Here’s why mass parcel drone deliveries are unlikely to take off in London October 11, 2017 The likes of Google and Amazon may be plugging investment into developing drone deliveries, but the capital isn't likely to be filled with them anytime soon. Not according to the professor of logistics at Kühne Logistics University, anyway. Alan McKinnon says there are a couple of key reasons why urban drone delivery looks set to [...]
Space technology specialist Astrosat tackling humanitarian issues on earth October 9, 2017 Space technology specialist Astrosat is using satellite data to diagnose and predict problems on earth. The company, based in Musselburgh, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, has recently returned from the US having participated in the high-profile Armstrong Space Symposium at The Ohio State University. “Our business is bringing space down to Earth. At Astrosat we [...]
RBS chairman Howard Davies: Banks set to trigger Brexit contingency plans in March 2018 without details of transitional period October 8, 2017 The chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland has said he’s not concerned that the government has taken its “eye of the ball” when it comes to Brexit amid continued in-fighting in Theresa May’s government. But Howard Davies warned that “some” jobs at the bank will go and that the damage of leaving the EU on [...]
Swedish design creatives in Malmo and the surrounding Skane region are challenging Stockholm for the crown October 2, 2017 For ancient history buffs, it’s Rome or Stonehenge; for foodies, it’s Le Marais or Tuscany; for design nerds, home is Sweden. There’s something about its laidback charm, its rustic, uncluttered décor that’s universally appealing. But there’s a feeling that its capital, Stockholm, has lost a little of its moxie. Sky-high property prices and an ultra [...]
Imperial Brands in talks to save wholesaler Palmer & Harvey alongside Carlyle and McColl’s founder September 28, 2017 Tobacco giant Imperial Brands confirmed this morning that it is in talks to help save Palmer & Harvey, the UK’s biggest cigarette supplier. In a trading update, Imperial said it was seeking to create a “sustainable future” for P&H, which supplies Tesco and other major retailers. Shares in Imperial dropped 2.3 per cent this morning [...]
McColl’s founder approached by buyout house Carlyle to lead Palmer & Harvey rescue September 26, 2017 Private equity firm The Carlyle Group has invited a co-founder of convenience store McColl’s to take a key role in its rumoured buyout of Palmer & Harvey (P&H), according to Sky News. James Lancaster is reportedly being drafted in to join the grocery wholesaler as its non-executive chairman, in a deal aimed to salvage the [...]
Former Conservative politician Andrew Tyrie urged to stand for top job at City watchdog September 25, 2017 Senior figures in the financial services sector are attempting to persuade the former chairman of parliament’s Treasury Select Committee to apply for a top job at the Financial Conduct Authority, according to Sky News. Andrew Tyrie, who was previously Conservative MP for Chichester for 20 consecutive years until he stepped down in April, has reportedly [...]
Deliveroo set to become unicorn with $385m investment September 23, 2017 Deliveroo has secured $385m (£285.3m) in new funding from two US firms. Stateside investors Fidelity and T. Rowe Price have agreed to put money into the UK-based start-up as part of a deal which values the company at over $2bn (£1.48bn), according to Sky News. The investment means rumours of a Deliveroo IPO are likely [...]
Ryanair issues defamation proceedings against the Guardian and a pilots union – reports September 21, 2017 Irish airline Ryanair is said to be suing pilots union IALPA and the Guardian for defamation, as it continues to deal with the scheduling crisis that has led to hundreds of flights being cancelled. Responding to reports from a local journalist that Ryanair was taking legal action against both parties, a spokesperson for the budget [...]
Transferwise founders set to sell first shares as forex firm is confirmed as fintech unicorn September 18, 2017 The two founders of Transferwise will sell part of their stakes in the foreign exchange start-up as part of a funding round valuing the fintech darling at $1.6bn (£1.2bn), according to reports. Taavet Hinrikus and Kristo Kaarmann are set to sell small parts of their 40 per cent ownership of the firm as part of [...]