PM says remote working won’t be the new normal February 26, 2021 PM Boris Johnson said Britain is not facing a new age of remote working. In a video message today Johnson said British people would be “consumed again” by wanting to meet people in person once the economy reopens, and that this would have clear benefits for business. He added people will be commuting to city [...]
Back of the net: Beckham-backed cannabis company scores soaring market debut February 26, 2021 UK-based Cellular Goods, a cannabis company backed by David Beckham, has seen its stock price soar on its first day trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The company’s share price rocketed 310 per cent in early trading, continuing the trend of cannabis-related companies listing on the stock market in the UK and then soaring [...]
Will pressure on Chinese tech firms spark renewed interest in value stocks? February 26, 2021 The flotation of Ant Group in December last year was supposed to be a landmark event. The initial public offering (IPO) was set to raise $37 billion, valuing Ant at over $313 billion and making it the biggest IPO ever. It was due to list in Hong Kong and Shanghai, rather than having a US [...]
Puppy love: Pets at Home hikes profit forecast as Brits splash out on furry friends February 26, 2021 Pets at Home has scrubbed up its profit expectations for the full year after continued demand for its animal offerings helped boost trading. The reptile and rabbit retailer said it now expected pre-tax profit for 2020 to hit £85m — ahead of its previous guidance of £77m. This includes a £28.9m repayment of business rates [...]
Retail landlord Shaftesbury expects West End ‘revival’ as lockdown lifts February 25, 2021 West End landlord Shaftesbury this morning said occupier interest had improved after the lockdown lifting roadmap was announced, saying the easing of restrictions will herald a “revival” of the London’s theatre and shopping district. However, the FTSE 250 developer said current restrictions were continuing to have a “significant impact on economic activity and consumer spending [...]
City Corporation approves third tower in a month as developers back Square Mile’s future February 24, 2021 The City of London Corporation has today (24 February) approved a new 38-storey development at 2 Finsbury Avenue, making it the third tall building to receive planning permission in the Square Mile in 2021. The newly approved office-led development, by British Land and GIC, aims to become an innovative, inclusive and sustainable place to work, [...]
City Moves February 24th: Who is switching jobs in the Square Mile this week? February 24, 2021 Snakes and Ladders provides a roundup of the most important hires and job moves across the City, every Wednesday afternoon. Email citymoves@cityam.com to be featured. This week we see appointments to the British Property Federation ahead of a pinnacle year for the high street. Deloitte has welcomed a fresh lead to the firm’s creative branch which launched in [...]
Regulator gives green light on Big Four plans for audit separation February 23, 2021 The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has given the go ahead for the Big Four firms to press on with the next stage of separating their audit divisions from the rest of the business. The Big Four – Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC – were asked by the regulator to submit their plans for operational separation [...]
FTSE reshuffle: Newcomers Dr Martens and Moonpig battle for promotion February 23, 2021 The FTSE 100 is set for another reshuffle next week as the blue-chip index adapts to the pandemic and makes way for a handful of newcomers. FTSE Russell, which runs the index, will decide who’s up and who’s down according to closing prices on 2 March, with changes effective from 19 March. Despite the pandemic [...]
HSBC results: Shift to Asia, office space slashed, dividend returns February 23, 2021 HSBC today said it plans to nearly halve its office space globally as part of a radical overhaul that will see the lender shift its focus to Asia. The bank will pump roughly $6bn (£4.3bn) into the region over the next five years, focusing mainly on its wealth management business in greater China as well [...]