Week ahead: Frasers Group and Berkeley results in focus December 2, 2024 Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group and housebuilder Berkeley are among the FTSE 100 firms due to report earnings this week, while investors will also be paying close attention to US jobs data.
‘Losing faith’: Just one in four bosses has confidence in government December 2, 2024 Just one in four bosses has confidence in the government to deliver economic growth, in a sign firms are “losing faith” in ministers’ strategy. A London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) snap poll found 81 per cent of business leaders said they were not confident the government will address firms’ concerns. While 77 per [...]
Sea of tax changes? Why getting your ducks in a row on pensions is vital December 2, 2024 Inheritance tax changes may feel a long way away, but sooner is better when it comes to structuring your assets to pass on as much wealth as possible to your loved ones, says Duncan Bailey The Budget has given businesses and individuals much to consider with announcements made around spending, national insurance contributions for employers [...]
Tensions flair at Direct Line following Aviva takeover bid December 1, 2024 A battle is brewing over Direct Line about whether to accept any further takeover bids from Aviva, as its CEO seeks more time to turn the business around. Talking to the Sunday Times following the rejected £3.3bn bid from Aviva last week, Direct Line CEO Adam Winslow urged shareholders to back his turnaround plan over [...]
UK business leader confidence nosedives towards pandemic lows December 1, 2024 Confidence among business leaders in the prospects for the UK economy nosedived towards levels not seen since the coronavirus pandemic during November, as fears over rising national insurance bills plague firms. The Institute of Director’s monthly Economic Confidence index fell to -65 in November, down from -52 during October in its fourth consecutive monthly fall. [...]
Budget: Parents facing 20 per cent childcare fee hike after NIC raid November 30, 2024 Experts are suggesting parents will face up to a 20 per cent increase in fees to cover rising costs at British nurseries. The sector warned on Friday there will be a “disproportionately adverse” impact on women who want to work and children’ s health. This comes after the government’s Autumn Budget included an increase in [...]
Black Friday: Retailers look to cash in as early spending surges November 29, 2024 Black Friday spending is up by more than a fifth as Brits look to find deals online and on the high street, according to early data. The discount day last year was the busiest shopping day on record for Nationwide customers, and the lender said by 9am spending was up 21 per cent compared to [...]
How Aviva and Ageas could go head-to-head in Direct Line bidding war November 29, 2024 The stage is set for a bidding war after Aviva threw Direct Line back into the takeover spotlight with a £3.3bn approach.
Typhoo Tea: How trespassers and losing £120m led to downfall of historic brand November 29, 2024 Despite not making a profit since 2017, the management running Typhoo Tea had still been optimistic for 2024 just months before the historic brand crashed into administration. Writing in its latest accounts, the company’s directors stated they were “excited” for the 2024 financial year, proclaiming that “legacy issues have been largely dealt with and the [...]
Retailers pin hopes on Black Friday and Christmas after footfall tumbles November 29, 2024 The holiday season could bring much more than some festive cheer this year.