Why are the Tories polling behind the Lib Dems? May 20, 2025 The Lib Dems have polled above the Conservatives for the first time, a new survey has found, dealing a blow to the so-called natural party of government. The new poll means the Conservatives have slumped to fourth place, a downgrade one party source said had “put a pit in my stomach” and could be “the [...]
OBR ridiculed for ‘joke of a salary’ in analyst job offer May 20, 2025 The UK’s fiscal watchdog has been ridiculed for offering a “joke of a salary” after advertising for new roles. The Office for Budget Responsibility is hiring for three new “fiscal analysts” based in London with a salary range of just £38,430-52,000, despite the jobs being graded a “higher executive officer” function within the organisation. The [...]
Are cyber attacks about to become the norm for British retailers? May 20, 2025 In the last month, cyber attacks have gone from a destructive but uncommon issue to the top of most Brit’s news feeds. Marks and Spencer’s, Co-op, Harrods – plus the international Dior and Coinbase – have all been the target of attacks in the last months, with more unsuccessful or smaller attacks likely to have [...]
What’s wrong with the UK ticketing industry? May 20, 2025 It took just minutes for Oasis tickets to disappear. But, in the rush to secure a seat for one of Britain’s most anticipated reunion tours, thousands of fans were left empty handed, frustrated, and in too many cases – swindled. The chaos that followed didn’t just expose demand for a beloved band, but revealed the [...]
Protecting against cyber attacks means tackling rational inattention May 20, 2025 Cybersecurity, highlighted by recent attacks on the Co-op and Marks & Spencer, is not just a technical challenge but also a human and economic one, says Paul Ormerod Cyber security has featured prominently in the media, following the attacks on the Co-op and Marks and Spencer. The Co-op has recovered rather the better of the [...]
Splitting the G: Is Diageo gearing up to sell off Guinness? May 19, 2025 Drinks giant Diageo has announced a huge cost-savings programme which may see it shed brands and jobs. In an update to markets this morning, the Guinness and Johnnie Walker owner said it planned to save $500m (£373m) over the next three years through “appropriate and selective disposals” as well as tighter capital discipline and organic [...]
EY audit of NMC ‘was deficient in multiple respects’ says regulator May 19, 2025 The High Court will hear a draft report by the FRC concluding that EY's audit of collapsed NMC "was deficient in multiple respects"
Harry Styles’ record label suffers dramatic decline after album and touring success May 19, 2025 Harry Styles’ record label suffered a dramatic fall in its sales and profit in the year after the release of his third solo album. The former One Direction star released the Harry’s House album in May 2022 through his studio, Erskine Records, and Columbia Records. Its success resulted in Erskine Records achieving a turnover of [...]
EY’s £2.7bn legal fight over NMC Health audits May 19, 2025 A mammoth legal fight against EY over its auditing of a former London-listed health giant that collapsed after allegations of fraud starts today
Wealth managers must get ready for the great wealth transfer May 19, 2025 With the UK on the verge of a historic great wealth transfer, wealth managers must get ahead now, writes Rhodri Preece.