‘Entirely avoidable’: Build-to-rent housebuilding slows as London planning wait doubles April 15, 2026 The construction of build-to-rent homes in Britain is in danger of grinding to a halt as the planning wait for London homes has almost doubled in this decade. The number of build-to-rent homes under construction has fallen for the ninth consecutive quarter, according to data shared exclusively with City AM. The government has pledged to [...]
Procook sales surge as young Brits get taste for dinner parties April 14, 2026 Procook has toasted surging sales as the kitchenware retailer cashed in on young Brits’ growing appetite for hosting dinner parties. The London-listed firm posted sales of £85.5m for the year to end March, a rise of just under a quarter on the previous year and ahead of market expectations of £83.5m, after demand outperformed the [...]
Can vapes save Imperial Brands? April 14, 2026 Twenty years ago, tobacco companies were among the top performers on the London Stock Exchange, driven by consistent cigarette demand and aggressive global expansion. But the attitude towards smoking has since shifted, with the numbers of smokers in the UK dropping off the back of campaigns, the rise of vaping and public health policies. In [...]
Ex-Royal Mint executives launch new gold trading platform April 14, 2026 Two former Royal Mint executives have launched a new gold trading platform in a bid to shake up the market and widen retail access to precious metals. The trading platform, dubbed Goldwise, was launched on Tuesday, creating a new way for savers and investors to purchase gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Unlike traditional trading, users [...]
Easter boosts high street footfall but retailers hold their breath April 10, 2026 Retail footfall jumped in March as Easter boosted shopping activity, but business leaders fear tax and employment costs could yet cause havoc. Total footfall in the UK increased by 2.4 per cent last month, according to trade body the British Retail Consortium (BRC), offering a welcome boost for retailers after wet weather drove shoppers away [...]
Non-dom reforms blamed for collapse of Harrods luxury property arm April 9, 2026 The collapse of department store Harrods’ luxury property arm was due in large part to the government’s abolition of the non-dom tax regime, estate agents have said. Harrods Estates, which opened on the shop floor in 1897, has announced the closure of its only remaining office in Knightsbridge. London estate agents said the collapse of [...]
Holland & Barrett bets on high street with public health pivot April 9, 2026 Holland & Barrett is mounting a renewed focus on its high street presence, offering free health drop-ins amid growing online misinformation and an “under pressure” NHS. The health foods retailer has faced huge losses in recent years and its new chief executive is battling to raise the profile of its high street stores. Anthony Houghton, [...]
‘I fired the board that fired me’: TGI Fridays boss on restaurant turnaround April 8, 2026 TGI Fridays had its heyday in the 1980s but slumped into administration last year. Its new boss Ray Blanchette tells Felix Armstrong the nostalgic chain can win back Britain after a period in turmoil. “I land at Heathrow and jump in a cab. The plane got in late,” says Ray Blanchette, recalling the day he [...]
MiQ Acquires Rocket Lab to Accelerate AI-Powered App Growth Globally April 7, 2026 Deal brings in-app growth and total-market reach together in one unified advertising solution
Iceland boss offers job to Waitrose worker who tackled shoplifter April 7, 2026 The boss of Iceland has offered a job to a man who was sacked by Waitrose after he prevented a shoplifter from attempting to steal luxury Easter eggs. Richard Walker, boss of the budget supermarket chain, posted on LinkedIn telling Walker Smith, the shop assistant sacked by Waitrose: “You’re welcome to a job with us. [...]