London is a monument to the benefits of openness and internationalism February 6, 2017 "London is open”. This much-publicised campaign, launched by mayor of London Sadiq Khan and garlanded with column inches and broadcast coverage, is doing a great job of communicating the fact that the world’s greatest city wants nothing to do with the protectionism that seems to be appearing elsewhere in the world. We stand as a [...]
This architect has already designed a Mexican border wall for Donald Trump January 27, 2017 Now Donald Trump is all systems go on his border wall, here's one step he can skip: the design stage is already in the bag, thanks to Mexican architecture practice Estudio 3.14. In conjunction with the University of Connecticut, the firm has helpfully created a design for a giant wall between the US and Mexico, [...]
Paradise Beach: Enjoy rum, monkeys and tropical luxury on the twin islands of St Kitts and Nevis January 16, 2017 French settlers brought their pet monkeys to the Caribbean islands of St. Kitts and Nevis in the 17th century. Soon after they promptly escaped and began multiplying (the monkeys, not the French), wreaking simian havoc wherever they went. The marauding apes now outnumber humans and routinely devastate crops in dawn raids, munching their way through [...]
Chinese mega cities increase dominance in Schroders Global Cities 30 index December 15, 2016 Fund manager Hugo Machin explains the trends behind the latest moves in the Schroders Global Cities index Chinese cities had a strong showing in the first Schroders Global Cities 30 index, launched in the summer. In the first update to the index, that dominance has only increased. Four of the top five spots are now [...]
Mulberry profits hit by weak sterling December 8, 2016 Revenues were up in the first half of the year for luxury handbag brand Mulberry – but profits were dented by the weak pound, it said today. The Somerset-based manufacturer said revenues rose 10 per cent to £74.5m in the 26 weeks to the end of September, up from £67.8m the year before – but it [...]
Lanzarote is far more fun – and far classier – than you probably think November 26, 2016 THE WEEKEND: With year-round sun and a large ex-pat community, this Canary Island has unfairly gained a reputation for being overrun with stereotypical ‘Brits Abroad’. However, breathtaking beaches, a diverse landscape and a new line of luxury resorts have made it an affordable and desirable destination for those yearning for a relaxing getaway. Former PM [...]
Thomas Cook takes £10m profit hit after rocky year of trading due to terror attacks and political instability November 23, 2016 Thomas Cook's revenue and profit in the 12 months to 30 September was dented by a difficult year's trading which included a number of terror attacks in popular tourist destinations, and post-Brexit vote currency volatility. The figures The travel group's revenue dropped to £7.81bn from £7.83bn. Profit from operations was down to £205m from £211m, and [...]
Leicester City’s Premier League title win delivered £140m to the local economy – and this year it will be even more November 21, 2016 Leicester’s Premier League title triumph contributed £140m to the local economy during 2015-16, according to a new study, and that figure is expected to rise again this season. The Foxes’ historic 5000-1 success delivered a total economic output of £193m, generated taxes of £78m and supported 2,500 jobs, the report by EY for the club [...]
Iran is open for business with a post-Brexit UK November 14, 2016 Iran is officially open for business after four years in the global wilderness. Following the imposition of financial sanctions in 2012 by the US for its burgeoning nuclear weapons programme, it was almost impossible for the west to do any business with Iran. Those sanctions were lifted earlier this year after France, Germany, UK, Russia and [...]
Weak pound draws tourists to London’s Westfield centres September 28, 2016 Westfield shopping centres have been inundated with Chinese customers bulk buying Burberry handbags on the back of the weak pound. In July, Chinese spend in Westfield Stratford jumped 116 per cent year on year. Chinese spend in Westfield London, White City, increased by 16 per cent. Read more: Westfield Stratford set for more visitors in [...]