UK mortgage approvals surge in December January 27, 2020 British banks approved the most mortgages in four years in December, data from banking body UK Finance has shown, in the latest sign of green shoots in the UK economy. Yet mortgage lending in the UK fell in 2019 overall as the Britain’s housing market struggled under the weight of Brexit uncertainty, according to the [...]
With China’s mask off, the last days of Hong Kong are upon us June 15, 2020 There is something terrifying about watching freedom die. As a historian, whether contemplating the end of Athens, the last days of the Roman Republic, or the horrors of the French Revolution devouring its children, as a well-wisher to liberty I always feel an ineffable sadness as freedom is snuffed out. And that is precisely what [...]
Burger King launches plant-based Whopper – but it isn’t vegan or vegetarian January 6, 2020 Burger King is launching a plant-based version of its Whopper in the UK, but vegans and vegetarians won’t be able to enjoy the new burger. The Rebel Whopper, which is made from soy, is not suitable for those avoiding meat because it is cooked on the same grill as the fast food chain’s beef burgers. [...]
FTSE 100 dragged down by Brexit delay ahead of general election vote October 29, 2019 The FTSE 100 edged down this morning as Brexit uncertainty lingered over the City. European markets opened flat today, but UK traders took a more cautious approach ahead of another crucial day of voting in Parliament. London’s blue-chip index fell by 0.5 per cent to roughly 7,297 points, while the Dax was down by 0.2 [...]
‘Enough is enough’: Two thirds of South Western Railway passengers fed up with fares January 28, 2020 Barely a third of South Western Railway passengers feel they are getting value for money, after months of strikes and delays caused misery across the network. According to the National Rail passenger survey, just 34 per cent of customers were satisfied with fares, the lowest score of any franchise in the country. Overall passenger satisfaction [...]
Putting out the fire in America June 6, 2020 Following almost two weeks of nationwide riots in the US in response to the sickening murder of George Floyd by a brutal Minneapolis police officer, this week I could in good conscience write of nothing else. Now is the time for the bravery to alienate both “sides”. Now is the time for truth-telling if the [...]
Green shoots: Four charts that suggest the worst is over for the UK economy June 4, 2020 The UK economy suffered its worst month in living memory in April, but there are tentative signs that things began improving in May as coronavirus restrictions were gradually lifted. “The government’s plans for a progressive opening up of non-essential stores in June suggest that the low point for the economy is behind us,” said Ruth [...]
London bucks house listings trend in three-year high despite nationwide fall July 4, 2018 The number of properties listed on London's housing market rose to a three-year high in June, despite the UK suffering an overall decline in houses put up for sale, according to new figures from a property supply index. Nearly 33,000 homes were put on the market in the capital last month, the highest level since [...]
Average London rents jumped last month November 14, 2019 The average rent in London rose to £1,665 last month, according to a report released today. The average rent in the UK grew 2.7 per cent to £953 on the same time last year. Average rents in London grew 2.8 per cent to £1,665, according to the report from tenant referencing firm Homelet. Read more: [...]
Foxtons shares slip after profit takes Brexit blow February 28, 2020 Estate agent Foxtons has posted a 30 per cent drop in annual profit against the backdrop of last year’s Brexit uncertainty. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) fell to £2.5m during 2019, a year-on-year decrease of 30 per cent from 2018’s £3.6m. The estate agent narrowed its loss before tax from £17.2m last [...]