Tech predictions for 2018: Drones, crypto, and the rise of the robots January 15, 2018 The pace of technological change can seem exciting and daunting in equal measure. 2017, while seeing continued financial growth in the tech sector, brought even more sharply into focus the challenges inherent with the inexorable march of progress. From Amazon to Uber, tech giants saw their practices and business models scrutinised more deeply than ever [...]
Transport for London (TfL) faces near £1bn operational deficit as revenue raising efforts run into trouble February 12, 2018 Transport for London (TfL) faces a near £1bn operational deficit next year, as it looks to secure new revenue raising options amid a surprise dip in passenger numbers and the loss of government funding. The organisation said in its most recent business plan that it expects a £784m deficit this year, which will then hit [...]
Love it or hate it, you can’t halt the momentum of Silicon Valley October 26, 2017 Opposition and doubt always accompany any great change. The rise of computer technology over the last 30 years is no different than the invention of the car or the light bulb in this respect. The innovations that Silicon Valley has produced have shaken just about everything we thought we knew, and made us question the [...]
Open Banking explained: Everything you need to know about the initiative but were afraid to ask January 12, 2018 You'll be hearing a lot of talk about Open Banking, which is set for take off this Saturday. Here's everything you need to know about it but were afraid to ask. What exactly is Open Banking? The markets watchdog told nine of the biggest banks that they must open up the information they hold so [...]
Mobile pay is still waiting for its “Uber moment” (even among millennials) November 3, 2016 Despite our addiction to smartphones, using them to pay for a new winter coat or that morning coffee has yet to become commonplace – even among tech obsessed digital natives, aka millennials. Just a quarter of those aged between 18 and 35 are using mobile pay and only two per cent are using Apple Pay, the [...]
The digital nomads: How to pack a suitcase and start a new life working from abroad January 25, 2018 Who among us hasn’t dreamed of jacking in their day job to trade forex from a laptop in Malibu or open a beach bar in Thailand? You might have read The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss and asked why you haven’t yet “escaped the nine-to-five to live anywhere and join the new rich”. I [...]
Uber needs to sort out public concerns about its workers’ wage worries to stimulate UberEats’ growth September 21, 2016 The food delivery sector is booming and Uber is getting on board with its newly launched UberEats service. Competing with rivals such as Deliveroo, Uber’s bosses will be hoping that those that have got on board with the company as a taxi service will be attracted to its new venture as well. YouGov Profiles data [...]
Uber drivers are NOT self-employed but entitled to workers’ rights, says employment tribunal October 28, 2016 Uber drivers are entitled to basic workers' rights, an employment tribunal announced today, in a landmark legal case. The hearing at a London employment tribunal is the first case of its kind in the UK. The action was brought by the GMB union which represents drivers, and law firm Leigh Day. Nigel Mackay, employment lawyer [...]
Watch out Uber? Addison Lee’s investing £17m in 550 new Ford Galaxys November 14, 2016 Addison Lee is striking while the iron's hot. It has just announced some hefty investment, plugging £17m into new cars, purchasing 550 Ford Galaxy people carriers, as it renews 12 per cent of its 5,000 strong fleet. Earlier this year profits were down as it battled the rise of mobile challengers, like Uber. But with the [...]
All London Uber drivers will now have to prove their English skills October 17, 2016 All Uber drivers in London will now have to prove they have the required level of English to get a license to operate in the capital, in new rules set down by Transport for London. Anyone wanting to become a driver for the billion-dollar startup, or any other minicab firm in the capital, will have to [...]