Halfords boss urges government to do more to address skills gap as shortage of mechanics starts to bite December 6, 2021 A shortage of specialist mechanics is interfering with Halfords’ agenda to rapidly grow the number of electric cars on Britain’s roads to such an extent that the boss of the company has called on government to do more. Graham Stapleton, chief executive of the retailer and motoring services business, said he is “very concerned” that [...]
We’re all to blame for shortages and roaring inflation December 6, 2021 A large chunk of people seem to be experiencing buyers’ remorse. Whether it was cocktail making kits, hot tubs or garden furniture, the British consumer hoarded and hoarded during lockdown, and many of us are regretting those purchases. But, people should not feel alone in making these bizarre purchases. The pandemic enforced a seismic shift [...]
Severity of Omicron to determine UK economy’s fate, analysts warn December 6, 2021 The severity of the Omicron variant will determine the strength of the UK’s economic recovery from the pandemic over the coming year, according to City economists. The British economy could reach its pre-pandemic size by the third quarter of next year if the new strain of coronavirus proves to be less deadly than first thought, [...]
A small price to pay: we must avoid compulsory home working for the City December 6, 2021 As Christmas approaches, there’s a clear sense of excitement in the air – a feeling that this Christmas will be better than last. There can be no doubt that 2021 has brought us closer to what feels like normal life. Britain’s vaccination programme has helped to protect the most vulnerable from Covid-19, and allowed our [...]
Six Nations stakeholder CVC hires Goldman to plot £11bn IPO December 5, 2021 London-based private equity giant CVC Capital Partners is reportedly working with Goldman Sachs to prepare to follow in Bridgepoint’s footsteps with a blockbuster stock market listing. CVC, which boasts Six Nations rugby and RAC among its portfolio, is working with the bank on a potential float that could value it at up to £11bn, the [...]
RAC accuses petrol retailers of taking ‘drivers for a ride’ as prices rise despite plummeting wholesale costs December 3, 2021 RAC slammed petrol retailers today for raising prices in November despite plummeting wholesale costs on both major oil benchmarks.
Business rates are an outdated tax which threaten to bury our high streets and shops December 3, 2021 Businesses have been through hell and back over the last two years. From on-off lockdowns, to a botched trade deal with the EU which failed almost every sector of our economy, the business community is suffering. With the Omicron variant creating a new cloud of uncertainty that is hanging over our economy, businesses are facing [...]
Disability in the corporate world: Challenging and championing perspectives December 3, 2021 ICAS highlights the need to champion the rights and wellbeing of disabled people on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). There are 14.1 million disabled people living in the UK. Despite protections under law, disabled people still face widespread prejudice, intentional or otherwise, across all facets of society. Statistics compiled by disability equality charity [...]
Labour squeeze shows no signs of easing ahead of Christmas shopping rush December 3, 2021 ]Shortages of workers stopping UK businesses from functioning normally show no signs of letting up over the busy Christmas period, according to fresh figures published today. In the last week alone, over 200,000 new job adverts were posted as retailers, pubs and restaurants push to ramp up staff levels in preparation for the festive shopping [...]
Liberal Democrats call for £5.5bn-a-year tax cuts for small businesses December 2, 2021 The Liberal Democrats are calling for Rishi Sunak to bring in a package of tax cuts for small businesses that would be worth up to £5.5bn-a-year. Party leader Ed Davey said “Boris Johnson must be living on another planet” if he thinks his government’s planned tax rises, which will increase the country’s tax burden to [...]