Sold: Connells pick up estate agent Countrywide after protracted takeover battle December 31, 2020 Embattled estate agent Countrywide has been taken over by rivals Connells after a protracted and public takeover battle. Connells, which owns Barnard Marcus and a host of other real estate brands, has been in talks since early November. Read more: Retail wonks hope for a brighter 2021 It sealed the deal upping its offer to [...]
Tech predictions for 2021 December 30, 2020 2020 will forever be remembered as the year of the pandemic. The economic fallout was felt by millions of people and businesses around the world, across different sectors. The tech industry, however, has proved remarkably resilient. The big tech story of 2020 has been how many companies actually thrived during this unprecedented period, surpassing expectations. [...]
A booming Britain will need a broadband boost, too December 29, 2020 The best possible platform from which to launch the UK into its post-Brexit future outside the European Union is world class digital infrastructure. Only underpinned by the fastest Full Fibre networks will the UK be able to establish itself as a leading digital economy. Full Fibre will enable us to compete with countries and companies [...]
Mobile roaming: Will I be charged for using my phone in the EU after Brexit? December 29, 2020 Since 2017, Brits travelling in the EU have been able to enjoy using their mobile phone without racking up any additional roaming charges. The UK has now secured a post-Brexit trade deal with the bloc, ensuring a smoother transition after the transition period ends on 31 December. But Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove this week [...]
Brits warned of Brexit disruption despite trade deal December 28, 2020 Brits will face “some disruption” when the UK leaves the EU this week despite a last-minute trade deal, the government has warned. Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said businesses and citizens must prepare for “practical and procedural changes”, warning that time to adapt to the new rules was very tight. Gove hailed the UK’s post-Brexit [...]
Gove: Free ports and smart regulation the prize of Brexit deal December 26, 2020 Michael Gove has said that free ports, business-friendly regulation and ‘smart’ interventions to support entrepreneurs are the benefits of leaving the European Union. Writing today, the Cabinet Office minister also says that businesses have the “certainty and the ability to plan for growth and investment.” Read more: Opinion – forget Brexit, the EU is circling [...]
The best films to watch on a Tier 4 Christmas day December 25, 2020 As many adverts have told us, Christmas will be a bit different this year. There will be people we won’t be able to see, and celebrations we won’t be able to have. However, one thing that 2020 can’t take from us is our favourite Christmas films. Whether you like them as sentimental, dramatic, funny, or [...]
Individuals rush to sell assets as capital gains tax bill rockets to £10.1bn December 23, 2020 The UK’s capital gains tax (CGT) bill has hit £10.1bn, up more than fourfold from £2.5bn a decade earlier, prompting people to sell their assets. Despite the increase of nearly £7.5bn in a decade, more CGT could be demanded from the taxpayer. The Office for Tax Simplification recently recommended the Chancellor increase CGT rates in [...]
Royal Mail settles industrial dispute over pay and operational changes December 22, 2020 Royal Mail has reached an agreement with its largest union, the Communication Workers Union after a two year dispute over strategy and pay. “Royal Mail and CWU have committed to rebalance our focus and resources from the declining letters to the rapidly growing parcels marketing, creating a more efficient business that is better aligned to [...]
PM ‘hoping to avoid’ post-Christmas lockdown December 18, 2020 Boris Johnson has not ruled out a post-Christmas lockdown following a surge in infections driven by London and the South East. In a visit to Bolton, the Prime Minister failed to eliminate the prospect of following Wales and Northern Ireland into lockdown after Christmas. “Obviously, we’re hoping very much that we’ll be able to avoid [...]