Exclusive: En+ chairman, former minister and MP Lord Barker on running a global energy giant December 14, 2021 The global and metals sectors look back on a number of volatile years. The global downturn, increased regulation and changing investor demands are rapidly transforming the industry. One company at the heart of this ecosystem is LSE-listed En+ Group, the largest producer of low-carbon aluminium globally and the world’s largest hydropower player, with nearly 90,000 [...]
Businesses set to get economic support if more restrictions are announced December 14, 2021 The government is set to provide fresh economic support to businesses if more Covid restrictions are imposed by Boris Johnson. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is looking at potential funding options for businesses if they are forced to close due to the Omicron variant, including bringing back the furlough scheme. Businesses have been provided no extra support [...]
Two thirds businesses call for higher sick pay rate amid growing Omicron fears December 14, 2021 Nearly two thirds of employers have called for a rise in statutory sick pay (SSP) in the UK, according to a new report. The professional body for human resources behind the report, urged for major reforms to statuary sick pay after finding that 62 per cent of employers in the country think the rate, currently [...]
Intel jumps into the metaverse with enhanced computing powers December 13, 2021 In its first public comments on its strategy for tapping into the "metaverse," Intel execs said the firm is working on software that will help laptops tap into computing power from other devices, including chips from its rivals, acccording to Reuters this evening.
Markets suffer losses after Boris Johnson’s Omicron warnings December 13, 2021 The FTSE 100 was flat on Monday amid heightened domestic concerns over the Omicron variant and warnings from Boris Johnson of a 'tidal wave' of cases.
London’s shopping destinations seeing ‘first sign’ of hit from plan B measures December 13, 2021 Retail destinations have started to see the impact of the government’s latest Covid messaging, after a drop in central London footfall last week. Footfall fell three per cent in central London shopping destinations and 5.3 per cent in the capital’s office hubs last week. Last week, the Prime Minister outlined fresh measures to tackle the [...]
Full blown lockdown would plunge UK economy far below pre-pandemic size December 13, 2021 A full blown lockdown would derail the UK’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis, reveals fresh analysis from City economists. Shutting down the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors will cause the British economy to shrink to six per cent below its pre-pandemic size, according to Pantheon Macroeconomics. Imposing tougher restrictions on businesses that rely on [...]
OPEC remains bullish on oil demand and downplays Omicron variant December 13, 2021 OPEC raised its oil demand forecast for the first quarter of 2022, anticipating the new Omicron variant will be “mild and short-lived”.
London Square inks £400m deal to buy final phases of Nine Elms development December 13, 2021 Residential developer London Square has inked a £400m deal to buy the final three phases of the Nine Elms Park development site in Battersea, south London. London Square has also agreed a partnership deal with build-to-rent developer Moda Living on land for two buildings on the site. London Square has exchanged contracts on a total [...]
Travel data: Londoners shrug off work from home order with bus and tube usage falling less than expected December 13, 2021 The number of Londoners still travelling into work appears to have fallen less than expected according to new Transport for London data. Today represents the first day that the Government’s re-instituted work from home order comes into force. Bus usage before 10am this morning fell just six per cent week on week, whilst tube usage [...]