The ‘big tech’ backlash: How sustainable is the success of Google, Facebook and Amazon? February 22, 2018 In recent months it has felt like the tide is turning against big tech. Google has been fined for market abuse in the EU. Silicon Valley heads have been hauled in front of the US Senate and the UK Parliament to answer for the abuse of their platforms by extremists and Russian saboteurs. The repeal of [...]
On trend: Invest in the new era of British fashion brands February 21, 2018 The past few days have been some of the most important in London’s fashion calendar. As Fashion Week graced us with its presence once more, City A.M.’s Alys Keys reported on the shift towards a more democratic industry, propped up by the power of digital influencers. The internet will continue to redefine how we shop, [...]
Retail sales figures reveal the depth of Britain’s economic uncertainty February 19, 2018 A debate which appeared all but settled at the tail end of 2017 is steadily reopening. The question of whether Britain’s economy will expand more this year than it did last year is looking increasingly finely balanced. Just a few months ago, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) cut its annual economic growth forecasts for [...]
Exclusive: Firebrand MP Frank Field hopes to lock horns with Sir Philip Green over Arcadia sale February 19, 2018 One of Westminster’s most dogged MPs is hoping to lock horns once again with retail tycoon Sir Philip Green following reports that the former BHS owner is looking to sell his retail empire to a Chinese textiles conglomerate. City A.M. understands Frank Field, the Labour MP who spearheaded the parliamentary investigation into Green’s doomed sale [...]
UK shares rise as investors shrug off retail restlessness February 16, 2018 European shares today made further progress, completing a five-day gain that part-eroded last week’s big sell-off. UK equities advanced just under one per cent, sealing a near-three per cent gain on the week. Germany’s Dax gained 0.9 per cent today while France’s Cac was up 1.3 per cent. Sterling slipped earlier below $1.41 amid January’s [...]
Where next for markets as Europe moves from recovery to expansion? February 16, 2018 Market volatility rose at the start of February against a backdrop of strong economic data, causing many investors to question whether the bull-run for the stock market was over. Can Europe’s economic momentum continue and how will tighter monetary policy affects investments? At the 2018 Schroders Investment Conference investment experts discussed the economic outlook for [...]
UK retailers suffer worst footfall and spending for half a decade February 12, 2018 Britain’s retailers have been dealt another blow at the start of 2018, suffering the worst January for sales and footfall in half a decade. Figures released today by retail experts Springboard show footfall dropped by 1.6 per cent last month, the worst result for January since 2013, with customer numbers on high streets falling by [...]
Aldi knocks Waitrose off supermarket top spot while shoppers turn to Iceland and Ocado for online groceries February 12, 2018 Aldi has knocked Waitrose off the top spot as the UK’s favourite supermarket for in-store shopping. Customers rated their experience at the budget retailer as best in Which?’s annual survey. Last year’s most popular supermarket Waitrose fell to fourth-highest, below Marks & Spencer and Lidl. Respondents rated Aldi’s value for money very highly, and were [...]
UK immigration: Retailers call for simplification of the points-based immigration system after Brexit February 8, 2018 The retail industry has called for a simplification of the UK’s points-based immigration system after Brexit. In a submission to the government’s review of immigration, which is being conducted by the Migration Advisory Committee, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said the new system should be “quicker, simpler and less expensive” than the current points-based system [...]
It’s high time archaic cannabis prohibition went up in smoke February 5, 2018 Five years ago, Colorado and Washington became the first two states in the US to legalise cannabis. Alaska and Oregon followed, and at the beginning of this year, California and Nevada joined them. This month will see Maine start sales and Connecticut debate legalisation, while to the north, Canada will start selling on the same [...]