China asks Alibaba to sell media assets amid crackdown on Jack Ma March 16, 2021 China is said to have asked Alibaba to sell its assets in the media sector as Beijing continues to pile pressure on the company’s billionaire founder Jack Ma. The two sides have been in discussions over the matter since the beginning of the year, according to multiple media reports, with officials said to be shocked [...]
Diverse Oscar noms drag 90-year-old awards into 21st century March 15, 2021 In recent years, the nominations for the Academy Awards have often drawn anger and frustration. #OscarsSoWhite became a regular trend for past ceremonies as actors of colour were ignored, while there was ongoing criticism at the absence of female behind the scenes nominees, and LGBTQ+ artists. Today, observers held their breath as this year’s nominations [...]
Apple hits back at App Store competition probe with UK jobs claim March 15, 2021 Apple today said its App Store supports 330,000 jobs in the UK as it hit back against a probe into claims it treats app developers unfairly. Earlier this month the Competition and Markets Authority opened an investigation into whether Apple imposes unfair or anti-competitive terms on developers after it received a number of complaints. The [...]
The Honda Civic Type R is as exciting as it looks. Yes, really March 15, 2021 Honda has updated its Civic Type R hot hatchback for 2021. If you can live with the looks, says Tim Pitt, it’s an outstanding driver’s car.
Serco, Deloitte and Amazon bosses coached on how to apply for New Years Honours March 11, 2021 Contractors, consulting giants and big businesses who profited from the coronavirus pandemic are being offered tailored advice on how to apply for New Years Honours. Serco and Amazon are among a number of industry giants being asked to nominate staff members for official honours from the Queen such as MBEs. The revelations emerged after invitations [...]
Tom Holland shows his dark side in Russo Brothers’ Cherry March 11, 2021 With so much high-profile work under his belt, it’s easy to forget that Tom Holland has only been in movies since 2012. The 24-year-old made his on-camera debut alongside prestigious company in Oscar nominated drama The Impossible, and has barely stopped for breath since. Best known as Peter Parker/Spider-man in the all-conquering Marvel Universe, the [...]
Royal Mail hikes profit forecasts as it delivers letter boost March 10, 2021 Royal Mail today lifted its profit forecasts after it delivered better-than-expected letter volumes and revenue since the start of the year. The postal company delivered a record number of parcels in the run-up to Christmas as the pandemic fuelled an online shopping boom, though letter volumes fell. But in a trading update this morning the [...]
Disney boss Bob Iger linked to UK ambassador role as streaming service hits 100m users March 10, 2021 Disney last night said its Disney Plus streaming service has racked up 100m users, as speculation grows that outgoing boss Bob Iger could be named US ambassador to Britain. The US media giant said it had passed the milestone just 16 months after launching the platform. Netflix, which now has 200m users, took 10 years [...]
Cast your net wider when choosing smoky whiskies March 9, 2021 For many casual drinkers, “smoky whiskies” are synonymous with Islay, the Inner Hebridean home of fire-wreathed sea monsters like Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin. But cast your net wider and you can find spectacular smoky whiskies all over Scotland, and a notable new addition is Smoke Season, the most heavily peated single malt ever to be [...]
Video game maker Tinybuild debuts in record £340m Aim listing March 9, 2021 Video game maker Tinybuild has become the largest ever US company to list on Aim after its shares debuted on London’s junior index this morning. The Seattle-based company, which owns a portfolio of more than 40 PC game titles, secured a market capitalisation of £340m following its float this morning. This marks the largest ever [...]