SSE’s merger with Npower gets the all-clear from UK competition watchdog October 10, 2018 The merger of two major energy firms in the UK has been given final clearance by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), paving the way for SSE Energy and Npower to join together as a newly listed company on the London Stock Exchange. The CMA published its final ruling this morning, after the merger was [...]
H&M takes a $20m stake in fintech startup Klarna October 8, 2018 Swedish fintech startup Klarna has today announced a global partnership with fashion powerhouse H&M, which included a $20m (£15.3m) investment in the business. The deal will see Klarna integrate its digital payments technology into H&M's physical and online stores via its payment programme H&M Club1. Klarna allows shoppers to pay securely for products online with flexible payment options [...]
Property bosses clamp down on the white van man in bid to protect London business October 7, 2018 London’s landlords are declaring war on vehicle deliveries, amid fears that overcrowded and polluted streets are jeopardising business. Property heavyweights fear that worsening congestion is driving commuters, shoppers and tourists away from major destinations in the capital, as the rise of online purchasing leads to ever more delivery vans, motorbikes and lorries. Moves to pedestrianise [...]
Unilever to stay on FTSE 100: How investors reacted October 5, 2018 Unilever’s awkward climbdown over its attempt to move its main listing to the Netherlands is unlikely to be the last, according to one financial expert, as investors reacted to the company’s decision to retain its London headquarters today. Unilever this morning pulled plans to make the Netherlands its sole headquarters and quit its UK offices, after [...]
Waitrose trials ‘in-home’ delivery service while you’re at work October 5, 2018 Waitrose is testing out a new service where it will put away your food shopping for you while you're out, enabling more customers to receive home deliveries during the work week. Using smart lock technology, customers will be able to grant access to Waitorise drivers by setting a temporary passcode which is then deleted once the [...]
RBS: No-deal Brexit could send UK economy reeling October 4, 2018 Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) boss Ross McEwan has warned that a no-deal Brexit could push the UK into another recession. Economic growth could fall flat or even turn negative if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, he told the BBC. Read more: 'End Brexit psychodrama' – Chamber of Commerce chief pleads with [...]
City Moves for 4 October 2018 – who’s switching jobs at Sage, Thrings and Newgate Communications? October 4, 2018 Today's City Moves cover tech, legal eagles and communications. Take a look at these movers and shakers: Sage Sage, the market leader in cloud business management solutions, today announced the appointment of Amanda Cusdin as chief people officer. Following an interim period, this appointment recognises her contribution to creating a culture that will support Sage’s [...]
John Lewis Partnership taps London startup CupClub for reusable cups trial October 3, 2018 John Lewis Partnership has announced a collaboration with London startup CupClub, which will see the subscription service trialled within the business. CupClub was selected alongside three other startups who were chosen from more than 100 applications to John Lewis Partnership's JLab retail innovation programme, which in this iteration was dedicated to reducing plastic waste. The London startup [...]
London investment fund Fuel Ventures raises £20m for expansion into Middle East and China October 2, 2018 London early stage venture capital firm Fuel Ventures has raised £20m in its third fund since 2014. The fund plans to invest in one company a month going forward as the firm expands into China, Europe and the Middle East. Read more: Planet Organic prepares for expansion drive after fund takeover Fuel Ventures' portfolio of companies, which [...]
Amazon hands pay rise to 37,000 UK staff to take them above Living Wage October 2, 2018 Amazon is set to raise pay for UK staff above the Real Living Wage from the start of next month, expected to benefit around 37,000 workers. The retail giant – which recently hit a $1 trillion valuation – will pay London staff £10.50 per hour from 1 November and UK-wide staff £9.50 per hour. Read more: [...]