Investor calls for Johnson Matthey to explore sale after shares slump December 16, 2024 Standard said it believed in the "unique value of JM," but warned a "massive credbility gap" had emerged with investors and the broader market.
Ageas to acquire part of Saga’s insurance business in 20-year deal December 16, 2024 Saga, the financial services and travel provider for over-50s, has begun a 20-year partnership for motor and home insurance with Belgian insurance giant Ageas. Ageas’ UK arm will take over Saga’s price-comparison website, pricing, claims and customer service activities, while Saga will hold onto brand and direct marketing. Under the terms of the deal, Saga [...]
Osborne Clarke: Nadhim Zahawi’s lawyer faces disciplinary hearing over SLAPP allegations December 16, 2024 Nadhim Zahawi's lawyer faces a disciplinary hearing this week over allegations he sent SLAPP letters to tax expert Dan Neidle
‘Hammer blow’: Family firms call for inheritance tax consultation December 16, 2024 Family businesses are urging the government to consult on changes to inheritance tax (IHT), warning the move represents a “hammer blow” to the UK economy. Some 160,000 family-owned firms – represented by 32 trade associations – have written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves to request a formal consultation on IHT changes in the Budget. The letter, [...]
Growth is easier to destroy than to build December 16, 2024 Missions, milestones, foundations and pledges; Keir Starmer has unveiled them all since winning the election in July, but no amount of visionary rhetoric can compel an economy to grow. Since Labour’s election victory the British economy has whimpered to a halt. GDP flatlined in July and achieved a barely perceptible nudge up in August before contracting [...]
Housing market braces for the New Year rush December 16, 2024 The housing market is getting ready for a big Boxing Day bounce following a seasonal dip in house prices this month. New seller asking prices dropped by 1.7 per cent in December to £360,197, according to Rightmove, but ended the year 1.4 per cent above December last year. Activity remained substantially stronger than the same [...]
Metro mayors to control railways and housing in ‘landmark’ devolution plans December 16, 2024 Mayors of large cities and regions across England will soon be able to take control of local infrastructure and skills projects under a new devolution bill, which was introduced in Parliament today. The English Devolution White Paper will give metro mayors – directly elected regional leaders who chair combined authorities – significant new powers in [...]
Payments regulator in Treasury crosshairs as firms revolt December 16, 2024 As the government hunts for ways to make Britain more competitive, the country's payments regulator has become caught in the crosshairs.
Canal+ IPO offers hope for troubled London Stock Exchange December 16, 2024 French media giant Canal+ will list on the London Stock Exchange this morning in an early Christmas present for a bourse battered by a string of exits this year.
Bank of England set to hold interest rates after inflation jump December 16, 2024 The Bank of England is poised to leave interest rates on hold this week after inflation rose more than expected.