Coronavirus will ‘accelerate the digital revolution’, says ad mogul Martin Sorrell March 19, 2020 The outbreak of coronavirus will “accelerate the digital revolution” as businesses and consumers become increasingly reliant on technology, ad boss Sir Martin Sorrell has said. Sorrell, who runs ad fim S4 Capital, today said the “bottom line” of the crisis was that digital transformation would move at a much greater pace. “Businesses that were probably [...]
Sadiq Khan and Boris Johnson to discuss London coronavirus measures March 19, 2020 Sadiq Khan will meet with Boris Johnson this afternoon to discuss London’s next stage of quarantine measures as the government’s response to coronavirus intensifies. Speculation was rife yesterday that the government would soon implement a London lockdown, keeping only essential health services, supermarkets and pharmacies open. City A.M. reported today that this could include a [...]
IAG boss Willie Walsh to take pay cut amid coronavirus strife March 18, 2020 British Airways owner IAG’s boss Willie Walsh, who earlier this week deferred his retirement to guide the airline group through the coronavirus crisis, has volunteered take a 20 per cent pay cut. Walsh’s decision, which was first reported by Sky News, makes him the latest in a series of prominent airline executives such as Virgin [...]
BoE governor Andrew Bailey: Don’t sack workers due to coronavirus slowdown March 18, 2020 The new Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has said companies thinking about laying off workers should first consider the support the government and Threadneedle Street has made available to them during the coronavirus outbreak. Bailey also said he would not rule out any steps for the Bank of England at this stage, leaving the [...]
Coronavirus: B&Q owner Kingfisher to negotiate rent payment terms March 18, 2020 B&Q owner Kingfisher is preparing to negotiate its rent payment system with landlords as it tries to save cash amid the coronavirus crisis. Kingfisher, which also owns Screwfix Direct, will ask to pay rents across its 950 UK stores on a monthly basis, rather than each quarter, Sky News reported. Retailers are increasingly facing cash [...]
Stobart Group confirms sale of Southend Airport stake but warns of coronavirus delay March 17, 2020 Logistics firm Stobart Group has confirmed that it is in talks to sell a 25 per cent stake in London Southend airport, but that the sale will be delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Yesterday Sky News first reported that German-based Avi Alliance had made a £700m approach for a quarter of the airport, with [...]
Coronavirus: Pub stocks plunge on ‘stay home’ advice March 17, 2020 Pub stocks plummeted this morning following government advice for the public to avoid pubs and restaurants to slow the spread of coronavirus. The hospitality sector yesterday branded the government’s decision to urge people to stop going to venues without offering any additional help for businesses “catastrophic”. Pub operator Marston’s share price dropped more than 28 [...]
Universal to release films online due to coronavirus spread March 17, 2020 Universal Pictures said it will make its films available online the same day they are released in the cinema, as the coronavirus keeps people worldwide in lockdown. The decision by Comcast-owned NBCUniversal, will take effect from 10 April with the release of Dreamworks Animations firm Trolls World Tour. The move ends the traditional approach of [...]
TfL to run reduced service during coronavirus outbreak March 17, 2020 Transport for London (TfL) will run a reduced service on its network during the coronavirus outbreak, mayor Sadiq Khan has said. Weekday public transport in the capital will be cut back to a “Saturday-type service” over the next few days, Khan told Sky News today. This means weekday Tube and bus services will run at [...]
City Pub Group to slash jobs as coronavirus threat looms March 17, 2020 City Pub Group today said it will lay off staff across the company as it braces for a decline in footfall caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The upmarket pub chain said it will reduce employee numbers in its head office and at site level, while opening hours will be reviewed to cut out “non-productive” times. [...]