Rock the joint: Why Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett is building new music venues around the world February 3, 2020 Near King’s Cross station, a new social hub is currently under construction. Due to open in March, the space — called Goods Way — will contain a food court, bar and a 600-capacity venue known as Lafayette. Goods Way is the brainchild of Ben Lovett, the chief executive of Venue Group, who sounds excited but [...]
Atlantic Crossing: What should be on the UK’s trade deal wishlist? February 2, 2020 Now that Brexit has become reality, the United Kingdom can use its newfound independence by negotiating an ambitious free trade agreement with the United States. Such an agreement can deepen commercial ties between two longtime allies, not only in goods trade but also in financial services and the movement of people. Outside the European Union, [...]
All eyes turn to China ahead of markets reopening February 2, 2020 When China’s financial markets plunged into crisis in the late summer of 2015, the authorities in Beijing were left panicking. Having encouraged tens of millions of their citizens to invest in the stock market, they were unprepared for the consequences of a mass sell-off. As millions of small investors began to offload shares, the government [...]
Watch out for IR35, the tax rule that could ruin your business January 31, 2020 If you haven’t yet heard of IR35, the controversial tax rule, it’s time to start learning. The rule, designed to limit tax avoidance through “disguised employment”, already means that off-payroll workers who would otherwise be deemed directly employed are taxed at the same rate as employees. But from April the law changes: it will be [...]
Sadiq Khan interview: The London mayor talks tech tax, Brexit, Labour and Uber January 30, 2020 There can be no doubt that last year’s General Election redrew Britain’s political landscape. But for an example of just how different things have become, consider that next week a Labour mayor of London will warn a Tory chancellor against imposing new taxes on multinational tech giants. Sadiq Khan tells me he enjoys a good [...]
Javid confirms National Insurance cut from April January 30, 2020 Chancellor Sajid Javid has today confirmed the government will raise the threshold for National Insurance contributions (NICs) from April, saving the average worker more than £100. The threshold at which people start paying NICs will be raised by more than 10 per cent to £9,500, according to new legislation laid in parliament today. It was [...]
Prudential appoints former government minister Baroness Vadera as new chair January 30, 2020 Insurer Prudential said today it had appointed former banker and government minister baroness Shriti Vadera to chair its business. Vadera will join from Santander UK where she is chair. She is also senior independent director of mining giant BHP Group. Vadera was a UK government minister between 2007 and 2009, working on issues such as [...]
City Moves for 30 January – Who’s switching jobs at Digital UK, Aspen and Optilan? January 30, 2020 Today’s City Moves includes Digital UK, Aspen and Optilan Digital UK Freeview platform operator, Digital UK has appointed Sarah Milton as chief operating officer. Her remit will incorporate the day-to-day running of the Freeview service as well as customer support and experience. Sarah spent 15 years at Channel 4, where she was at the forefront [...]
Law firms lead Stonewall’s top LGBT-inclusive employers January 30, 2020 City law firms are some of this year’s most inclusive employers for the LGBT community, with 15 topping Stonewall’s employers of the year. Legal organisations were the second most inclusive sector, with fifteen firms on the list. Last year’s winners Pinsent Masons topped the private sector employers at fourth place. Mayer Brown and the Solicitors Regulation [...]
The taxman cometh: 6 tips to help you complete self-assessment tax return January 29, 2020 This Friday marks the end of a process that many have found divisive, emotionally draining, expensive, and time-consuming. No, I’m not talking about Brexit. Friday 31 January is the deadline for completing your self-assessment tax return — the bane of existence for freelancers, the self-employed, and anyone who earns extra income outside their basic salary. [...]