Struggles continue at Asda as new owner looks to turn around supermarket giant November 12, 2024 The continuing struggles at supermarket giant Asda have been revealed with both Tesco and Sainsbury’s hoovering up its market share in the UK, according to new figures. Sales at the Leeds-based grocer totalled £4.242bn in the 12 weeks to 3 November, 2024, down from the £4.490bn it reported for the same period last year, the [...]
Astrazeneca: FTSE 100 giant shrugs off China worries with profit upgrade November 12, 2024 Pharmaceuticals giant Astrazeneca has reported double-digit sales growth on higher demand and said it remains committed to China despite the detention of a high-ranking staff member there. The FTSE 100 firm told markets this morning that total revenue rose 19 per cent to $39.2bn (£30.6bn) in the first nine months of the year. The London-listed [...]
FCA fines director of collapsed insurance broker £1.1m over misusing funds November 11, 2024 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has banned and fined a director of an insurance broker over misleading the regulator and misusing funds
What business can learn from military drone tactics — and what to avoid November 11, 2024 Drone technology could transform how we do business, but brings practical and ethical difficulties with it, says Paul Armstrong For businesses, the military’s use of AI-enabled drones offers a potent model of efficiency: remote inspection, logistics, and hazard mitigation. Imagine swarming AI drones optimising supply chains or inspecting dangerous infrastructure. The capabilities honed in combat [...]
Direct Line considers cutting 550 roles as motor market remains ‘challenging’ November 11, 2024 Direct Line is considering cutting around 550 roles as the insurance broker battles with "challenging" market conditions.
Ministers either don’t understand private sector, or don’t care November 11, 2024 No politician could actually get away with telling businesses to “suck it up” when they warn about the impact of tax rises, though Labour’s Darren Jones came dangerously close yesterday, airily telling the BBC that bigger businesses can handle higher costs. While it’s true that they’ll find a way to pay these new taxes and [...]
Law firm Birketts expands global reach using London as launchpad November 11, 2024 Law firm Birketts has been revamping its brand beyond East Anglia, using its London move as a springboard to go global
Lessons from the Gulf: The UK must listen to business November 11, 2024 The UK may feel worlds apart from the Gulf monarchies, but there are lessons to be taken, writes Eliot Wilson.
Business Budget backlash builds as hospitality giants write to Chancellor November 11, 2024 The government is under increasing pressure to revisit its hikes to employer national insurance contributions and the minimum wage after a number of the UK’s largest employers voiced concerns about the impact of the changes on their costs and operations. Over 200 of the UK’s biggest hospitality businesses signed a letter to the Chancellor yesterday [...]
Time to take the handbrake off the City and unleash growth November 11, 2024 The Lord Mayor’s Show is a reminder that despite only being 1.12 square miles in size, there’s no limit to the City’s ambition and what it can achieve when it comes together, says Alastair King As the scaffolding comes down outside Mansion House and the majestic State Coach returns to the safety of the London [...]