Highland Europe leads $40m investment in StarLeaf, a UK tech startup making video conference calls loads easier May 9, 2017 Highland Europe has led a multimillion pound investment in a high growth startup specialising in video conference calling technology. Cambridge-founded StarLeaf has landed $40m (£31m) from the venture capital firm which has previously invested in Brandwatch, WeTransfer and Outfittery, along with Grafton Capital. Read more: Meet the 17 high-growth startups being hot-housed by the LSE [...]
Those who fear automation will be its only casualties August 11, 2017 Whatever can be automated, should be. And regardless of whether it should, it will be. Automation has been a persistent economic force since the first industrial revolution, and an essential feature of any competitive business. The use of machines and other forms of automation to boost productivity is a major factor behind the rapid global [...]
Here’s a hub for global cybersecurity expertise – and it’s not where you think April 18, 2017 An unexpected location is making a serious case as a worldwide centre of excellence in cybersecurity: Ireland. Cybersecurity activity in Ireland covers a thriving ecosystem, from multinationals at the cutting edge of cloud and mobile security, to indigenous companies working in a range of industries and with a variety of technologies, to academic research and [...]
January transfer window 2017: Premier League clubs record profit for the first time as Manchester United and Chelsea earn over £100m February 1, 2017 Premier League clubs recorded a transfer profit for the first time in last month's transfer window, despite spending more money than ever before in January. A record £215m was spent by top flight teams on new signings in this year's January window, according to Deloitte's Sport Business Group, yet teams still enjoyed a collective £40m [...]
IPOh yeah: How newly listed companies outperform the market December 9, 2016 It has been a tough year for London’s flotation market, with the number of big initial public offerings (IPOs) falling significantly on 2015 levels. In addition, there have been a raft of high-profile IPOs pulled by companies, which have cited challenging market conditions. But, according to a new study, the few companies that have completed [...]
Ladbrokes Coral loses £71m tax avoidance court case after long standing battle with HMRC February 25, 2017 Bookmaker Ladbrokes Coral has lost a £71m tax avoidance court battle with the taxman after using a once-legal loophole to minimise its tax bill. Ladbrokes drafted in Big Four beancounters Deloitte in 2008 to create a scheme that artificially manufactured a fall in the value of the shares of one of the group subsidiaries. This generated [...]
Russia’s Aeroflot trumps American heavyweights as the world’s most powerful airline brand February 14, 2017 Forget Emirates, American Airlines and British Airways. When it comes to the world's most powerful airline brand, another name has taken the crown. According to Brand Finance, which recently announced its annual Global 500 list featuring Lego, Google and co., Russian carrier Aeroflot is the world's most powerful airline brand. It carries an AAA brand rating [...]
Vehicle rental company backed by Bridgepoint to announce takeover of Coca-Cola truck provider February 20, 2017 A northern private equity-backed vehicle rental company is set to announce the takeover of a local rival that provides trucks to clients including Coca-Cola, City A.M. can reveal. Leeds-based Zenith, which private equity house Bridgepoint bought from HgCapital for £750m last month, has agreed a deal for CVL, which is also based in Leeds. Read more: Private equity [...]
Liam Fox facing questions over demands that government contractors are a “cultural fit” on Brexit March 1, 2017 Liam Fox's international trade department is facing questions over procurement rules after demanding government contractors are a 'cultural fit' with Brexit plans. Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has written to civil service chief Jeremy Heywood to demand an investigation and an apology from ministers. Adverts from the Department for International Trade said companies must “be committed [...]
From PwC’s chair to the boss of Vodafone: Here are the top 30 men helping to tackle gender inequality in the workplace March 10, 2017 Lloyds Banking Group’s chief executive of commercial banking and the chairman of PwC have been named among the top 30 men challenging the status quo and promoting gender equality in the workplace. The Women’s Business Council and Management Today have revealed their 2017 Agents of Change, listing 30 male leaders who are actively working alongside women [...]