Europe fears Brexit because it would unleash forces that could prove impossible to control June 17, 2016 In Britain, we inevitably focus most on how our departure from the EU would affect the UK. What the other countries in the EU mainly worry about, however, is how it would affect Europe. They are standing back, nervous that any intervention could be open to misinterpretation and be counter-productive, but they watch our referendum [...]
“Time for America to bind the wounds of division”: Watch Donald Trump’s victory speech in full November 9, 2016 Donald Trump gave an unusually statesmanlike victory speech today, congratulating his opponent and promising to unite his country. "It’s time for America to bind the wounds of division. We have to get together," he said. "For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, of which there were a few people, I’m [...]
“Rise up”: The full text of Tony Blair’s Open Britain speech on Brexit February 17, 2017 Tony Blair has been absent from British politics for years, now – but today he returned in spectacular style, urging the UK's population to "rise up" against Brexit. Although some (including former deputy PM Nick Clegg) liked it, the majority of reaction has been that he missed the mark. Not sure what you think? Here's [...]
Amazon UK managing director Christopher North ditches internet giant for stationery brand Shutterfly March 18, 2016 Amazon UK's top executive Christopher North has ditched the online retail giant for digital photo company Shutterfly. North has been at Amazon since 2006, rising to the post of managing director of its UK operations. Shutterfly has revealed that North is set to take the role of president and chief executive of Shutterfly on May 31 – and the [...]
CYBG: PPI pushes on for the UK’s latest challenger bank May 24, 2016 Clydesdale Yorkshire Bank, one of the UK's latest challengers after it was spun-off by National Australia Bank earlier this year, said net interest margin rose in the six months to the end of March – but it reiterated that PPI is still taking its toll. Read more: Public hungry for challenger banks, research finds The figures [...]
As Buckingham Palace prepares for Queen Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday, here are some of the worst tributes on offer April 18, 2016 Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 90th birthday this year, and the whole corporate world is clamouring to celebrate it with her. As the nation gears up to wish her maj a happy birthday, UK retailers are also cashing in on the moment in history. Affordable Accessories Affordable jeweller Signet is patriotically promoting products at its Ernest & [...]
Where to Invade Next review: Michael Moore back on form with film that questions US’s place in the world June 9, 2016 WHERE TO INVADE NEXT (15) | Dir. Michael Moore Michael Moore is back behind and in front of the camera for his first film in six years. The baseball capped antagonist visits several countries across Europe to see their approaches to issues including commerce, education, crime and healthcare, hoping to bring home ways to improve the [...]
Cradle baby alligators and zoom along the Everglades in a weird boat – it’s Florida baby! September 23, 2016 F lorida has a fearsome reputation for hurricanes, alligators and hanging chads, but in this vast sea of crazy, there is an island of tranquility. Its name is Fort Lauderdale. Long established as a place to go for fun in the sun, with a long sandy beach, the wild beauty of the Everglades, and easy [...]
Premium high street retailer Whistles bought out by Phase Eight parent The Foschini Group for undisclosed sum March 24, 2016 Premium high street retailer Whistles has been bought out by Phase Eight parent The Foschini Group. The South African business, which owns 20 retail brands and has a footprint of more than 2,700 stores, has taken a "substantial majority" stake in the British firm, headed by Jane Shepherdson sine 2008. Foschini, which bought Phase Eight [...]
Congratulate to accumulate: Britain’s no-praise business culture is holding our economy back June 13, 2016 A few weeks ago I spent three inspiring days in Silicon Valley. Part of the mayor’s International Business Programme and Silicon Valley Comes to the UK (SVC2UK), in partnership with the British Consulate General in San Francisco and London & Partners, I met legendary entrepreneurs, investors and senior executives such as Sheryl Sandberg at some [...]