Spain’s trade deficit fell by 22.5 per cent in 2016 February 20, 2017 Exports from Europe’s fifth largest economy rose to their highest level on record, while the trade deficit fell to its second lowest level since 1997, according to Spain’s economy ministry. It left the economy with a trade deficit of €18.8 billion euros (£16bn) for 2016, while the value of exports reached €254.5bn, an increase of [...]
LIMA’s Kelvyn Gardner (007): A license to… reap the benefits of infintiely reproducable intellectual property February 20, 2017 In 1973 George Lucas approached Fox executives with an offer they couldn’t refuse: he would forfeit a 300 per cent salary increase in return for merchandising rights to Star Wars, and rights to any sequels. Rubbing their mitts behind muffled laughter, they graciously accepted what seemed like a naive offer from the young director. Of course [...]
An old Irish lady found one of the last £50k Jane Austen fivers and donated it to charity February 20, 2017 There's still a £5 engraved with a tiny portrait of Jane Austen floating around – after the last one was discovered and donated to charity. Back in December artist Graham Short declared he had engraved four of the Bank of England's new fivers with a tiny, 5mm, picture of the author, plus a quote from her [...]
Reach stunning landscapes, luxury hotels and the national speed limit driving in the Scottish Highlands February 20, 2017 The soul-crushing experience of driving in London can be enough to grind down even the most dedicated fan of cars. No matter how many horses are hiding under the bonnet, they’re not much use if you’re crawling along at 4.8 miles per hour. That’s why Scotland’s North Coast 500 is such a tantalising prospect – [...]
Celebrate the businesses that go the extra mile to support their local communities February 20, 2017 The most important part of my role as lord mayor of the City of London is to represent the UK’s financial and professional services industry. Since my election last September I have been regularly meeting employees, employers, entrepreneurs and opinion-formers from across the UK – and one thing is increasingly clear: as a nation we [...]
Amazon creates thousands of new jobs in another win for post-Brexit UK and Expedia expands London office February 20, 2017 Amazon is the latest US tech giant to commit to the UK after the vote for Brexit, promising to create thousands of new jobs by the end of the year. Some 5,000 full-time jobs will be created across Amazon's business in the UK, bringing total headcount to 24,000 by the end of 2017. The plans include jobs [...]
Improved fiscal outlook for the chancellor as he prepares the Spring Budget February 20, 2017 The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is expected to provide some “fiscal cheer” for the chancellor, with a forecast showing greater growth for the economy and lower borrowing costs. According to the Ernst & Young ITEM Club, forecasted GDP figures for 2017 are expected to be revised upwards, from 1.4 per cent to 1.6 or 1.7 [...]
Entrepreneurs remain optimistic after strong growth February 20, 2017 The UK’s entrepreneurs remain optimistic about business prospects, following a period of strong growth. In a poll conducted by Ernst and Young (EY), 69 per cent of entrepreneurs reported an increase in profits in the last 12 months, with 38 per cent experiencing double-digit growth. That positive trend looks set to continue, despite any recent [...]
Wasps boss Dai Young denies complacency despite Sale Sharks setback February 19, 2017 Wasps director of rugby Dai Young denied suggestions of complacency after the Premiership leaders succumbed 34-28 at lowly Sale Sharks. Wing Denny Solomona scored a hat-trick for the north west outfit, taking his tally to seven tries in five matches since switching codes and joining Sale from Castleford Tigers. Sale led 31-9 at the break [...]
Nick Jones interview: Soho House founder on The Ned, his new £200m project in the heart of the Square Mile February 18, 2017 As Nick Jones returns his teacup to its saucer, sits back and spreads his arms across the fluffy blue sofa, he looks uncommonly comfy. Of course he does. The founder of the world’s most famous chain of private members clubs, Soho House, is in his home from home, 76 Dean Street, one of 18 dotted [...]