The Festival of Words: From Gyles Brandreth to Anthony Scaramucci – all you need to know about the Fleet Street Quarter festival
Sadiq Khan vows to make London better as he’s sworn in as mayor May 7, 2016 Sadiq Khan sworn vowed to make London better as he was sworn in as the new mayor of London at Southwark Cathedral. He stormed to victory yesterday with the biggest ever mandate from the electorate, ending eight years of Conservative control at City Hall. "I'm determined to lead the most transparent, engaged and accessible administration London [...]
Businesses rattled as latest survey points to an economic slowdown May 3, 2016 Business confidence has plummeted during the last few months due to severe volatility on the financial markets, the approaching EU referendum and the introduction of the national living wage, according to a new survey out today. The latest confidence monitor from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and Grant Thornton, fell [...]
Kojawan restaurant at the Hilton Metropole is like a retro-futuristic art gallery in the sky April 26, 2016 Andrew Baggs overcomes a fear of high restaurants to thoroughly enjoy this Asian fusion izakaya Food | ★★★★☆ | Value ★★★★☆ | Vibe ★★★★☆ | Hilton Metropole, 225 Edgware Rd, W2 1JU Tel: 020 8088 0111 | Cost for two with wine: £140 I have, over the years, learnt to read the restaurant warning signs. There is an inverse relationship between [...]
Don’t sleep-walk into chaos: Why the UK should remain in the EU April 21, 2016 Thank goodness it will all be over by 23 June. Or will it? The chaos may just be beginning. I’m personally very fearful about the outcome of the EU referendum. In my view, leaving would be not much short of disastrous. But I don’t want to dwell on the reasons the UK should not leave. There [...]
EU referendum: Treasury’s Brexit claims rubbished by Vote Leave MP John Redwood April 18, 2016 Conservative MP and Vote Leave campaigner John Redwood has rubbished the Treasury's claims that a Brexit would cost each household £4,300 a year as "absurd". Last night it emerged the government department's analysis into the impact of the UK leaving the European Union – which was published today – would show that Britain's national income could be six [...]
Why over-estimating the risk of terror just hands victory to the terrorists April 7, 2016 The terrible attacks in Belgium last month have further escalated fears of terrorism across Europe. As a result, policy-makers all over the continent are calling for new measures to fight extremism and populist politicians have been quick to demand the closure of Europe’s borders. But the clear risk is that the costs of such measures could [...]
Memo to the City: Why tackling mental health issues makes good business sense March 31, 2016 One in four of us will suffer mental illness during our lifetime. It’s a shocking statistic that demonstrates the seriousness of this public health crisis. Treatment can be very effective, but sufferers need to be sure they will get the support and help they need. For this to happen, we need better coordination and engagement from government, [...]
Can you ever afford to stop working? These three charts will horrify you. Retirement is going to cost a fortune and you’ll foot the bill yourself. Check our guide to see if you’re saving enough March 30, 2016 "I’ve got all the money I’ll ever need – if I die by 4 o’clock.” It’s an old gag, a pretty lame one, but that will quite literally be the situation facing many Britons in 30 years’ time. A good number of today’s workers look destined to spend their final years in poverty. Read more: People [...]
National Living Wage may motivate employees but here’s what it will do to productivity March 30, 2016 While the majority of businesses support the sentiment of National Living Wage (NLW), many are doubting it will boost productivity in the office, despite employees saying the pay rise will make them more motivated. According to a study released today by Close Brothers, 50 per cent of SME owners and managers it surveyed have their doubts that [...]
London to face biggest changes from buy-to-let lending clampdown: As landlords brace for tougher mortgage checks, experts say investing in buy-to-let will be tougher in the capital March 29, 2016 Landlords are facing tougher rules on mortgage borrowing following an announcement from the Bank of England – and the biggest impact will felt in London, experts say. Buy-to-let has grown massively and now there are concerns about a “bubble emerging in this market,” Chancellor George Osborne said. The Bank believes overly indebted landlords pose a risk [...]