‘Budget hasn’t worked’: Reeves defends China trip as Stride says Brits ‘deserve better’ January 14, 2025 Rachel Reeves has defended her trip to China amid economic turmoil in the UK as MPs argued her Budget “hasn’t worked” and insisted: “The British people deserve better.” The Chancellor appeared in the House of Commons for the first time since last week’s bond market shock threw her public spending plans and fiscal rules into [...]
Shein’s ‘evasive’ performance triggers fresh fury from campaigners January 9, 2025 Human rights groups have launched fresh attacks on the fast fashion firm Shein after a representative of the firm repeatedly dodged questions from MPs over where it sourced materials for its clothing. During a Business and Trade Select Committee hearing on Tuesday, Shein’s London-based general counsel for EMEA, Yinan Zhu, repeatedly failed to give a direct answer [...]
‘Horrified’: Shein lambasted by MPs as fast fashion firm dodges questions January 7, 2025 Fast fashion retailer Shein was lambasted by MPs and accused of behaviour that “bordered on contempt” today after a representative of the firm repeatedly refused to answer questions over its supply chain practices and upcoming IPO. The Chinese-founded retailer, which is reportedly gearing up to list on the London Stock Exchange this year, has faced [...]
Group hits Shein with labour abuse dossier ahead of Select Committee January 6, 2025 Shein has been provided with a dossier of evidence alleging supply chain abuses ahead of its appearance before a Select Committee on Tuesday.
Monzo, Open AI, Revolut and Klarna: The IPOs to watch out for in 2025 January 3, 2025 While economic uncertainty prompted a cautious approach to IPOs in 2025, several high-profile companies are preparing to float in 2025. From leading fintechs such as Monzo, Revolut, and Klarna to global giants such as OpenAI and SpaceX, some of the most exciting growth companies in recent years could IPO this year. Here is a look [...]
Thames Water to avoid state bailout, the FTSE 100 at 7900 and an ITV bid: my predictions for UK plc in 2025 January 2, 2025 Predictions may generally be a mug’s game, but looking back at my forecasts for the business world in 2024, I seem to have fared better than usual. Klarna, the buy now pay later giant, opted for a New York listing; Dame Alison Rose made a comeback in a senior private equity role; Unilever announced that [...]
UK retail sector faces mounting pressures after Budget, warns Begbies Traynor December 27, 2024 UK retailers in critical financial distress has surged by more than 25 per cent, marked by weaker-than-expected retail sales and Budget uncertainty
Canal+ IPO offers hope for troubled London Stock Exchange December 16, 2024 French media giant Canal+ will list on the London Stock Exchange this morning in an early Christmas present for a bourse battered by a string of exits this year.
Boohoo’s money troubles increase as bidder for London office walks away December 15, 2024 Boohoo has suffered another financial setback after an Israeli bidder pulled out of talks to buy its London office. The company was set to sell its Soho office for £60m to cover a looming debt repayment of £47m due in August 2025. The fast-fashion company bought the property for £72m in 2021. The news comes [...]
A requiem for UK equity capital markets December 14, 2024 London’s storied status as a global financial powerhouse is slipping away, and with every IPO that doesn’t materialise or company that decamps to the US, it becomes clearer that the City is in its death throes, says Owen Matthews As a former mid-cap ECM investment banker, I’ve watched with despair as the lights dim on [...]