Beijing shuts all schools as second wave fears escalate June 16, 2020 Beijing has shut all schools in a sharp escalation of containment measures, as fears that new coronavirus outbreaks could develop into a second wave accelerate. The Chinese capital has suspended on-campus classes for all primary school, middle school and high school students in a bit to stem the rapid spread of new cases, state news [...]
Selfridges, Kurt Geiger, Intu hail shopper appetite as stores reopen June 16, 2020 High-end retailers have struck a positive note after the first day of their stores being reopen since the coronavirus lockdown started in March. Selfridges, the London department store, said that footfall had been greater than expected, while other retailers and venues gave similar indications. Selfridges said: “We have been pleasantly surprised by the response as [...]
Beijing tightens controls amid ‘extremely severe’ second wave fears June 16, 2020 The Chinese capital of Beijing has put neighbourhoods under lockdown and upped testing in a bid to stop clusters of new coronavirus infection developing into a second wave. Parts of Beijing were fenced off last night, with security checkpoints set up to prevent people from leaving the city as more than 100 new cases were [...]
High street footfall jumps 50 per cent as shops reopen for business June 15, 2020 Britain’s high streets have enjoyed a 52 per cent jump in footfall this morning, after shops opened their doors for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown was imposed in March. So-called non-essential retailers reopened this morning after the much-anticipated easing of lockdown measures by the government. According to Springboard data, footfall across all retail destinations [...]
Shorter hours and portable loos: How London’s West End is reopening shops after lockdown June 15, 2020 The West End was one of the first areas of London to suffer the economic damage wrought by coronavirus, even before lockdown. By mid-February, people were already avoiding the usually bustling restaurants of Chinatown, following false reports that the disease could be caught more easily there. Now, after months of lockdown-induced hibernation, businesses across the [...]
Oxford Street braces for just 20 per cent of usual footfall when shops reopen June 13, 2020 Shops on London’s usually bustling Oxford Street are bracing themselves for as little as one-sixth of their usual footfall when they reopen on Monday. Coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease on 15 June, allowing retailers on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and others to fling open their doors for the first time since March. However, Jace Tyrrell, chief [...]
Markets live: FTSE 100 falters after last week’s rally as US stocks inch up June 8, 2020 The FTSE 100 faltered today after a strong rally last week, coming down from highs despite more countries moving to ease lockdown measures. The blue chip index dropped as much as 0.75 per cent following the open. The FTSE 100 later pared back losses to close down 0.085 per cent lower at 6,478. Meanwhile, US [...]
Oil prices push higher despite unexpected surge in crude stocks May 28, 2020 Oil prices pushed upwards today despite a larger than expected build in US crude stockpiles, holding on to the gains of the last few weeks. Global standard Brent crude rose 1.5 per cent to $35.29, whilst US benchmark West Texas Intermediate picked up 1.9 per cent to reach $33.43. The rise came despite US crude [...]
Theatre needs its own ‘Project Restage’ May 28, 2020 Sian Hansen is Chief Operating Officer of C|T Group and sits on the board of the Almeida Theatre in Islington There is nothing to match the communal experience of watching a live performance in a renowned venue. It drives culture and brings society together whether that be live sport, music or theatre. At this time [...]
Closing the backdoor to EU dumping May 25, 2020 Full sovereignty is fundamental to the UK’s success in the post-Brexit future. For it to be achieved a number of loose ends left by the Brexit withdrawal process must be tied up. This should now be a priority for the future trade deal, so the UK can ensure UK citizens and businesses can compete fairly [...]