Investors hunt for bargains amid global market turmoil March 9, 2022 Investors have piled into flagging equities in the past week as they hunt for bargains amid the market turmoil sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
‘Tragedy’ if John Lewis ownership changes, says ex-boss March 26, 2023 John Lewis changing its ownership model would be “a tragedy”, a former top boss has said. Reports last week suggested the retailer is considering ending its fully staff-owned structure, with the partnership’s chairwoman, Sharon White, exploring plans to sell a minority stake. West Midlands mayor Andy Street, John Lewis managing director until 2016, acknowledged the [...]
Zara owner sees sales soar to £28.8bn as young shoppers shrug off cost of living crisis to splash cash on latest trends March 15, 2023 The owner of high street fashion chain Zara said young shoppers remained to spend cash on the latest trends despite rising inflation and the cost of living crisis. Inditex, which also owns popular brands such as Pull&Bear and Bershka, reported a sales growth of €32.6bn (£28.8bn) up 17.5 per cent from the same period last [...]
Primark owner ABF confirms eligibility for coronavirus loan April 17, 2020 Primark owner Associated British Foods has announced that it is eligible for funding from the government’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility during the coronavirus outbreak. All of the budget retailer’s 376 stores across 12 countries have been closed since March 22, which represents a loss of £650m net sales each month. However the company is hoping [...]
I’d never normally protest, but Sunak is bleeding the tourist economy dry November 1, 2023 Sir Rocco Forte and a host of other business leaders are protesting over the tourist tax today. He explains why.
Bank of England watchers eye Pill and Ramsden speeches November 6, 2022 Bank of England watchers are in for a bumper week as several top rate setters provide hints on the trajectory of UK monetary policy after last week they said the economy is on course for the longest recession on record. Despite the bleak projections by the Bank, London’s FTSE 100 fared well last week, climbing [...]
How Brits (and businesses) fell in love with the humble retail park September 20, 2023 On the outskirts of every bustling town and city lies the reliable, yet boring, retail park. But, as dull as they may be, retail parks are having their moment in the sun.
The Notebook: Hunt must scrap the tourist tax if the UK wants to stay competitive January 29, 2024 Where the City’s movers and shakers have their say. Today, James Chapman, Director of Soho Communications, takes the Notebook pen. The tourist tax is causing the UK to fall behind European rivals Ahead of his Spring Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is casting around for measures to promote that most elusive of things, economic growth. It’s [...]
Bank of England economy warning sends London markets lower July 5, 2022 London markets were dragged lower today by the Bank of England warning the UK economy is headed for a tough time over the coming year. The capital’s premier index shed nearly three per cent to close at 7,025.47 points, while the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the health of the [...]
Primark owner ABF reveals £284m charge for unsold stock April 21, 2020 Associated British Foods (ABF) has revealed a £248m hit for unsold stock as sales plunge while Primark stores remain shut across Europe. Following the closure of its stores the level of inventory at Primark increased significantly as sales ceased immediately and the inbound supply chain continued for several weeks with goods in transit. An assessment [...]