Department store chain Beales hoists for sale sign December 17, 2019 Department store chain Beales has put itself up for sale in a bid to secure a sustainable future for the company in a challenging retail environment. The Bournemouth-based company has appointed KPMG to conduct a strategic review of the firm, including assessing a potential sale. Read more: Debenhams strengthens board as department store implements rescue [...]
Tesco CEO: Analysts react to Dave Lewis’ shock departure October 2, 2019 Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis this morning made the shock announcement that he is preparing to step down, saying the supermarket giant’s turnaround is complete. Lewis cited personal reasons for his decision and declared that five to six years is an appropriate tenure for a chief executive. Read more: Tesco CEO Dave Lewis quits Boots [...]
‘Al fresco Britain’: Government waives planning laws for on-street drinking and dining June 25, 2020 The government has set out details that will pave the way for an “al fresco Britain” this summer, allowing fairs, outdoor markets and on-street drinking and dining to take place without planning permission in England. The government has unveiled a new Business and Planning Bill, which will lift the red tape from pubs, restaurants and [...]
Mushrooms: The Art, Design and Future of Fungi at Somerset House – A celebration of humanity’s great, unsung alliance January 31, 2020 There’s something about mushrooms that’s at once fascinating and horrifying. I remember opening a cupboard in an old flat and discovering a little field of pure-white mushrooms sprouting out of the carpet. Part of me was amazed that these strange things had taken up residence in my home, and part of me wanted to burn [...]
Tesco CEO Dave Lewis quits as supermarket declares turnaround ‘is complete’ October 2, 2019 Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis is stepping down from the Big Four supermarket, it revealed today as it declared its turnaround is complete. The CEO will leave the business next summer after chairman John Allan said he had accepted his resignation letter “with regret”. Read more: Tesco sells mortgage arm for £3.8bn Lewis called the [...]
Galliford Try boasts new contract wins after sale of housing arm January 9, 2020 Galliford Try shares soared this morning as the construction group touted a number of contract wins after the £1.1bn sale of its residential business. Chief executive Bill Hocking said the business had “good momentum” and a strong order book. Read more: Galliford Try joins the Winters of discontent Galliford, which completed the sale of its [...]
Liberal Democrats leadership race: The long road to relevance July 30, 2020 For the second consecutive summer, Liberal Democrat members will be dragged to the polls to vote in a leadership election. While last year’s contest had a palpable feeling of optimism and excitement for many members, this year’s affair will likely represent the most abject contrast. The Liberal Democrats had surged to an unlikely lead in [...]
The great British sell-off: Three ways for investors to profit September 13, 2019 As the final act of the Brexit saga approaches, investors are still locked in a state of perpetual uncertainty. We can’t know what will unfold, but what business is continually telling the government is how difficult it is to plan in the current environment. Brexit is the moment when we will receive some clarity, for [...]
NMC Health finds evidence of fraud as shares in sister firm Finablr collapse March 12, 2020 Beleaguered hospital operator NMC Health said an investigation into its finances had uncovered evidence indicating suspected fraud in some of its previous financial activities. NMC Health launched an external review into allegations over its finances after coming under attack from US short-seller Muddy Waters in December. Read more: NMC Health identifies $2.7bn in additional debt [...]
From Mini to McLaren: our favourite new cars of 2020 December 28, 2020 The cars that surprised and delighted us this year, including the Aston Martin DBX, Land Rover Defender and Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD.