The Uber vs black cabs row proves one thing – driverless cars are the future September 14, 2016 Having digested Sadiq Khan’s 27-point plan to meddle in the taxi and private hire market, one top Uber official yesterday moaned “so much for being the most pro-business mayor in London’s history”. Uber’s frustration is understandable. Not only is the firm already battling Transport for London over proposed regulatory changes (some of which are just [...]
Go Compare deal to kick off strong IPO activity September 13, 2016 Insurance outfit Esure has confirmed it will spin off its price comparison website Go Compare in a post-referendum boost to London's IPO market. Go Compare could be valued at up to £650m when it floats on the London Stock Exchange later this year, just 18 months after Esure took full control of the group in a deal [...]
London’s insurance industry will thrive globally post-Brexit with the right competitive boost September 13, 2016 Rebalancing the economy away from financial services and our capital city has been the preoccupation of successive governments since 2008’s financial crisis. The sheer size of the banking sector, so the thinking went, alongside the absence of any second, truly global city beyond London, had made the UK too reliant upon the dominant industry of our [...]
The trouble with statistics: The same flaws afflict economic data as political opinion polls September 13, 2016 Who will win the US presidency? Opinion polls have got a bad name in Britain, at least. During the 2010 general election campaign, many suggested that Gordon Brown could still continue in power in a minority government or coalition. The polling record in the 2015 campaign was even worse. Most polls showed the two main [...]
Activist investor benefits from James Bond studio takeover September 13, 2016 Crystal Amber Fund’s share price bumped up today after the activist investor said its net asset value (NAV) per share had “recovered strongly” after the EU referendum. The investor was boosted after its full year, ending 30 June, by the takeover of James Bond filmmaker Pinewood Studios, which Crystal held a 5.7 per cent stake [...]
Uber accuses Sadiq Khan of favouring London’s black cabs September 13, 2016 Uber has accused the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan of discriminating against its drivers and favouring black cabs in the capital with new measures to regulate the industry. In an email sent to customers, Uber claims that thousands of minicab drivers could lose their livelihoods with a knock on effect on waiting times and availability of cars. [...]
London mayor pledges new support for black cab industry in Uber fight September 13, 2016 The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has put his backing behind the capital's famous black cabs as they face competition from Uber with new measures to support the industry. City Hall has promised to increase the number of taxi ranks around the city and increase access to bus lanes, while cab information will be added to Transport for London's journey [...]
Purr-fect commute? Cats have taken over Clapham Common Tube station September 13, 2016 If your commute seemed a little furrier than usual this morning, it may be because campaign group the Citizens Advertising Takeover Service (yep – "Cats" for short) has got its way, and replaced 68 adverts with pictures of moggies. The ads will be at Clapham Common Tube station in South London for the next two [...]
Online insurer Esure confirms intention to pursue demerger of Gocompare.com September 13, 2016 Insurance firm Esure has confirmed its proposal to spin off Gocompare.com and list it separately on the London Stock Exchange – just 18 months after buying the price comparison website. Esure made the decision to pursue the demerger after a strategic review, and the appointment of Matthew Crummack as Gocompare's chief executive. Shares in the company [...]
Epos Now founder Jacyn Heavens on luck, crying, making the most of Brexit and getting mashed September 12, 2016 Within minutes of meeting Jacyn Heavens, founder of Epos Now, we’re debating whether he should wear a suit for TV appearances. The upshot is that he feels like he should, but it doesn’t feel very him. Whatever he ends up wearing, you’ll likely see a lot more of the serial entrepreneur. Last week, he was [...]