‘Recession increasingly likely’ as business output drops sharply under weight of higher interest rates September 22, 2023 A steep downturn in services saw economic activity contract at its fastest pace since the financial crisis – outside of the pandemic – raising the chances of a recession, a closely watched survey suggested. S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the UK economy came in at 46.8 – far below the 50 reading which [...]
Consumer confidence continues to rise amid cost-of-living woes September 22, 2023 Consumer confidence is continuing to rise against a backdrop of falling inflation – but many households are continuing to struggle with cost-of-living pressures, according to a survey. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased four points in September, but remains at a subdued minus 21. Expectations for the UK’s wider economy over the next 12 months [...]
Sunak’s hands off approach won’t make electric vehicles more affordable in 2035 September 22, 2023 The auto industry want to make the prohibitively expensive Tesla the outlier, they’re now doing it without the backing of government.
Where to watch England in the Rugby World Cup in London September 21, 2023 England take on Chile this weekend in the Rugby World Cup before the big game of the weekend, Ireland versus South Africa. Here are some hot spots in London to take in the rugby atmosphere. Tsaretta Spice, Twickenham Everybody loves an Indian after some live sport and Tsaretta Spice in Twickenham offers up some corking [...]
High street struggles: 2,000 local stores, pubs and hairdressers wiped away this year September 21, 2023 Nearly 2,000 independent local stores were left vacant in the first half of this year, as the cost of living crisis continues to eat away at the health of the high street and small businesses. Some 1,915 independent businesses on high streets, retail parks and shopping centres closed in the first leg of this year, marking [...]
DFS profits halved as sofa maker is battered by ‘tough economic climate’ September 21, 2023 Sofa seller DFS saw annual profits almost cut in half, sliding to £29.7m from £58.5m a year earlier, as the retailer was battered by economic conditions. Revenue from operations fell 5.3 per cent to £1.09bn in the year to June 25, with the group blaming soaring inflation. Chief executive Tim Stacey said that the company [...]
FCA warns insurance firms to make sure they are offering fair value September 20, 2023 The City regulator has given firms producing a type of add-on insurance to motor cover an ultimatum to demonstrate they are providing fair value.
Braverman: ‘We are not going to save the planet by bankrupting the country’ September 20, 2023 Home Secretary Suella Braverman has backed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's reported decision to row back on pledged green commitments.
Hargreaves Lansdown profits surge despite ‘challenging’ conditions spooking investors September 19, 2023 Hargreaves Lansdown topped the City’s profit predictions for the year today despite “challenging” market conditions triggering a sharp fall in the amount of cash flowing into its platform over the past 12 months.
Ocado: Signs of progress at last as firm looks to continue share price turnaround September 19, 2023 Upmarket grocer Ocado has reported a 7.2 per cent surge in revenues to £569.6m in the third quarter as turnaround plans under the guidance of its year old chief executive appear to show signs of paying off. The digital supermarket, which operates as a joint venture with M&S, said the average orders per week at [...]