Next’s share price is riding high after its trading update – but analysts’ reactions are a mixed bag August 3, 2016 The markets have responded positively to Next's second quarter update this morning, after the company announced sales were up 1.8 per cent so far this year – but analysts' reactions have been mixed. Augustin Eden, a research analyst at Accendo Markets said investors "shrugged off a disappointing trading update" as Next's share price rose after the [...]
AO World world shares jump as sales heat up July 21, 2016 AO World became the FTSE 250's highest riser this morning after it posted figures showing sales had leaped in the first quarter. The figures In a statement posted ahead of its annual general meeting today, online white goods retailer AO World said AO branded UK sales had risen 29 per cent in the three months between 1 April [...]
Britain hasn’t lost Arm: Its acquisition is the start of a new Great British tech story July 19, 2016 A week ago, many were wondering whether the UK’s tech sector would become less relevant in a post-Brexit world. The news of Arm’s acquisition by SoftBank for £24bn means many things for UK tech – but irrelevance is not one of them. This acquisition is positive and timely news. Following the referendum, it’s an immediate vote [...]
Young people actually prefer physical shops more than any other age group July 18, 2016 The success of online retail is less dependent on iPhone-obsessed millennials than you may think, according to new research by British Land. Young people are actually more likely to visit an physical shop than any other age group. They are also most likely to browse items in a physical store, and order online later if what they want isn't in stock. [...]
Chris Froome forced to run up Mont Ventoux as Tour de France takes extraordinary turn July 14, 2016 Britain's Chris Froome kept hold of the yellow jersey despite being forced to run up part of the iconic Mont Ventoux climb in one of the most extraordinary incidents in Tour de France history. The defending champion took to jogging after being knocked off his bike towards the end of the stage and finding that [...]
Asos sales jump as customer numbers grow 24 per cent July 12, 2016 Online retailer Asos grew sales by 26 per cent in the four months to 30 June, pushing revenue up to £514.6m for the period. The company's share price was up 4.7 per cent in early trading. Sales in the UK were up 28 per cent, while US sales surged by 45 per cent. Sales in the [...]
Week ahead: Fashion retailers and builders are in the spotlight July 11, 2016 Alongside the Bank of England’s first meeting after the UK voted to quit the European Union it will be a busy week of corporate numbers. Bank of England officials announce their monetary policy decision on Thursday and many economists are expecting a loosening of interest rates. The FTSE 100 rose to its highest level in [...]
Asos won’t be making an Amazon-style move into physical shops July 7, 2016 Asos won't be following in Amazon's footsteps and bringing its brand onto the high-street, intending to focus on mobile sales instead. Speaking to City A.M. about whether the online retailer would ever open physical shops, Asos' chairman Brian McBride said: "It's not on our current plans. Read more: Amazon is opening its first physical bookshop McBride said the idea of [...]
Do you work for one of the UK’s 25 most attractive employers? June 21, 2016 It's causing fevered debate in offices. Politicians are clashing over it. The cats of social media are up in arms about it. Yep, LinkedIn's list of the UK's top 25 most sought-after employers is out – and the good news is that City institutions are faring pretty well. The list, based on analysis of the site's 20m members, [...]
Maturity of Aim questioned as it celebrates its 21st birthday June 20, 2016 The London Stock Exchange’s alternative investment market (Aim) has turned 21. But, in a happy birthday message, Hargreaves Lansdown has questioned its maturity. Senior analyst Laith Khalaf highlighted in a note this morning how the FTSE Aim Index has fallen by 30 per cent since its launch. Read more: Here's why you should invest on [...]