These are 2016’s top 100 influential leaders in fintech (part 1 of 4) December 7, 2016 It is no secret that the financial services industry continues to be transformed by the digital revolution. According to PWC, roughly 20% of financial services business is at risk of disruption to fintech companies by 2020. It follows that investment into the sector continues to rise. In 2015, funding of fintech businesses more than doubled [...]
Aviation minister Lord Ahmad considering cracking down on airport alcohol sales July 29, 2016 The UK's new aviation minister has shaken many a business traveller with the news that he will examine how alcohol is sold in airports, after several recent incidents involving drunk passengers. Lord Ahmad has said he will "look at" the times alcohol is on sale at British airports and consider passenger screening measures before boarding [...]
One-quarter of office space in the City and Canary Wharf could become vacant if UK leaves Single Market July 17, 2016 Swathes of offices across London could be deserted over the next few years if the UK does not secure access to the Single Market after it leaves the European Union, according to new research. DealX, an analytics company, estimated 26m square feet of commercial real estate, equivalent to nine per cent of all office space [...]
Slovakia 0, England 0: Three Lions not doomed yet, roars Hodgson after England progress to Euro 2016 knockout phase but fail to seal top spot June 20, 2016 England boss Roy Hodgson insists his side’s Euro 2016 campaign is not doomed despite drawing a blank against Slovakia and failing to seal top spot in Group B following a frustrating stalemate in Saint-Etienne. The Three Lions, sporting six changes from the side which beat Wales last week, enjoyed close to 60 per cent possession [...]
Hollywood Bowl strikes for £280m London IPO June 15, 2016 Hollywood Bowl Group, the UK's largest 10-pin bowling operator, will float on the London Stock Exchange next month in a deal valuing it at around £280m. The group, which runs 54 bowling centres around the country, has been striving to modernise the popular pastime with Americana-themed diners, licensed bars and interactive scoring systems that "customers didn't even know they wanted". Steve [...]
PureLiFi, the Edinburgh technology firm is carrying out the world’s first large-scale trial of its system in Singapore October 5, 2016 PureLiFi, the Edinburgh technology firm that uses light to provide wireless communications, is carrying out the world’s first large-scale trial of its system in Singapore. Following an agreement with Singapore's Info-communications Development Media Authority (IMDA), it will be the first time a city will roll out the technology which has the potential to be significantly [...]
B&Q owner Kingfisher says it is still on track with its “ambitious” five-year plan May 24, 2016 DIY retailer Kingfisher posted growth in the majority of its markets in a trading update released this morning and said it was on track to deliver its "ambitious" five-year plan. The figures Total sales rose 5.1 per cent for the group to £2.73bn, including new openings in the three months to April, in line with expectations. [...]
Poundland faces profit plunge after delayed takeover of 99p Stores last September June 12, 2016 Discount retailer Poundland might need a few quid as it braces for a plunge in profits this week. The company’s full-year results have been dragged down by its delayed takeover of high-street rival 99p Stores. Earnings per share are forecast to fall almost 43 per cent, from 15.01p to 8.58p per share, when the company [...]
Facebook shareholders give green light for share issue to keep Zuckerberg in control June 20, 2016 Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg will maintain control of the tech titan after investors approved a proposal to issue $5.7bn (£3.9bn) non-voting shares. He's now able to give away the vast majority of his wealth without diluting his voting power in the social media giant. "I plan on being involved in and running Facebook for a very long time," he told an annual [...]
Amazon who? Ocado shares jump as it delivers 14 per cent sales rise June 28, 2016 Everyone and their mum may be trying to get into the food delivery business at the moment (Amazon and Uber have both just launched offerings…) – but Ocado has suggested with experience comes wisdom, after it posted a juicy rise in sales. The figures Retail sales rose 13.9 per cent to £582.9m in the 24 weeks to the end of May, [...]