Unexpected rise in US oil stockpiles steals the wind from Opec’s sails April 3, 2019 Oil prices ended a three-day winning streak today despite edging close to the $70 per mark in the morning. International standard Brent crude reached up to $69.95 per barrel at around 9.20am, its highest point since November, before slowly giving back gains. Read more: Oil price hits 2019 peak as Trump moots new sanctions against [...]
Vodafone rings cynical tone with token gesture on executive pay July 12, 2019 Talk about a late call. By the time Vodafone signalled a concession this week over long-term share awards granted to its top executives, the damage had already been done. The “voluntary request” (a phrase underlining the City’s talent for tortured tautology) made by Nick Read and Margherita Della Valle has stuck in the craw of [...]
Debenhams owners to outline plans to shut 20 stores April 23, 2019 Debenhams is poised to outline plans this week to bring forward the closure of 20 of its stores, according to Sky News. The new owners of the department store chain, which include Barclays and hedge fund Silver Point, will launch a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in the next 48 hours that will allow it to [...]
Fat Face struggles over festive period as shopping model continues shifting to online January 9, 2019 Casual clothing retailer Fat Face’s Christmas sales fell flat, amid “tough” trading conditions after a solid performance in the six months to December. The company reported a six per cent drop in physical sales in December, driven by a shift to online sales both in the UK and internationally. Ecommerce sales were up 16 per [...]
Retailers and bar chains set to cash in on heatwave July 24, 2019 This week’s heat wave could prove a bonus for retailers and pub chains which have struggled this year in comparison with 2018’s glorious summer. Temperatures tomorrow could smash the UK record for the hottest day ever with the Met Office predicting the mercury could rise to a maximum of 39℃. Russ Mould, investment director at [...]
Snap lunchtime statistics suggest Boxing Day footfall down 4.2 per cent December 26, 2018 Footfall on the morning of the Boxing Day sales dropped 4.2 per cent on last year, according to initial figures, in yet another portentous signal for high street retailers. In snap statistics from the morning’s trading, footfall dropped for the third consecutive year on 26 December, a traditional shopping day as shops reopen offering post-Christmas [...]
Why you should serve a magnum on Christmas day December 21, 2016 Yes, Yes, Christmas is a time for giving. But it is also a time for a decent glass of wine or two and sharing them with friends and family. One of the greatest pleasures in collecting and appreciating wine is choosing the wines that will work just right with the occasion and the planned menu [...]
High street hopes for Boxing Day boost as spending expected to hit £4.75bn December 26, 2018 High street retailers will have their fingers crossed for a festive boost as shoppers take to the streets for the Boxing Day sales, while online sales are expected to rise 20 per cent year-on-year. British consumers are set to spend £4.75bn today, with £3.71bn of that expected to come from physical sales, according to research [...]
Staffline on track for worst day in history as shares lose 50 per cent over Brexit worries May 17, 2019 Staffline lost over half its value on the market today and was on track for its worst day ever as it said Brexit uncertainty was causing companies to offer full-time roles to temporary workers, cutting out the need for the agency. Shares fell 52 per cent to 397p as the company warned that earnings before [...]
Gatwick Christmas drone attack was possible inside job, says airport’s response chief April 14, 2019 A drone attack at Gatwick airport which brought 140,000 people’s Christmas travel plans to a standstill was an inside job, according to its chief operating officer. Read more: After Gatwick, how do we prevent future drone chaos? Chris Woodrofe, who led the airport’s response to the attack, told the BBC: “It was clear that the [...]