Coronavirus: What does entertaining look like in a post-pandemic world? April 8, 2020 What will life be like after the Coronavirus? What will restaurants be like? What kind of holidays will we have? Who will be going to concerts? I’m pretty sure it’s not what you expect… how do I know? Well, at Ten Group – the world’s most successful lifestyle concierge service (“TENG” on the London Stock [...]
Asos shares soar as retailer orders £200m equity raise April 7, 2020 Shares in Asos rose by a third today after the fashion retailer announced a bumper share sale in a bid to shore up its finances during the coronavirus crisis. Asos unveiled plans for a placing of up to 18.8 per cent of issued share capital to protect against a “prolonged downturn” caused by the pandemic. [...]
UK productivity shows weak growth before coronavirus hit April 7, 2020 UK productivity grew by 0.3 per cent year on year in the final quarter of 2019, official statistics have shown, marking relatively weak growth before coronavirus hit the economy. The figure was unchanged from the previous quarter but was an improvement from the previous four quarters of zero growth or contraction, the Office for National [...]
WH Smith to tap investors for up to £150m due to coronavirus outbreak April 6, 2020 WH Smith has confirmed it is planning to tap investors for a cash injection of up to £150m to shore up its balance sheet due to the impact of coronavirus. The company said this morning that it has secured new lending facilities of £120m to strengthen its balance sheet, working capital and liquidity position, however [...]
How technology is helping to maintain positive workplace culture during self-isolation March 31, 2020 Covid-19 has been disruptive to many aspects of our lives – including our work. For most organisations, remote working is quickly becoming the new normal, yet it’s a muscle many are just starting to develop. And while this transition is vital to keep employees safe, it brings with it a wealth of new challenges. Without [...]
Coronavirus: Police accused of ‘overzealous’ crackdown on Easter eggs March 30, 2020 Convenience stores selling Easter eggs have faced a crackdown from “overzealous” enforcement of the government’s coronavirus lockdown, according to the sector’s trade body. Newsagents and off-licences have been allowed to stay open during the lockdown as the government has deemed them to be essential retailers, along with supermarkets and pharmacies. Any shops deemed non-essential are [...]
Dominic Cummings self-isolates with coronavirus symptoms March 30, 2020 Boris Johnson’s most senior adviser Dominic Cummings is reportedly self-isolating at home with coronavirus symptoms. A Number 10 source told the MailOnline that Cummings is still “in contact” with Downing Street colleagues. A Downing Street spokesperson said they “wouldn’t expect” that Cummings had been tested. It comes after the Prime Minister tested positive for Covid-19 [...]
Why the UK’s startup sector is worth saving March 30, 2020 Covid-19 has already destroyed so much. Lives, livelihoods, freedom of movement. For those on the frontlines, whether in the NHS, social care or supermarkets, or in the country’s many sick beds, the battle is fierce. As the dominoes of our economy have tumbled, the government has quickly stepped in. First to safeguard business. Then to [...]
Lloyd’s of London boss expects claims spike as market enacts coronavirus response plan March 26, 2020 The chief executive of insurance market Lloyd’s of London said today he expected a spike in claims as a result of the coraonvirus pandemic. Speaking to City A.M., John Neal said “I think we will have heightened claims activity,” but said it was not yet possible to predict the full impact. Neal said Lloyd’s has [...]
UK coronavirus: Which retailers are open under lockdown rules? March 25, 2020 The government announced a UK coronavirus lockdown on Monday evening, putting limits on work, socialising and going outside. Addressing the nation, the prime minister said “I must give the British people a very simple instruction – you must stay at home”. Boris Johnson said police will break up public gatherings of more than two people, [...]