Do you have an analogue business in a digital age? November 10, 2016 UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are weathering the tempest that 2016 has blown their way, remaining ambitious, while providing a sturdy backbone for our economy during this period of uncertainty. It will surprise few that websites, social media and online marketplaces are a conduit to success, and a driving force behind increasing revenues in [...]
Heartwarming and full of plot holes: Our review of John Lewis’ 2016 Christmas advert, Buster the Boxer November 10, 2016 This year’s John Lewis Christmas advert, Buster the Boxer, has everything we have come to expect of the now hotly-anticipated generator of the festive feeling. It’s heartwarming, it’s full of plot holes and it makes you want to visit to retailer’s flagship store on Oxford Street. On the heartwarming front, it begins with a little girl, Bridget, who [...]
Savile Row, Harley Street, Mayfair, St James’ and Portland Place safeguarded by new Westminster council policy November 10, 2016 Five renowned areas of the capital have been safeguarded by a new policy introduced by Westminster council. The policy will allow it to reject planning proposals that threaten the character of the city's well-known areas. The Special Policy Areas come into force today to protect Savile Row, Mayfair, Harley Street, St James's and Portland Place. The policy regulations won't dictate [...]
City Moves for 9 November 2016 | Who’s switching jobs November 9, 2016 Velocity Composites Velocity Composites, a supplier of composite material and consumable kits to the aerospace industry, has appointed Alan Kershaw as chief financial officer. Alan has over 25 years' experience of shaping and leading the finance functions of companies, both privately and publicly held. Alan joins Velocity Composites after serving as finance director for Ultrasis, an international provider [...]
American Apparel UK business goes into administration November 8, 2016 Americal Apparel's UK business has gone into administration. Jim Tucker and Richard Beard of KPMG were appointed joint administrators of American Apparel (UK) Ltd and American Apparel (Carnaby) Ltd this morning, the accountancy firm said in a statement. American Apparel (UK) and American Apparel (Carnaby) run the UK retail and wholesale operations of the US [...]
City Moves for 8 November 2016 | Who’s switching jobs November 8, 2016 Dechert John Markland and Ross Allardice have joined law firm Dechert as partners in London. John was the founding partner of the London finance practice at Kirkland & Ellis and Ross was a corporate private equity partner at White & Case. John focuses his practice on acquisition finance, debt restructurings and other event-driven finance transactions. Over the course [...]
HSBC’s shares rise four per cent despite larger-than-expected profit slump after Brazil disposal November 7, 2016 HSBC's share price rose by more than four per cent this morning, despite a sharper-than-expected slump in profits in the third quarter – although stripping out currency fluctuations, things looked rather better… The figures Pre-tax profit at the British lender fell 86 per cent to $843m in the quarter ended 30 September, down from $6.1bn in [...]
Combine watch shopping with a drink at these boutique bars November 4, 2016 Why jostle with the hoi polloi when you could be enjoying a quiet drink while contemplating your latest purchase? Come Christmas shopping season, make sure you wind up at these London watch boutique bars, says Laura McCreddie-Doak. I dream of having a club; a place where I can go not just where everybody knows my [...]
City Moves for 4 November 2016 | Who’s switching jobs November 4, 2016 Hastings Group Hastings Group has appointed Teresa Robson-Capps and Alison Burns as non-executive directors with immediate effect. Teresa is currently a non-executive director and member of the audit committee for Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank Group and is chairman of the ACS Group. She was previously a non-executive director for National Australia Bank; Europe/Clydesdale Bank. Teresa brings significant [...]
West End retailers are expecting a £2.34bn boost from Christmas this year November 2, 2016 The West End is expecting some healthy takings at the till this Christmas – the most important time of year for retailers. The New West End Company has forecast that till receipts will rise 1.6 per cent year-on-year this Christmas, hitting £2.34bn. Average takings are expected to come to £51.1m per day during the peak period for [...]