Minimum alcohol pricing: Scottish government plans 50p per unit alcohol price after Supreme Court backs minimum pricing proposal November 15, 2017 The Scottish government has said it will set minimum alcohol prices “as quickly as possible” after the UK’s Supreme Court ruled in its favour. The measure, passed by the Scottish parliament in 2012, was appealed by the Scotch Whisky Association and others. But this morning’s ruling decided that the policy, in which a price will [...]
Diversity must be a priority in business, not an afterthought November 15, 2017 London is by many measures the most diverse and vibrant city in the world. The city’s winning formula has seen us land an Olympic bid, and attract businesses and talent from across the globe. But while London creates wealth, many Londoners see little of it. Read more: Why the regulators care about diversity The divide [...]
UK’s entrepreneur bodies merge to create a talent development powerhouse, as Aldermore floats the idea of an Entrepreneur ISA November 15, 2017 The UK’s New Entrepreneurs Foundation and the Centre of Entrepreneurs have this morning revealed they will merge, to create a not-for-profit “entrepreneurial powerhouse”. The new body will aim to train the next generation of social and business leaders, deliver research to identify gaps in current support, and provide input into UK government policy around entrepreneurship. [...]
Meggitt’s chief executive Stephen Young is set to retire in 2018 as revenue growth flatlines November 14, 2017 The chief executive of aerospace and defence firm Meggitt will retire at the end of April 2018 amid a slower ramp up of the firm’s new civil programmes. Stephen Young will leave after five years in the role and will be succeeded by current chief operating officer Tony Wood on 1 January. In a trading [...]
The founders of new “workplace wellbeing” app Me@mybest believe happiness is the key to bigger profits and faster economic growth November 14, 2017 There was a time when greed was good, lunch was for wimps, and to be successful in the City one was expected to embody an unstoppable juggernaut fuelled by energy drinks or other less-than-legal substances. That, at least, was the Gordon Gekko-inspired stereotype. As with all stereotypes, it was partly absurd, yet also contained traces [...]
Sabre insurance reveals plans for £213m float with boss saying: “It’s not all young drivers in hot hatches” November 13, 2017 Quirky British car insurer Sabre today announced plans to raise £213m from a London stock market listing. The move will enable private equity firm BC Partners to realise part of its investment into the Dorking-based firm. BC, which paid £240m in 2013 for the firm, will retain a “significant stake” in Sabre post-float. Sabre specialises [...]
How to drive growth by joining the dots November 13, 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Week is in full swing, celebrating startups from around the world that bring ideas to life. For those looking to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey, they could look for opportunities to evolve existing products and expand into new markets. Some of our best-known products, from Coca Cola to Velcro and [...]
Venture capital trusts (VCT) firms prepare for Hammond to close loopholes in next week’s Budget November 13, 2017 Investment firms which offer venture capital trusts (VCTs) and Enterprise Investment Schemes (EISs) are preparing for changes in next week’s Budget which could further regulate what they can invest in. In the government’s Patient Capital Review earlier this year, concerns were raised that VCTs and EISs – which give investors tax breaks to combat the [...]
Switzerland 0, Northern Ireland 0: Michael O’Neill hails “magnificent” display after his team push Swiss all the way November 12, 2017 Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill declared himself proud after his side’s dream of reaching a first World Cup since 1986 ran aground with a hugely courageous performance against Switzerland in Basel. Defender Jonny Evans came within inches of earning a victory that would have levelled the tie, following a contentious Swiss win in Belfast last [...]
Alibaba: Sales during online retail bonanza Singles’ Day hit new record as they smash $25bn mark November 11, 2017 Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has said its Singles’ Day sales hit $25.4bn (£19.2bn), smashing its own record from last year. The shopping bonanza’s sales surged past last year’s total just after midday local time, hitting a record $18bn (£13.6bn). Singles’ Day, held every year on 11 November, is the world’s biggest online shopping event that [...]