A bold pro-business Prime Minister should let Liz Truss shake things up June 27, 2019 There’s another month to go until we have a new Prime Minister, but pro-market Conservatives can already start breathing a sigh of relief. For a start, both contenders for the top job have pledged to cut tax. Jeremy Hunt has promised to cut the rate of Corporation Tax from 19 per cent to 12.5 per [...]
Like Boris, Jeremy Hunt should be wary of promising spending splurges June 27, 2019 Earlier this week, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) performed a useful public service, placing Boris Johnson’s spending proposals under the microscope. The less-than-glowing conclusion was that the plans would be immensely expensive, and have the side-effect of helping wealthy retirees more than current workers. Today, the IFS has done the same favour for rival [...]
Is the financials sector priced for disruption? June 26, 2019 We think all industries are likely to be vulnerable to disruption in the coming years. We’ve seen it already in retail and media, for example, and this is likely to be a growing theme in markets for the long term. Financials, and banks in particular, are currently facing disruption to their business models. We can [...]
Boris Johnson’s tax cuts plan could cost UK £20bn per year June 25, 2019 Boris Johnson’s tax cuts plan could cost the UK up to £20bn per year, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) think tank. The Tory leadership candidate has pledged to hike the threshold for higher rate income tax to £80,000 from its current £50,000. Read more: Sky cancels live TV debate after Boris pulls [...]
The UK and India: Moving forward together June 25, 2019 India and the UK have more than 200 years of shared history characterised by democratic traditions, connected cultural institutions, and the English language. This history is a strong foundation on which our bilateral trade and investment relations are continually nurtured and reinforced. Our investments in each other’s economies have grown over the years, and there [...]
The definition of a think tank is up for debate June 25, 2019 Do you know what a think tank is, and can you name one? An amusing survey published yesterday revealed a predictably yawning gap between the commentariat, the chattering class, the Westminster bubble – call it what you will – and the average man or woman in the street. Just 75 people out of a sample [...]
AI software market posts huge growth amid digital transformation boom June 24, 2019 Revenue from AI software soared more than 63 per cent to $846m (£664m) last year amid a surge in firms investing in the new technology. Read more: David Cameron takes up role at US artificial intelligence firm Robotic process automation (RPA), which provides AI tools for businesses, is now the fastest-growing segment of the enterprise [...]
City Moves for 21 June – Who’s switching jobs? June 21, 2019 Today’s City Moves includes Marsh, Druva and Fulcrum. Marsh Marsh has announced the appointments of Tim Scoble as chief executive. Part of Marsh JLT Specialty, the UK real estate practice provides insurance and risk advisory services to real estate owners, operators, managers, and developers. As chief executive of Marsh JLT Specialty’s UK real estate practice, [...]
The City bids farewell to Spreadsheet Phil June 21, 2019 In the drama of the Tory leadership contest, last night was a reminder that it is not only the Prime Minister to whom we will soon be bidding farewell, but the chancellor too. Philip Hammond’s speech at the Mansion House dinner marked his final major address to the City and the effective end of his [...]
What’s wrong at Dixons Carphone? Analysts react to loss as shares dive June 20, 2019 Dixons Carphone revealed huge losses of £259m this morning and warned there was “more pain” to come in its struggling mobile phone division. It blamed the rapidly changing mobile phone market in the UK and said it would take two years to break even amid a transformation plan. Read more: Dixons Carphone shares plunge as [...]