Waterstones books Rothschild as IPO plans ramp up January 7, 2026 The owner of Waterstones is preparing to appoint Rothschild to advise its multibillion-pound flotation later this year, offering the clearest sign yet that London could turn the page on a dire run of form if it edges out New York for the listing. Elliott Management, which owns Waterstones and its US sister Barnes & Noble, [...]
Starmer summons business chiefs to join China trip January 7, 2026 Downing Street officials are asking business leaders to join Keir Starmer on a visit to China later this month, it has been reported, amid tensions over the approval of its mega embassy near the City of London. The government is still looking to gather new business representatives to accompany Starmer to Beijing despite some concerns [...]
Inside the ‘best ski resort in the world’ in the Swiss Alps January 7, 2026 Last year, travel booking site Omio crowned Arosa-Lenzerheide in Switzerland as the best ski resort in the world. Beating 6,000 other winter sports destinations, including big name competitors like Courchevel and St Moritz, Arosa-Lenzerheide scored an impressive 91.73 (out of 100). Omio considered everything from the number of lifts and lengths of slopes, to the [...]
SA20 future in doubt as Big Bash sale process squeezes cricket investment January 7, 2026 The SA20 franchise tournament is facing an uncertain financial future amid the threat of fresh competition for funding from Cricket Australia’s Big Bash, which is preparing to sell off stakes in its franchises to private investors later this year. All six SA20 franchises are owned by Indian Premier League teams, many of whom have expressed [...]
Global Group snaps up Gary Neville-founded The Overlap January 6, 2026 Gary Neville-founded media business The Overlap has been sold to Global in a deal that will see the radio juggernaut complete a majority acquisition. The Overlap, founded in 2021 and home to video series Stick to Football, will now be merged into the Global portfolio with the aim of growing a “network of video-led media [...]
Cost burden on firms rise at fastest pace since May January 6, 2026 Cost burdens on firms rose at their fastest pace since May as bosses dealt with wage growth pressures and sky-high energy prices, new data has indicated. S&P Global’s latest purchasing managers’ index (PMI), a monthly survey tracking hundreds of companies’ performances, showed that cost increases became heavier at the end of last year. Researchers said [...]
Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop collapse into administration, risking thousands of jobs January 6, 2026 High street chains Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) are being put into administration, after their owner said “last-ditch” measures had fallen through, putting about 2,500 UK staff at risk of redundancy. The two retailers had already undergone restructuring and were bought by investment firm Modella Capital last year. Modella said it had made [...]
The 13 unmissable TV shows to watch in 2026, from Industry to Bridgerton January 2, 2026 It’s set to be another blockbuster year for TV shows in 2026, with the return of much-loved franchises like Bridgerton and Industry, as well as a range of new launches, including – for the young and perpetually online – Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty, a thrilling-sounding look at “ozempic culture,” and the return of Dawn French [...]
King and Ascend could deliver Eustace a Swift double January 2, 2026 RACING continues to come thick and fast in Hong Kong, with an 11-race programme at Sha Tin on Sunday following hot on the heels of the New Year card at the same venue on Thursday. The feature race on the card, the Group Three Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (8.05am), a handicap over five furlongs, is full [...]
I tried a different alcohol free drink every day of Dry January January 2, 2026 Pubs are tired of the idea that the annual event needs to be miserable; one venue is even throwing a ‘death to Dry January’ party to show that alcohol free can be fun. But there’s another movement too: producers are more keen than ever to express how their liquids taste better than ever. No longer [...]