Market outlook for 2022 December 23, 2021 With 2021 is ending a relatively volatile fashion compared to the calm that prevailed throughout most of the year, is this a recognition of the issues that lie ahead in 2022? Inflation The ‘great reopening’ of the global economy of 2021 prompted a bout of inflation of a magnitude not seen for decades. A spiral [...]
Energy groups push for government action as power prices reach record highs December 23, 2021 Energy UK is the latest industry voice calling for government support as the energy sector struggles with record wholesale gas prices.
Last order: Number of pubs in England and Wales continues to fall as 400 more disappeared this year December 23, 2021 The number of pubs calling last orders flatlined despite the toll of the pandemic, with more than 400 pubs disappearing from communities in England and Wales, according to new figures. New analysis has revealed the number of pubs across England and Wales in 2021 was largely unchanged from last year. Analysis of official Government data [...]
Labour squeeze and soaring costs compound to hit UK businesses December 23, 2021 The ongoing labour squeeze, soaring costs and uncertainty over the economic landscape since the emergence of Omicron are compounding to hit British businesses, reveals a new survey published today. Growth among UK private sector firms slowed to 21 per cent in the three months to December, down sharply from 32 per cent in the last [...]
Covid researchers ecstatic: Christmas comes early as multiple studies confirm Omicron is mildest coronavirus variant so far and rapidly replaces deadly Delta December 23, 2021 Researchers in the UK are increasingly convinced the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus is much milder than the previous Delta mutation, and most likely the least lethal strain so far, thereby confirming earlier findings in South Africa. According to research by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA(, people who get infected with the Omicron variant [...]
West End calls for ‘tangible relief’ as footfall hit by Omicron messaging December 22, 2021 Footfall was down 27 per cent on 2019 levels in the West End yesterday, despite the crucial build up to Christmas. Although footfall was up 10 per cent compared with the previous week, businesses have struggled to see the Christmas shopping momentum they anticipated this year. The West End has been hit by messaging to [...]
Gyms plead for government aid as fitness firms feel weight of Omicron December 22, 2021 Gym bosses have pleaded for government help after Omicron has caused attendance numbers at exercise classes to plummet in recent weeks. A work from home directive and scientists’ messaging to avoid socialising in the weeks before Christmas has caused people to shun fitness firms, one boss told CityA.M. While pubs and restaurants are eligible for [...]
Victory for Lord Rothermere: End of an era as Daily Mail group exits London Stock Exchange after listing nine decades ago in 1932 December 22, 2021 The Daily Mail’s biggest shareholder – Lord Rothermere – is heading for victory in his bid to take the Daily Mail group private as the company will be delisted from the London Stock Exchange after almost 90 years. The newspaper tycoon made a “final” offer to investors in Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT) earlier [...]
Sunak to let small and medium sized firms claim back Covid sick pay December 21, 2021 Small and medium-sized businesses will be allowed to claim back money from the government to cover Covid related statutory sick pay.
Hospitality bosses say Treasury support ‘borders on insulting’ as firms call for more aid December 21, 2021 Hospitality and leisure bosses have welcomed the announcement of a short-term support package for businesses but called for more. Venues have been hit hard by cancellations as the public stays away from the capital in a last attempt to dodge the highly transmissible Omicron variant before Christmas. After calls from industry bosses, Chancellor Rishi Sunak [...]