Grave concerns prompt watchdog intervention on pre-paid funeral plans March 2, 2021 The City regulator has launched a consultation on how it plans to regulate the pre-paid funeral plans sector, which has faced criticism from the media and consumer groups. Under its remit, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) intends to ensure the products meet the individual needs to consumers, the plans are sold fairly and the price [...]
Ex-FCA chief Woolard nabs leadership role at EY February 11, 2021 Chris Woolard, the former interim chief executive at city regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has nabbed a leadership role at EY. Woolard will join the Big Four firm in April to lead its EMEIA financial services regulatory capabilities, and chair the EY Global Financial Services Regulatory Network. He will replace John Liver, who currently [...]
UK to split from EU rules and unveil post-Brexit state aid regime February 3, 2021 Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng will today outline the UK’s post-Brexit rules on government subsidies in a major break with the EU. A statement from the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Beis) department said the new set of rules, which supersede the EU’s state aid regime, will mean “local authorities, public bodies and the devolved administrations [...]
Inmarsat bidders look to appease government ahead of $3.4bn takeover July 18, 2019 The private equity firms behind a $3.4bn (£2.6bn) bid for Inmarsat have agreed a number of undertakings with the government over the future of the satellite firm’s UK operations. Read more: Competition watchdog to probe $3.4bn Inmarsat takeover The consortium, led by Apax Partners and Warburg Pincus, said it will guarantee that the majority of [...]
Saudi Arabia’s PIF and Amanda Staveley should have waited to buy Chelsea instead March 10, 2022 I can’t help thinking that Amanda Staveley and her consortium have bought the wrong football club. Had they waited just five months they could have had Chelsea FC rather than Newcastle United. A mooted £3bn price tag may be 10 times the price paid for the Magpies, but still well within the means of Saudi [...]
Government drops probe into Saudi investments in Evening Standard and Independent September 16, 2019 The government has decided not to pursue a probe into Saudi investments in the Evening Standard and the Independent, despite concerns they could harm freedom of expression. Culture secretary Nicky Morgan today said she will not appeal a court ruling that blocked the government from forcing a full public interest inquiry. Read more: Independent and [...]
Food industry calls for competition laws to be lifted for no-deal Brexit August 7, 2019 The UK’s food industry has called on Boris Johnson to ditch parts of competition law, allowing firms to work together in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has warned that leaving on 31 October without a transition in place could cause widespread supply issues, leaving British consumers either going [...]
Funeral firm Dignity suspends dividend as deaths slump July 31, 2019 Funeral firm Dignity suspended its dividend today as a fall in the number of deaths hit its results. In the six months to 28 June revenue fell 12 per cent to £153.3m compared to the same period last year. Operating profit nearly halved, falling 46 per cent to £28m, with basic earnings per share dropping [...]
SSE profit rises as it calls for political action on renewables November 13, 2019 Big Six energy supplier SSE swung back into profit in this morning’s half-year results, as its chief executive called on the next government to put renewable power at the front and centre of their climate change plans. Read more: Competition watchdog to examine £500m Ovo Energy SSE deal The figures Reported profit rose to £128.9m [...]
John McDonnell says Labour will break up Big Four ‘cartel’ November 19, 2019 Shadow chancellor John McDonnell today promised to break up the “cartel” of the Big Four accounting firms if Labour wins the upcoming election. “Under Labour the Big Four companies will not be allowed to continue to act like a cartel,” McDonnell told a Westminster audience during a speech on Labour’s plans for the economy. The [...]