‘West End productions cannot survive under social distancing’ warn theatres June 15, 2021 The four-week delay to easing lockdown restrictions will have “serious implications” for many theatres, with large-scale commercial productions at most serious risk, the industry has warned. On Monday evening the government postponed plans to fully re-open society on 21 June amid a sharp rise in cases of the more transmissible Delta variant, which was first [...]
Metallica sues Lloyd’s of London underwriters over postponed show losses June 15, 2021 Metallica is suing certain syndicates at Lloyd’s of London for allegedly refusing to pay out after the band was forced to postpone six South American shows due to Covid-19. The rock band filed paperwork in Los Angeles Superior Court last week, according to reports, in which they alleged the insurance market had breached its contract [...]
Mean on green: LGIM oust four companies over ‘insufficient’ climate commitments June 15, 2021 One of London’s oldest fund managers Legal & General Investment Management has said today it will exclude four companies from some of its funds over their “insufficient” climate change response. US insurance giant AIG, the most notable of the divested companies, joins Chinese lender Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, US utility company PPL Corporation [...]
Coutts CEO: Too many overly-cautious Britons are squirelling away savings in cash June 15, 2021 It regularly occurs to me that the British are harsh when it comes to embracing what it is they, or we I should say now after all my years here, do really well. We’re amazing at rallying against matters which are wrong or need improvement. But the other side of the coin still seems to [...]
RAC: UK roads set for a busy summer as drivers eye domestic holidays June 14, 2021 Over four-in-10 drivers have already booked up their UK-based holiday this summer, according to a survey by RAC. Breakdown and car insurer RAC found that domestic holidays could be even more popular if Covid-19 restrictions prevent foreign travel. The survey, which polled 2,100 drivers, saw 13 per cent say they hoped to hop on an [...]
How tech and medical advances are transforming healthcare investing June 14, 2021 Healthcare innovation specialist John Bowler explains the revolution going on in the sector. Covid-19 aside, what other issues are emerging that will reshape the healthcare sector? The main drivers of healthcare remain unchanged: there is accelerating demand for healthcare services as people are increasingly living longer. Governments around the world face budget pressures with the [...]
Covid-19: PM to host 6pm press conference as full reopening set for delay June 14, 2021 The government has decided to delay the final easing of Covid restrictions in England beyond 21 June, putting a halt to the return to the office. Boris Johnson will announce the postponement in a press conference to be held at 6pm today, flanked by Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty. Senior ministers have signed off on [...]
Theatres set the stage for state-backed insurance scheme June 13, 2021 Theatre grandees are said to be on the brink of striking a deal with the government for a state-backed insurance scheme enabling performances to go ahead. Top West End figures have an agreement in principle from culture secretary Oliver Dowden for a taxpayer-backed indemnity programme, the Sunday Telegraph reported. The plans have now been passed [...]
Shakeup at Aviva days after activist investor sticks head above parapet June 13, 2021 Aviva is set to sack its top fund managers in a radical cost-cutting plan, according to reports. The insurance giant is planning to fire 10 equity managers from its asset management arm Aviva Investors, the Mail on Sunday reported. David Cumming, chief investment officer for equities, has left the FTSE 100 firm, while head of [...]
HSBC’s long-time Asia boss moves upstairs amid Hong Kong controversy June 12, 2021 Peter Wong, HSBC’s top man in Asia, is stepping away from day-to-day management to take up a position as the bank’s chair in Hong Kong. Wong has been credited with the bank’s rise to become the undisputed financial heavyweight in the region, with the firm booking most of its profits on the continent. Read more: [...]