Opinion: Many criticise London’s rapid regeneration but there’s lots to admire, too November 14, 2016 The changing residential landscape across London is sometimes met with disapproval and resentment. Gentrification can be a symbol for negativity, with many arguing that neighbourhoods lose their character and soul as a result. However, what I have seen as a long-term resident in Hackney, a borough that’s often held up an example of gentrification, is [...]
Here are all the Marks & Spencer stores at risk of closure November 14, 2016 Brace yourselves residents of St Albans, Warrington and Bolton. For it seems your local M&S is at risk of getting the chop. The retailer is shutting 30 outlets around the UK and converting 45 others to Simply Food stores. While M&S hasn't yet announced its full list of closures, retail analysts at Local Data Company [...]
Blackstone-backed retailer faces testing negotiations with lenders after annual earnings are slashed November 13, 2016 Outdoor clothing retailer Jack Wolfskin has gone cap in hand to its lenders after revealing annual earnings have halved and forecast earnings will be less than previously expected. The German-based company was saddled with €485m (£418m) of debt facilities, when current owners Blackstone, a private equity firm, bought it in 2011. The debt in the business now totals €365m. [...]
City Moves for 11 November 2016 | Who’s switching jobs November 11, 2016 SETL SETL, the London based financial blockchain specialist, has appointed national security expert Martin Clements to its board. SETL was launched in July 2015 to deploy a multi-asset, multi-currency institutional payment and settlements infrastructure based on blockchain technology. Martin joins the SETL board having recently retired from his role as director general responsible for technology and [...]
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 [...]