Covid rules easing: Medics call decision to re-open nightclubs in Belfast ‘complete madness’ October 22, 2021 Medics have said the Stormont decision to lift coronavirus rules despite mounting pressures on the health service is “complete madness.” Dr Tom Black, chair of BMA’s Northern Ireland council, said the relaxations planned for the end of the month would ultimately lead to more Covid-19 deaths. He criticised the move as “stupidity” as he warned [...]
Used car prices skyrocket as UK inflation eases October 20, 2021 The UK average price of a used car has increased by 23.9 per cent this week as a result of September’s inflation rates easing to 3.1 per cent. Data from automotive advertising firm Auto Trader have also revealed that year-on-year prices quadrupled this week, especially if compared with the 5.7 growth recorded in the week [...]
High street faces £1bn business rates increase next year October 20, 2021 Business rates are anticipated to rise £1bn in England next year, unwelcome news for high street firms attempting to recover from the pandemic. September’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) signals the amount business rates will leap next April, according to analysis from the Altus Group, the country’s largest rating advisory body. The CPI measure determines business [...]
Number of remote working vacancies drops 24 per cent after peaking at 130,000 October 20, 2021 After climbing to an all-time high of 130,000 in June, the number of remote working vacancies advertised has fallen to 99,000 in August, according to new data shared with City A.M. today. This is a significant drop of 24 per cent following months of climbing and suggests that businesses are returning to pre-pandemic ways of [...]
Travel rules mean London is ‘very uncompetitive’ tourism prospect October 19, 2021 The government must tweak its international travel rules in order for high-end London hotels to recuperate after the pandemic, according to one trade leader. London is currently “very uncompetitive” in the international tourism market, Joss Croft, boss of trade body UKinbound, told CityA.M. While changes to allow travellers arriving in the UK to test with [...]
Gove the gardener: Are plans for a Tulip tower in London set to bloom again? October 17, 2021 Tulip fever is heading to London, with housing secretary Michael Gove tipped to overule London mayor Sadiq Khan’s decision to squash plans for a flower-inspired skyscraper in the City. Gove is expected to give the plans for a 300m tower the OK, the Telegraph reported, which would overturn Khan’s 2019 decision against the Tulip. At [...]
West End bemoans business rates delays as reform heads for the long grass October 15, 2021 Central London bosses last night said another delay to business rates reform would be a “further blow” for beleaguered bars and restaurants. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has reportedly delayed a fundamental review of the levy, further rubbing salt in the wounds of West End businesses teetering on the brink after several lockdowns and fledgling return of [...]
Tax hikes to derail UK economy at the final hurdle October 14, 2021 Imposing punitive tax hikes on businesses will blow the UK economic recovery off course just as it is in touching distance of reaching pre-pandemic strength. That’s the warning to Chancellor Rishi Sunak from economists and industry leaders after data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed Britain is inches away from full repair. “Our [...]
Plans ‘in the pipeline’ for more Ivy restaurants October 11, 2021 Restauranter Richard Caring’s firm plans to open more Ivy venues, as financial accounts lay bare the impact of the pandemic. In full-year accounts filed to Companies House, Caprice Holdings reported a £28.4m turnover for the 53 weeks ended January 3. The company owns London private dining rooms including Sexy Fish, Daphne’s and 34 Mayfair. Turnover [...]
City favourite M restaurant branches out with third site in Canary Wharf October 11, 2021 Canary Wharf may still be a little quieter than usual but restaurateur Martin Williams is soon to give commuters another reason to head back to their desks. He is set to open the third M Restaurant across two floors of the Newfoundland building – the UK’s sixth tallest building – overlooking the Thames and the [...]