Coronavirus: UK ventilator orders still waiting on approval April 14, 2020 No ventilators provisionally ordered by the government through its private sector call to arms have been given regulatory approval. The government has ordered tens of thousands of mechanical ventilators, from companies such as Dyson, to add to the 10,000 already circulating in the NHS used to treat seriously ill coronavirus patients. The orders are subject [...]
City bigwigs urged to help save businesses from coronavirus collapse April 12, 2020 Dozens of the City’s most high-profile denizens have been urged to offer their support to a taskforce that will prop up businesses at risk of collapse due to the coronavirus crisis. A group of more than 40 grandees were on Thursday asked to offer assistance pro bono on everything from legal advice to asset management. [...]
Dominic Raab: Still ‘too early’ to lift lockdown restrictions April 9, 2020 The government has said that it is still too early to lift lockdown restrictions across the UK, urging people again not to travel over the Easter bank holiday weekend. Foreign secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for Boris Johnson while the prime minister remains in intensive care, said that although the early signs were that [...]
Coronavirus: Arcadia races to raise £50m to secure immediate future April 9, 2020 Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia retail empire is scrambling to raise £50m to secure its future amid the coronavirus crisis, which has forced stores to close indefinitely. Arcadia, which owns Topshop and Dorothy Perkins, has reportedly approached banks and hedge funds as it seeks to borrow around £50m against its Daventry distribution centre, Sky News reported. [...]
UK coronavirus death toll jumps by 938 to pass 7,000 April 8, 2020 The UK coronavirus death toll has jumped by 938 to hit 7,097, the Department of Health has confirmed. The figure marks an increase on the 786 fatalities recorded yesterday, as the daily death toll continues to grow ahead of the Easter weekend. Health officials have warned that the long weekend could see the peak of [...]
Invesco chiefs warn listed companies over cash calls April 8, 2020 Invesco has told listed companies they must make a convincing case for raising “precious and expensive” equity during the coronavirus pandemic. A letter sent by the co-heads of UK equities at Invesco, obtained by Sky News, sets out their expectations for corporate fundraising. It came after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced temporary measures to [...]
Prince Andrew’s former private secretary quits troubled Pitch@Palace April 7, 2020 The Duke of York’s former private secretary is said to have quit her role as chief executive of his embattled Pitch@Palace initiative. Amanda Thirsk, who served as Prince Andrew’s aide for 15 years, has resigned to take up an undisclosed role in the private sector, Sky News reported. It comes as the initiative, which offers [...]
Roku launches ad-funded UK streaming channel with classic British shows April 7, 2020 Roku has today launched a new UK channel as the ad-funded streaming service ramps up its TV offering for British consumers. The Roku Channel will offer users free access to more than 10,000 films, TV episodes and documentaries. It will feature British favourites such as Homes under the Hammer, Kitchen Nightmares and Skins, as well [...]
Imagination Technologies boss poised to quit over China Reform raid April 6, 2020 The boss of Imagination Technologies is reportedly on the brink of resigning as a state-owned Chinese company attempts to seize control of the board. Chief executive Ron Black, who has run the firm since December 2018, has signalled his intention to quit in protest at China Reform’s move to appoint four new directors, according to [...]
Easyjet founder warns airline could run out of money by August April 6, 2020 Easyjet’s founder and largest shareholder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has warned that unless a £4.5bn order for new Airbus planes is scrapped the carrier will run out of money by August. The Greek businessman is also seeking the removal of Easyjet chief financial officer Andrew Findlay. Haji-Ioannou said sacking Findlay “is the only way of preventing [...]