FCA explores new rules to block UK high street bank closures August 10, 2021 The Financial Conduct Authority is reportedly looking into new rules that would give it the power to stop banks from closing high street branches, in a bid to ensure consumers have continued access to cash. In a consultation last month, the Treasury said it was considering new legislation that would give the UK’s financial regulator [...]
Watches of Switzerland reports ‘extremely strong’ UK sales August 10, 2021 Luxury watchmaker Watches of Switzerland revenue has almost doubled during its first quarter with “extremely strong” UK trading. Group revenue was £297.5m during the first quarter, up from £151.6m last year, as shoppers were keen to purchase both luxury watches and jewellery. UK sales grew 104.7 per cent compared to the first quarter of the [...]
Brits still using pennies and pounds to buy goods August 10, 2021 Cash is continuing to play a significant role in facilitating transactions as Brits flock to high streets after “Freedom Day”, new figures released today reveal. A record £665m was withdrawn from Post Office counters in July, the highest monthly total excluding the historically busy Christmas period ever. Personal cash withdrawals in July were up 4.6 [...]
Alibaba fires manager accused of sexual assault August 9, 2021 Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group said today it had fired a manager over suspected sexual assault. The firm has also promised policies to prevent sexual harassment in the office but was criticised by state media for no action until the accuser went public. Over the weekend, a female staff posted an 11-page account on Alibaba’s [...]
Stillwater – Amanda Knox-inspired drama is slow but solid August 5, 2021 Whoever said “there’s no such thing as bad publicity” clearly didn’t work on publicity for Stillwater, as this week’s drama comes to the screen with a lot of baggage. The film is very loosely inspired by the trial of Amanda Knox, who posted tweets denouncing the film. As if that wasn’t enough, star Matt Damon [...]
Firefighter wins claim against Fire Brigades Union after suspension for pro-Brexit speech August 5, 2021 A firefighter who sued the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) for unfair dismissal over a pro-Brexit speech has announced he has won his claim. Former FBU executive council member Paul Embery was suspended from his post for giving a speech at a Leave Means Leave rally in March 2019 in London. Embery, now a columnist at [...]
WPP raises forecast, following further revenue growth August 5, 2021 WPP today reported continuing strong results for the first half of the year, in a sign of optimism for the global marketing industry. The London-listed ad giant reported revenue growth of 9.8 per cent and new net business worth almost $3bn in the first six months of the year as more customers return to investing [...]
Investors pile £12bn into UK-listed companies, hoisting the market above pre-pandemic levels August 5, 2021 UK listed companies have raised more than £12bn in fresh capital from investors in the first half of this year, building the market back above pre-pandemic levels. The pandemic caused a resurgence in UK capital markets activity last year, with funds raised by listed companies peaking at its highest level in over a decade. Investors [...]
Lyft announce first profit figure three months ahead of target August 4, 2021 Californian Uber-challenger Lyft saw shares rise six per cent on Tuesday after announcing the first time quarterly profit in the firm’s nine-year history. Three months ahead of target, the company said EBITDA profit hit $23.8m (£17.2m) in the most recent quarter as rider numbers rebound after the pandemic. Lyft has branched out in tandem with [...]
The Office: Time for Government to offer certainty and direction August 4, 2021 Life has changed immeasurably over the past eighteen months, and the world of work is no different. Many office workers have now been working from home for over a year and habits have changed. Is hybrid working the future? There are certainly plenty of advocates suggesting that sofas, laptops and 8:59 alarm clocks are the [...]