Ruaridh McConnochie’s World Cup selection shows Eddie Jones’s methodology with England August 12, 2019 A year ago, Ruaridh McConnochie had not played a single top-flight match of rugby union. Today, despite still never having played competitively for England, he was named in Eddie Jones’s 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup next month. It was a momentous day in McConnochie’s career and one entirely in keeping with a whirlwind [...]
By trolling Anthony Scaramucci, Trump has crossed a line August 12, 2019 When I woke up on Sunday, like a lot of entrepreneurs and people who work in the media, I reached for my smartphone to check Twitter (Mrs B was still asleep; I am an early riser). One story that caught my eye straight away was President Trump – where would Twitter be without him, or [...]
Shares in M&C Saatchi plunge after it announces £6.4m charge following accounting errors August 12, 2019 Shares in M&C Saatchi fell more than 20 per cent this morning after it announced a £6.4m charge after discovering accounting errors. The advertising agency network said that following an internal accounting review it had set aside £4.9m related to specific issues identified within its accounts and £1.5m “as a conservative measure to provide for [...]
Owlet and the appeal of wearable tech for babies August 12, 2019 Wellbeing is a big business. Technology can now closely track our personal health, with apps and devices to monitor how many steps we take, what calories we’ve eaten, our blood pressure, and even how well we sleep. Fitbits and other wearable gadgets have also exploded in popularity with health-conscious consumers. Is there a limit to [...]
It’s fine to fail: Why we need to teach people the good, the bad, and the ugly of building a business August 12, 2019 Every entrepreneur has a story of past failure that they’re not afraid to share. I’m no exception. Back in 2010, when Octopus began investing in film production companies, we turned down the opportunity to invest in a small British film called The King’s Speech, which went on to gross £250m worldwide and win four Oscars. [...]
Frank Lampard’s brave approach backfires on Chelsea managerial debut as Blues ship four at reinvigorated Manchester United August 11, 2019 Few footballing unions are as long and happy as Frank Lampard’s association with Chelsea, with whom he renewed his vows when he returned to the club as manager last month. Not many honeymoons have been so short, either. On his first Premier League match in charge of the team he played for with such distinction [...]
China warns UK against Hong Kong probe August 10, 2019 China’s foreign ministry has told the UK to stay out of the country’s internal affairs foreign secretary Dominic Raab called for a probe into the unrest in Hong Kong. The financial hub has been embroiled in a number of protests since June, which have continued this weekend, and on Friday Raab suggested there should be [...]
Hong Kong: Activists take to the streets in another weekend of protests August 10, 2019 Another weekend of anti-government protests kicked off in Hong Kong on Saturday morning as the political crisis deepened. It was the second day in a row that 1,000’s of activists have turned up to the city’s international airport following further peaceful protests on Friday. Read more: Hong Kong protests continue as property developers urge calm [...]
Sterling spirals to near $1.20 as UK economy comes close to recession August 9, 2019 Sterling has tumbled to fresh two-year lows after official figures showed Britain’s economy contracted in the second quarter, raising fears of a recession and adding to no-deal Brexit worries. Read more: Sterling to tumble further as no-deal Brexit worries intensify The pound had fallen 0.6 per cent against the dollar by 1.45pm to buy $1.207, [...]
Hong Kong protests continue as property developers urge calm August 9, 2019 Demonstrations continued at Hong Kong’s airport on Friday as protesters waved banners and handed out leaflets in multiple languages to visitors at the arrivals hall. Hundreds of young people turned out in support, wearing black T-shirts, and warned of a weekend of planned protests across the city. Read more: Hong Kong protests: General strike brings [...]