Wise’s London listing snub shows the need for urgent City reform June 6, 2025 The loss of the primary listing of the fin tech Wise from London is another body blow to those seeking to reboot its fortunes as the international market where the best ideas find the best capital, writes shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith. Coming on the eve of London Tech Week it’s a real downer and [...]
Pret owners in discussions for IPO or possible sale June 6, 2025 Pret’s parent company JAB Holding has engaged advisors to explore options for the sandwich chain, which include a potential sale or stock market float. Luxembourg-based JAB, which bought Pret for £1.5bn in 2018, told the Financial Times that it was not “currently” considering a sale, but added: “As we move closer to a potential IPO, [...]
Melrose founders’ Rosebank strikes £1.4bn deal June 6, 2025 Rosebank Industries, the investment vehicle led by Melrose founder Simon Peckham, has struck a £1.4bn deal for a North American electrical components business. The acquisition of Electrical Components International (ECI), the company’s first, will be financed through debt facilities and a £1.14bn capital raise at an issue price of £3 per share. Peckham, a veteran [...]
A Wise storm has rocked the London Stock Exchange’s fintech dream June 6, 2025 Hopes of a fintech-powered City markets revival may have been crushed on Thursday after money transfer firm Wise ditched its primary listing. The embattled London Stock Exchange was dealt its latest blow as the UK fintech opted for a dual listing across the Atlantic but with the US acting as its primary base. It’s no [...]
Has Klarna’s buy now, pay later bubble burst? June 6, 2025 Buy now, pay later services have exploded in the last decade and industry titan Klarna has spearheaded growth. The global BNPL market is expected to top $560.1bn (£412.8bn) in 2025 with 13.7 per cent annual growth. Swedish fintech Klarna has historically dominated the space, notching a net operating income of $1.087bn in 2020. The firm [...]
Seven in 10 bosses think workers’ rights bill will dent growth June 6, 2025 Over seven in 10 bosses believe the government’s flagship workers’ rights overhaul will kibosh efforts to kickstart economic growth and lead to fewer new hires and more outsourcing of work abroad, fresh research has shown. According to a poll by the Institute of Directors (IoD), 72 per cent of business leaders in Britain believe that, [...]
British businesses celebrated in third year of The King’s Awards for Enterprise: June 5, 2025 The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have now been announced, celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognising their vital role in growing our economy to improve lives. This year, 197 businesses representing a diverse range of sectors, have been recognised by His Majesty The King [...]
Labour’s not for turning but the Inheritance Tax battle will rumble on June 5, 2025 Civil servants and politicians could not believe their eyes. As the hoarse grumble of diesel motors thundered along Whitehall, a fleet of tractors descended onto Parliament Square, heralded by a cacophony of honks to the tune of Aqua’s Barbie Girl. Beginning in November, farmers marched to Westminster to protest the government’s inheritance tax (IHT) reforms. [...]
A new James Bond has been revealed for 007: First Light – and he’s 26 June 5, 2025 Amid the endless chatter about who might eventually assume the role of James Bond in the movie franchise, there has finally been some news. An official new James Bond has been announced, and he’s young at 26. He’ll be appearing in a forthcoming Playstation game called 007: First Light that is being released in 2026 [...]
Dr Martens: Shoemaker broadens range of sandals and bags as profit plummets June 5, 2025 Dr Martens has announced a new strategic focus after a bruising year which saw the brand nearly fall into the red. It will move away from a narrow focus on boots to a much broader approach targeting shoes, sandals and bags via a strategy called “Levers for Growth”. “Our ambition is to establish Dr. Martens as the world’s [...]