The Traitors winner Alan Carr on his new approach to drinking January 5, 2026 On Christmas Eve I was on The Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr and Lee Peart’s new podcast Bottom’s Up!, a hilarious series all about friendship and wine, which, as you are reading this ‘Wine Without the Snobbery’ column, may be right up your decanter. Carr clearly has celebrations in mind. “As I approach a milestone [...]
Fashion giant Zara holds a mirror up to retail disruption January 5, 2026 Zara is on a mission to be more digital. From AI generated models, to reduced production timelines, to a new AI-powered virtual try-on feature, the moves point to a wider shift within the sector. The Spanish retail giant has spent the last few weeks modernising its strategy, fully embracing AI adoption to cut costs and [...]
The UK’s first ever reality TV show stranded people on a remote island for an entire year January 5, 2026 25 years ago the UK’s first ever fish-out-of-water reality TV show launched. Castaway 2000 stranded dozens of people on a remote Scottish island – its astonishing scope inspired shows like Big Brother, finds Adam Bloodworth. Photos by Simon Roberts It was a sunny autumn day in 1998 when TV producer Chris Kelly arrived at the [...]
Lakestreet Capital Partners Demands Change to Benefit All Shareholders of Palace Capital Plc, the FTSE REIT January 5, 2026 Lakestreet Capital Partners AG (“Lakestreet”), the largest shareholder in Palace Capital Plc (“Palace Capital”) with a 22.53% total shareholding* has this weekend requisitioned a general meeting of Palace Capital to remove its Chairman, Steven Owen and to appoint its founders as directors. Lakestreet is deeply troubled by the excessive amount of remuneration that Steven Owen [...]
Nottingham Forest takes major step in redevelopment of City Ground January 5, 2026 Nottingham Forest have taken a major step in their project to expand their City Ground stadium as their plans move forward once again. The struggling Premier League club is redeveloping its existing Nottingham-based stadium, with plans to expand the City Ground to a potential 52,000 seats. Nottingham Forest have called the City Ground home since [...]
UK economy showing signs of ‘zombie apocalypse,’ says think tank January 5, 2026 The UK economy faces a “zombie apocalypse” in the coming year, as years of tough trading conditions force thousands of unproductive firms to the wall, an influential left-leaning think tank has predicted. The Resolution Foundation forecasts a “triple whammy” of multi-year increases in interest rates, energy prices and the minimum wage will lead to the [...]
European office deals rebound in 2025 January 4, 2026 European office deals bounced back last year, as investors ploughed money into transactions after the prospect of a supply crunch revitalised the sector. A total of 21 transactions worth £100m or more were completed in central London as of mid-December, up from the 12 completed during 2024, first reported in the Financial Times. Meanwhile, nine [...]
The ultimate Sunday Scaries: How to cope with the January return to work January 4, 2026 Forget Blue Monday, the Sunday before going back to work after the Christmas break may be the scariest day of all. Here's how to cope.
Three sport law disputes to watch for in 2026 January 3, 2026 Joel Leigh and Rufus Scholefield take a look at the sectors that could define sport law in 2026 The left over mince pies are running out and the sporting world is looking ahead and bracing for a year that promises thrilling competition but also, significant legal and regulatory challenges. 2026 looks certain to be remembered [...]
Interactive Brokers’ Individual and Hedge Fund Clients Outperformed the S&P 500 on Average in 2025 January 2, 2026 Lower costs, global market access, and efficient execution contributed to stronger client outcomes.