The European Union is “an engine for job destruction” say Brexit campaigners Boris Johnson and Michael Gove June 5, 2016 Former London mayor Boris Johnson and justice secretary Michael Gove have hit out at the European Union's effects on business, while accusing the government of misleading the public on the economy. In a 2,000 word letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, which is also signed by Labour's Gisela Stuart, the Leave campaigners played down business [...]
Following the BHS collapse and Austin Reed’s closure, it’s clear retailers’ online offerings are not ready to save the British high street June 3, 2016 Another day and yet another high street retailer announcing its financial struggles – this week it is Austin Reed and BHS. The menswear retailer is closing 120 stores, after the announcement it was entering into administration in April. BHS has also announced that thousands of jobs are going to be lost as a result of closing 163 stores. [...]
Apple’s App Store, iTunes and iCloud services down June 2, 2016 Apple users around the world are facing technical difficulties while trying to access the App store on both mobiles and desktops. Some users have also reported that the Apple Music and the iCloud functionality is down. Other services affected include Photos, Apple TV, iCloud, Find My Friends, and the Mac App Store. The Californian giant is set to host its [...]
These are six ways banking is about to change, according to former Barclays boss Antony Jenkins June 2, 2016 Antony Jenkins thinks that banking is having an "Uber" moment, undergoing a transformation that will leave the sector looking entirely unrecognisable. Jenkins, who is currently chairman of Business in the Community and was previously group chief executive of Barclays, imparted his wisdom at an event hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales this evening, remarking "there [...]
Before the bell: What you need to know before the US market open June 2, 2016 The European Central Bank (ECB) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) are both in Vienna today to decide on their respective policies and could add an extra kick of volatility to global markets. Here's what you need to know before the market open at 14:30 London time. US futures are struggling ahead of the opening bell. [...]
Elon Musk wants to put people on Mars by 2025 June 2, 2016 Star-gazing serial technology entrepreneur Elon Musk wants to put people on Mars in under 10 years time. Speaking at Vox's media code conference, he said that his SpaceX company's manned mission to Mars would launch in 2024, arriving a year later. However, prospective recruits may want to think twice before joining the mission. "If you gotta choose a place to die, [...]
Revealed: The UK’s thriftiest small companies – from Match.com to the Royal Collection Trust June 2, 2016 Dating site Match.com, White Dark – the artistic company of sculptor Anish Kapoor, and the Royal Collection Trust, have all been named as some of the UK's thriftiest small companies. The research, carried out by company intelligence provider DueDil, named 156 companies in the UK with positive net assets and a turnover between £30m-£50m, and who hold [...]
Saudi wealth fund invests $3.5bn in Uber June 1, 2016 Controversial taxi app Uber has raised $3.5bn (£2.43bn) from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund valuing the company at $62.5bn. The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund will now own approximately 5 per cent of Uber and the fund's managing director Yasir al-Rumayyan will join the company's board. Other board members include Benchmark Capital general partner Bill Gurley and Huffington Post co-founder Arianna Huffington. [...]
Is your house a smart home? Or is it a big idiot made of bricks? Sort it out with our list of the best connected home gadgets June 1, 2016 Best for Heating Up Your House: Nest Thermostat £249 – nest.com/uk Easily the object on this page that most resembles the homicidal computer from 2001: A Space Odyssey, the super clever Nest thermostat gradually learns how to heat your home, switches the heating off while you’re out and warms things up in time for your [...]
Why culture change is the key to weeding out bad apples June 1, 2016 I read a magazine article recently which stated 55 per cent of respondents to a survey on the UK Senior Managers Regime (SMR) think it won’t be effective. I find that statistic surprising. To me, SMR is really about holding up principles of good corporate governance. Good corporate governance – transparency, respect, responsibility, controls – is paramount [...]