Ranked: The banks that have closed the most branches since 2015 – and which regions have been hardest hit June 15, 2018 New analysis has revealed which of banks have shut the most branches since 2015, with NatWest, HSBC and Lloyds Bank reporting the highest number of closures. Some 2,868 UK retail branches will have shut up shop by the end of this year, with 879 bank closures during last year, according to Which? Money research. That [...]
Residents versus the local economy: The battle of Oxford Street pedestrianisation June 14, 2018 Last week, we heard of Westminster council’s surprise decision to pull the plug on a joint plan with the mayor of London to pedestrianise Oxford Street. Coincidentally, the shelving of the £60m project came a day after House of Fraser’s decision to pull its own plug on its flagship Oxford Street store alongside 30 others. [...]
Fintech and funding: LendInvest’s path from adversity to opportunity June 13, 2018 Entrepreneurs often thrive in circumstances where traditional, established companies struggle – Microsoft, General Electric and Disney were all started during recessions. Nonetheless, 2008 was a precarious time to set up a mortgage business – as LendInvest co-founders Christian Faes and Ian Thomas candidly pointed out during a recent Leap 100 Breakfast. Although the online marketplace [...]
We talk to Tradeweb about how investing has evolved over the last 20 years June 12, 2018 It's a busy time for Tradeweb, the provider of electronic trading for fixed-income, derivatives, and exchange-traded funds, following a recent announcement that it would be adding an equity trading facility to its list of products. The company, which launched in 1998 as a marketplace for investors to buy and sell US Treasury bonds, will later [...]
Bitcoin was just the beginning of the imminent blockchain era June 12, 2018 Mention “blockchain”, and most people still immediately think of bitcoin – or ethereum, or ripple, or other cryptocurrencies. That’s not surprising, given that bitcoin was the first expression of blockchain technology. As the values of cryptocurrencies have soared and fallen, speculation has risen that the “bitcoin bubble” is about to burst. However, it is the [...]
Alton Towers owner and multi-millionaire Nick Leslau on the “constipated” property market and that rollercoaster tragedy June 12, 2018 Nick Leslau, one of Britain’s wealthiest property entrepreneurs, loves buildings other people would find ugly. “I have a thing for unfashionable buildings that people generally hate,” says the multi-millionaire who turned two sixties office blocks in London into the St Martins Lane and Sanderson hotels. “I like them because of the opportunity they represent and [...]
We talk to the founder of maternity fashion brand Seraphine about sexism and style June 11, 2018 What do the Duchess of Cambridge, Angelina Jolie, and Gwen Stefani all have in common? At different points in time, they have all worn clothing from the Seraphine fashion range. But Seraphine is no normal fashion label – this is a brand that specialises in maternity clothing. In its 16-year history, it has become a [...]
We talk to the founder of fashion brand Seraphine about sexism and style June 11, 2018 What do the Duchess of Cambridge, Angelina Jolie, and Gwen Stefani all have in common? At different points in time, they have all worn clothing from the Seraphine fashion range. But Seraphine is no normal fashion label – this is a brand that specialises in maternity clothing. In its 16-year history, it has become a [...]
Tesco boss blames business rates for retail chaos June 8, 2018 Tesco boss Dave Lewis has joined the outcry against business rates, blaming the system for the carnage on the high street. He said that the tax was partly responsible for the collapse of some retailers, and that it had created an "uneven playing field". "Are we allowing it to stay competitive, or are we by [...]
City groups raise concerns over Elizabeth Line crowding after Oxford Street pedestrianisation is ditched June 8, 2018 Businesses and environmental groups have expressed concern that Westminster council's decision to pull the plug on Oxford Street will lead to dangerous levels of overcrowding once the Elizabeth Line comes into force. The council announced yesterday evening that after consulting with residents it has decided to take the plans "off the table for good". The [...]