New homes, shops and cultural venues are set to revitalise a hidden part of Brentford’s industrial past September 6, 2019 Although it is only divided from Kew by a thin stretch of river, Brentford and its West London neighbour could not be more different. Take their history, for example. While the former started out as a country retreat for royals, Brentford has built itself on being a hive of industry. In the Victorian era a [...]
M&S’s FTSE exit is a symbol of its terminal decline September 6, 2019 Archie Norman, the Marks & Spencer chairman, put a brave face this week on the retailer’s demotion from the FTSE 100. Nothing to see here, he said: the business was exactly the same on the day after its relegation. Focusing on it was the reddest of herrings. In a sense, he is right – but [...]
City watchdog calls on internet giants to do more in fight against financial crime ‘epidemic’ September 5, 2019 The chair of the Financial Conduct Authority has called on internet giants to play a greater role in tackling financial crime which he said had reached “epidemic proportions” in the UK. Charles Randell told the Cambridge Economic Crime Symposium on Wednesday night that “financial crime, specifically fraud against individuals, has reached epidemic proportions”. Randell said [...]
Asda under pressure as workers stage nationwide protests over new contract September 5, 2019 Asda is set to face renewed pressure over the implementation of a controversial new contract as disgruntled employees stage protests outside stores. GMB Union members will protest at 15 Asda stores across the UK today, including three London branches, over the new flexible working arrangement. Read more: More than 150 MPs demand Asda backs down [...]
Dixons Carphone posts slump in mobile phone sales September 5, 2019 Dixons Carphone posted a double-digit drop in mobile phone sales during the last quarter, but said today that it was still on track to meet its financial guidance for the year. The consumer electronics giant, which has been hit by a growing volume of customers keeping their handsets for longer and going for SIM-only deals [...]
Hilco Capital circles embattled retailer Links of London September 4, 2019 Homebase-owner Hilco Capital is circling troubled jewellery retailer Links of London. The vulture fund is among a number of bidders for Links, which is trying to secure a rescue deal in the coming days, according to Sky News. Read more: Folli Follie hires advisers to weigh up Links sale A deal is likely to be [...]
City Moves for 3 September – Who’s switching jobs at Globalwebindex, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland and Secret Escapes? September 3, 2019 Today’s City Moves includes Globalwebindex, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland and Secret Escapes. Globalwebindex Supplier of audience insights to the global marketing industry Globalwebindex has announced the appointment of James Scott to the newly created position of chief commercial officer, where he will champion the growth and scalability of the business. James will be responsible for [...]
Online-only banks set for growth spurt but questions over profit linger September 3, 2019 The UK’s digital-only banks are set to treble their sales in the year ahead, as they ramp up their efforts to challenge high street rivals and disrupt the retail lending market. Despite widespread concerns over their long-term profitability, fast-growing online lenders are on track to amass 35m new customers globally over the next 12 months, [...]
Sports Direct trying to ‘drive Debenhams into administration’ September 2, 2019 Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct is backing a legal challenge against Debenhams’ restructuring plan to “drive it into administration so that it can pick up its assets on the cheap”, a court was told today. The sports retailer is backing a challenge brought by Combined Property Control Group (CPC), which represents the landlords of six Debenhams [...]
Eurotunnel reveals new customs system as it says it’s ‘ready for Brexit’ September 2, 2019 Eurotunnel is ready for Brexit, it told investors today, as it aimed to quell fears that there could be disruption to the key trade route. Around 5,000 trucks use the Channel Tunnel every day and the Paris-listed company has introduced a two-lane system for trucks post-Brexit. Read more: Grayling admits cabinet overruled him on Eurotunnel [...]