From the leaders debate to the Holborn fire: Here’s what got us talking this week April 2, 2015 There was a fire. Then there was another fire. And in Salford, there were fireworks (or was it a damp squib?). Considering it was a short week, plenty happened. Here's what got us talking. 1. And they were off. It may feel like they've been at it for weeks, but Monday was officially the [...]
In praise of solitude: What does time alone mean to you? April 2, 2015 Our phones never stop ringing. Emails flood our inboxes. Meetings are an integral part of our working lives (not to mention pre-meetings and de-briefings). Smartphones keep us connected with our friends and family during the day and our bosses when we’re at home at night. In 2015, most of us can quite honestly say they [...]
Wealthy Russians push up rents by paying annual cost upfront March 30, 2015 WEALTHY tenants from Russia, Ukraine, Nigeria and China are pushing up high-end rents in the capital by paying for an entire year of tenancy upfront, a new study has suggested. Upmarket lettings agency EJ Harris said the number of wealthy foreign investors paying annual rents upfront had doubled in the past year, from one in [...]
New credit crisis brews in emerging markets March 30, 2015 Beware contagion from looming bank failure in Brazil INVESTORS in emerging markets have been left sorely disappointed in recent years, as on-going political and economic problems are plaguing the sector’s key nations, including Brazil, China, Turkey and Russia. Over five years, the MSCI Emerging Markets index has risen just 8.9 per cent, compared to the [...]
Tube closure, rail disruption and roadworks: Everything you need to know about the Easter bank holiday London travel disruptions at Euston, Paddington and Liverpool Street March 30, 2015 It looks like this weekend is set to be another classic London bank holiday, with miserable weather and even more miserable transport. As well as the usual weekend Tube closures and roadworks – which run from Friday until Monday – works are due to take place at many of the capital's main stations. Remember National [...]
Wealthy Russians are pushing up London rental prices by paying an entire year’s rent upfront – as stamp duty and the mansion tax scare buyers into becoming tenants March 30, 2015 Wealthy tenants from Russia, Ukraine, Nigeria and China are pushing up high-end rents in the capital by paying for an entire year of tenancy upfront, a new study has suggested. Upmarket lettings agency EJ Harris said the number of wealthy foreign investors paying annual rents upfront has doubled in the past year, from one in [...]
The Shanghai’s the limit in this city that never stops March 29, 2015 Londoners are obsessed with christening skyscrapers. From the Walkie Talkie to the Cheesegrater, new buildings are barely granted planning permission before they are slapped with a nickname, reducing years of meticulous planning to a childish slogan. If the residents of Shanghai had a similar habit, they’d have little time to do anything else. The skyline [...]
Network Rail issues pre-emptive apology for Easter train travel delays at stations across London and south east March 26, 2015 Network Rail has issued a pre-emptive strike against commuter complaints, apologising in advance for any disruption its ongoing work could have on those travelling during the four-day weekend. The transport group said it had “good contingency plans” in place but acknowledged there would be travel woes for some, urging passengers to check before they start [...]
Ros Altmann: The savers’ champion talks pension reform, QE, and the pension annuities bombshell March 26, 2015 "I was gobsmacked.” Ros Altmann summarises her reaction to the Budget last year, when the chancellor first outlined his dramatic plans to bring pension freedoms to all. On the afternoon of that Budget day, Altmann, a pensions expert and campaigner, adviser to successive governments, and investment manager and economist, could barely contain her excitement when [...]
Touching down March 25, 2015 Andy Baker explains how turning to crowdfunding is transforming opportunities for a growing rugby company IN THE complex world of sports development, sustainable funding is a key ingredient for success. In this Rugby World Cup year, this is why we looked to crowdfunding to secure a £150,000 investment in Trys Rugby. We are an adult [...]