French Connection chief seeks to sell off controlling stake October 6, 2018 French Connection founder Stephen Marks is sounding out potential buyers for his controlling stake in the retailer, it emerged today, in a deal which could trigger a takeover of the whole business. Advisers from Numis Securities, acting on Marks' behalf, have been speaking to prospective bidders this week about the 42 per cent shareholding, sources [...]
Further outflows for UK funds as Brexit uncertainty continues October 4, 2018 UK-focused funds continued to experience outflows in August as investor confidence remained dented by Brexit uncertainty, taking the post-referendum total to £10.2bn so far. Net retail sales outflows were £217m in August compared to inflows of £4.6bn the previous year, according to the latest figures from the Investment Association. Read more: Investment Association boosts board gender diversity with shake [...]
We’re on the cusp of a blockchain revolution October 4, 2018 Earlier this year, Bank of England governor Mark Carney scrutinised blockchain technology, describing it as an inadequate currency platform set for a “brutal reckoning”. His views come as no surprise for someone deeply ingrained into the traditions of the financial system and the institutions that have set the industry’s tone for centuries. Read more: Up [...]
DFS shares wobble after pre-tax profits almost halve in full-year results October 4, 2018 Sofa firm DFS said the summer heatwave caused profits to fall this year, despite an uptick in revenue, causing shares to tumble by an initial nine per cent before recovering in early morning trading. The figures Pre-tax profit was nearly cut in halve as it fell a massive 48.5 per cent in the 52 weeks up [...]
Ted Baker share price slides as profits fall amid ‘challenging’ high street October 4, 2018 Profits dropped at fashion house Ted Baker today as it blamed “challenging trading conditions”, with no let up expected for the latter half of the year, sending shares sliding around 12 per cent in early morning trading. Read more: Moss Bros issues profit warning The figures Ted Baker saw profits before tax dip 3.2 per [...]
Tesco share price falls despite taking the fight to supermarket rivals with rising revenues October 3, 2018 Tesco aimed to cement its status as the UK’s largest supermarket today with rising revenue and operating margins as it fights off competition from merging rivals and cheaper competitors. However, shares fell more than seven per cent in morning trading as the retailer missed a key profit metric. The figures The retail giant posted a 13 [...]
Ocado claims the FTSE 350 crown while Indivior takes a kicking October 2, 2018 Online supermarket Ocado has claimed the top spot in the FTSE 350’s best performers so far this year just months after sealing its place as a FTSE 100 player, with shares soaring after a swathe of new licensing deals. Shares in Ocado have rocketed 126 per cent since the start of 2018, as the firm [...]
CEOs should get out of the board room spend time on the shop floor October 2, 2018 In a recent study, nearly 80 per cent of consumers stated that the average brand doesn’t understand them. This hints at a worrying disconnect in business, particularly at a time when changing attitudes among consumers and workforces mean leaders should be connected to what is going on outside of their office door. The day-to-day demands [...]
Shares in carpet and furniture retailer ScS get a boost as profits rise in full-year results October 2, 2018 Furniture and floorings retailer ScS got a boost to its share price this morning after it reported a strong growth in operating profits in its full-year results. Its share rose 6.5 per cent in early trading after it released the update. Read more: Ted Baker expected to boost revenues despite high street worries The figures In [...]
Selfridges posts record operating profit as investment programme pays off October 1, 2018 A major revamp has helped Selfridges increase sales by 11.5 per cent year-on-year, as operating profits rose to a record £181m for its latest financial year. The department store is now in the final 12 months of its four-year £300m investment programme, transforming its London store and increasing its digital capabilities. Read more: Analysts warn of Debenhams [...]