ministers overseeing health, water, housing and local government, as well as officials from agencies [...]
Retail investors are returning to UK markets August 12, 2026 For decades, British retail investors have snubbed their home market. But in 2026 things are changing, writes Rupert Hargreaves.
The London Stock Exchange is shrinking – but Julia Hoggett is still an optimist August 11, 2026 The London Stock Exchange’s two flagship indexes are trading near all-time highs. But beneath the surface, it has been another testing year for the capital’s bourse. Boss Dame Julia Hoggett tells Ali Lyon what she is doing to disprove the doomsters. In the cavernous foyer of London’s historic stock exchange, a giant cube is flashing [...]
Shareholder backlash pushes up low-ball London takeover bids August 11, 2026 Top shareholders of London-listed firms are pushing back on takeover bids this year amid concerns buyers are capitalising on low valuations to pick up companies on the cheap. Foreign buyers have targeted companies across the London Stock Exchange this year including FTSE 100 firms Schroders, Intertek and Beazley. Retail investment firm AJ Bell said it [...]