New Builds: New homes on sale this weekend in Barking, The City, Hampstead, Canning Town and Blackheath February 10, 2017 360 Barking, Barking From £295,000 This collection of one and two bedroom flats on Cambridge Road is in the heart of a soon-to-be “reinvigorated” town centre in east London. Plans are underfoot to turn its riverside into “Barcelona-on-Thames” and these new homes come with underfloor heating, in-built appliances and access to a garden roof terrace. [...]
The UK is losing out on foreign direct investment due to the uncertainty following Brexit vote February 7, 2017 The UK is losing out on foreign direct investment (FDI) due to the uncertainty following last year's Brexit vote, according to a new study by accountancy group UHY Hacker Young. The study, which looked at FDI inflows last year in 45 major economies, found the amount of investment fetched by the UK is lagging behind [...]
War with North Korea over its nuclear ambitions is now a very real possibility February 6, 2017 Such is the concern about the mad, cruel, despotic regime of Kim Jong-Un of North Korea that an internet falsehood recently spread that sounded just crazy enough to be true. According to the apocryphal tale, the untested Kim – chafing under the patronising tutelage of his uncle, Jang Song-thaek – decided he had had enough. [...]
Healthy manufacturers boost sterling and the FTSE 100 February 1, 2017 A strong set of data from the UK and the Eurozone have pushed up the value of sterling against the dollar, with the FTSE 100 benefiting as well. The manufacturing purchasing managers’ indices (PMIs) were strong across Europe as the sector continues to expand healthily. Sterling had dipped at the end of Asian trading against [...]
Chinese tourist spending soars in London’s West End as Brexit fall in sterling leaves more bang for the yuan January 31, 2017 WEST END sales to Chinese shoppers rose by a whopping 154 per cent year-on-year last week as visitors from the country took advantage of the cheap pound to celebrate the Chinese New Year in London’s key shopping district. Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of New West End Company which represents businesses around Oxford Street said: “The [...]
Sam Sunderland interview: Britain’s first winner of the Dakar Rally talks sun, sand and… cows January 31, 2017 After multiple broken bones and two previous disappointments, Britain’s first ever winner of the Dakar Rally never imagined his high-speed dreams would be ended by something as sedate as a cow. But Sam Sunderland, who took the title in the motorbike division of the iconic race earlier this month, recalls how a blundering bovine nearly [...]
Putin isn’t dangerous because Russia is strong – but because it’s so weak January 30, 2017 “Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.” – L Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz As a child, I remember being fascinated by the populist allegory The Wizard of Oz. My favourite part of the story – sure to cause me to burst out laughing even when I knew what was coming [...]
A bird’s eye view of the Elizabeth Line stations taking shape January 27, 2017 The Crossrail rail project has released a batch of new images to give us a bird's eye view of how the new Elizabeth Line stations are shaping up. There are 10 new stations being built across the capital and in the tunnels, over three-quarters of the permanent track has been laid. Simon Wright, Crossrail programme director, [...]
Cinema chain Vue plans £6.6m refurbishment of Leicester Square flagship January 26, 2017 Cinema company Vue Entertainment is planning a £6.6m refurbishment of its Leicester Square flagship. The West End venue, which first opened in October 1938, is planning to upgrade its seating, sound systems and introduce new retail offerings. Read more: Cinema chain Odeon's owner AMC buys Nordic Cinemas Group Guests will have a choice of fully-reclining [...]
The Magical Lantern Festival returns to London for a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration January 26, 2017 The Magical Lantern Festival has returned to illuminate Chiswick House Gardens with a spectacular fairytale world of light inspired art and sculptures. Taking place until 26 February – the garden’s 65 acres have been decorated with over 50 illuminated, brand new installations in celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Rooster. This year’s theme [...]