Fun-police Labour are waging a war on pubs February 6, 2025 From business rates to labour costs and even employment regulations that could require landlords to clamp down on free speech, this Labour government has launched an all-out assault on pubs, says Chris Philp For millions of Londoners – especially those who WFH on Friday – when the end of week in the office comes into [...]
UK economy: Services firms’ new orders fall for first time in over a year February 5, 2025 The survey showed that incoming work for services firms decreased in January, ending a 14-month period of continuous growth.
Grainger: Property giant benefits from higher rents and small landlord exits February 5, 2025 Property giant Grainger has reported double-digit growth in income driven by higher rents and the exit of private landlords from the rental market. Grainger, the UK’s largest listed provider of private rental homes, told markets this morning that total net rental income grew by 15 per cent in the four months to the end of [...]
From Rapid Tapping to mindful drinking with Poppy Delbridge February 5, 2025 I AM ALWAYS looking for ways to balance wine and wellness, to discover new ways to embrace a healthy lifestyle while enjoying a tipple. So when Poppy Delbridge invited me to her Rapid Tapping session at the refurbished Kensington Roof Gardens, I jumped at the chance. Rapid Tapping is nothing to do with getting your [...]
Hospitality sector still reeling from Labour’s Budget February 5, 2025 The high drama of a global trade war competes for coverage with Keir Starmer’s EU reset, impending interest rate decisions and Nigel Farage’s lead in the opinion polls. News moves fast, and the spotlight moves on. For their part, politicians are always among the most eager to ‘draw a line under it’ and move on; [...]
Sadiq Khan launches new nightlife squad to advise on replacing Amy Lamé February 4, 2025 Sadiq Khan has launched a new London nightlife taskforce which is expected to advise on whether the former Night Czar, Amy Lamé, should be replaced. The Mayor of London launched the new independent nightlife committee, which will be led by fabric nightclub founder Cameron Leslie, on Tuesday. It is aimed at supporting the capital’s nighttime [...]
Savile Row label Hackett hails international success as profit rockets February 4, 2025 International success has helped up-market Savile Row clothing label Hackett almost quadruple its profit during its latest financial year as sales surged. The London-headquartered chain has reported a pre-tax profit of £3.8m for the 12 months to 31 March, 2024, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. The figure comes after Hackett posted a pre-tax [...]
Inheritance tax changes are coming – how should you prepare? February 4, 2025 Speculation is mounting that the government may charge inheritance tax on pensions and extend the seven-year gifting rule. So how can you make sure you can pass on wealth to the next generation? Duncan Bailey explains The Budget has given businesses and individuals much to consider with announcements made around spending, national insurance contributions for [...]
Crest Nicholson: Housebuilder upbeat despite ‘tough and disappointing year’ February 4, 2025 Housebuilder Crest Nicholson has said it is “well-positioned” to meet housing demand with a new strategy, despite lower-than-expected profit this year. Revenue at the housebuilder fell six per cent for the full year to October 31, to £618m, while operating profit fell 38.4 per cent to £31.3m. Profit before tax fell 53.3 per cent year [...]
Diageo: Guinness maker warns tariffs could offset recovery February 4, 2025 Drinks giant Diageo has cautioned on the effects of Donald Trump’s tariffs on its business, which outperformed analysts’ expectations this year after a significant contraction last year. US tariffs, “whilst anticipated”, could “impact [our] building momentum,” the Guinness-maker’s chief executive Debra Crew said, adding that the levies clouded the company’s ability to predict what would [...]