How the Berlin Wall still influences culture and commerce December 1, 2021 Nature is reclaiming the Death Strip. Pioneer birch trees have self-seeded, creating a winding, shady memorial that cuts through the heart of Berlin. There are cherry blossoms too, a gift from the Japanese government. But it is the slim, silvery trunks of the birches, and the dappled, dancing shadows they cast on the path, that [...]
Soaring inflation in construction could spell disaster for housing in England November 25, 2021 The construction industry has been hit badly by inflation. Material prices are up: in terms of year on year increase, structural steel is at 65 per cent, reinforcement steel is at 62 per cent and plywood is at 56 per cent. Familiar supply chain problems are causing delays, and the cost of both energy and [...]
Pandemic affects retirement plans for over half the nation, says Aviva November 25, 2021 Covid-19 has affected the retirement plans of 54 per cent of UK adults, with people nearing mid-life bearing the brunt of anxiety, according to new research.
Why consistency matters November 24, 2021 Despite an eventful decade that has proved unsettling for markets, The Henderson Smaller Companies Investment Trust has consistently outperformed its benchmark by looking through the noise and sticking to its tried and tested investment process. In this article, Neil Hermon, Portfolio Manager of the Henderson Smaller Companies Investment Trust, explores moments that have defined the [...]
Ministers warned that failing to solve £360m in pandemic rent arrears could lead to ‘mass homelessness’ November 22, 2021 Ministers are being warned this morning that a failure to tackle the £360m in rent arrears accrued during the pandemic could cost the Government over £2.6bn because of the danger of “mass homelessness.” The Big Issue said it costs the Government £9,266 for every person made homeless, whereas the price of preventing homelessness is £2,263. [...]
Oil toils: Prices slide to seven-week low as Covid-19 cases surge across Europe November 21, 2021 Oil prices slide to seven week lows amid rising Covid-19 cases and positive noises from Japan regarding releasing reserves.
Royal Court’s Rare Earth Mettle tarnished by antisemitism controversy November 19, 2021 There may be no such thing as bad publicity, but casually offending the Jewish community in a play that counts cultural sensitivity among its themes must come pretty close. Ambitious satire Rare Earth Mettle centres on the megalomaniac billionaire previously known as Hershel Fink, a man with no apparent ties to the Jewish community apart [...]
Consumer confidence edges up despite inflation and supply chain woes November 19, 2021 Shoppers put aside concerns about soaring inflation and supply chain woes and spend in the run-up to Black Friday and Christmas, leading consumer confidence to edge up, according to new data published this morning. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased three points to minus 14 in November following a three-month downturn. A seven-point jump in [...]
Want a contract? Flash your green credentials on your way in, please November 17, 2021 Mining magnate Brian Gilbertson once recalled a results day at the turn of the Millennium. Ready to take City analysts through impressive figures on iron ore production he was somewhat surprised when asked: “What’s your internet strategy?” The South African spent the rest of the morning hurriedly writing down a dot com plan on an [...]
UK business sentiment hits 12-month low amid supply chain and inflation woes November 15, 2021 British business sentiment dropped to its lowest level in a year in October, dragged down by fears of looming inflation and supply chain pressures that could undermine a sustained recovery from Covid disruption. Inflation expectations among UK business leaders surge to a record high last month, with 66 per cent expecting non-staff costs to increase [...]