On this day in 1968: Moscow crushes the Prague Spring August 20, 2025 On this day in 1968, Alexander Dubček's experiments in "socialism with a human face" with the Prague Spring were met by the force of Moscow.
London businesses optimistic for future economic growth, KPMG says August 18, 2025 The vast majority of private business owners in London have recorded rocketing optimism about their growth prospects, but concerns surrounding the impact of inflation remain, according to the latest KPMG private enterprise barometer survey. Following a challenging first financial half of the year, with businesses hit with tariff turmoil and ongoing geopolitical tensions, confidence in [...]
Banks ombudsman fights for relevance amid Treasury crackdown August 18, 2025 The Financial Ombudsman Service is battling against a litany of obstacles as the government looks to “fundamentally” change its regulatory makeup. The organisation was rocked earlier this year by a leadership crisis following the abrupt departure of chief executive Abby Thomas in February. A Treasury Committee report, published in July, revealed Thomas had been dismissed [...]
London ‘staring down the barrel’ of £2bn hit from higher business rates August 14, 2025 London is set to take a massive blow from changes to business rates when the tax increases next April. Business rates could rise by an estimated 26 per cent across the capital, from £9bn to £11bn, according to the Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA). “Businesses in the West End and across London are staring [...]
Zilch hikes provisions amid ‘record year’ for customer growth August 13, 2025 UK fintech Zilch raised its provisions for losses in the last year as demand for buy now, pay later services ballooned. The London-headquartered firm raised provisions for credit losses – funds set aside to cover estimated losses from failed repayments – to £27.4m – a 116 per cent jump from £12.7m the year prior. Credit [...]
Soho isn’t just for residents, so why do they get all the say? August 13, 2025 Soho could be a pedestrianised wonderland, but Nimbyism plus a council structure that disincentivises business is punishing all Londoners.
KFC and Pizza Hut help serve up huge profit for owner August 12, 2025 Huge dividends from KFC and Pizza Hut helped their owner Yum! Brands more than triple its profit last year, it has been revealed. The group’s European division has posted a pre-tax profit of $1.2bn (£892.7m) for 2024, up significantly from the $317.1m (£235.8m) it posted for 2023. The firm, Yum! Restaurant Holdings, is a holding [...]
Derwent: Central London office rents firmly in recovery August 12, 2025 Derwent London has said the fundamentals of the London office market continue to strengthen despite a “volatile” economic backdrop. London’s office market has been in recovery since the end of last year, with falling interest rates and a return to the office helping to support occupancy. “Demand [is] well above the long-term average and [there’s] [...]
Tasmania holiday ideas: Beaches, mountains, wildlife and food August 11, 2025 A poster catches my eye while I’m waiting to catch my connecting flight from Sydney Airport. It shows four hikers – a family, perhaps, or maybe just a close group of friends – standing on the summit of a small mountain draped in moss. Warmed by the orange glow of an early sunrise, the hikers [...]
Fayder: The fan and athlete platform tackling sport’s funding problem August 11, 2025 Vwaire Obukohwo dreams of rowing for Team GB at the LA 2028 Olympics, although her more immediate concern is how she will afford her weekly food shop. Like many elite athletes, the 23-year-old from south-west London receives some central funding to pursue the ambition of representing her country on the biggest stage. But funding has [...]