Going places: The Source founder James Crabb talks risk-taking and velour sofas December 14, 2014 It was just time to do something completely different,” James Crabb tells me. He’s talking about going from managing director of global technology and operations at Deutsche Bank to founding The Source, a digital lifestyle business that satisfies the emerging affluents’ every need – from food, wine, travel and childcare to art, home interiors and [...]
From banking to barista: Meet Notes director Edward Halfon February 8, 2015 Mass-produced coffee is out: new, hip speciality cafes are in. Former financier Edward Halfon tells Annabel Denham how the founders of food and wine “destination” Notes plan to indulge our ever-evolving taste buds. Recent research from the small business website Startups.co.uk found that “cult cafes” will become the hottest business opportunity over the next 12 [...]
Inside Track: Three reasons why the new issues market is struggling April 24, 2014 AS ADVISERS to Saga put the final touches to the largest flotation so far this year in the London new issues market, it is an opportune time to look at where we stand. Few could deny that the London new issues market, so dormant a couple of years ago, has come back to life. Since [...]
A stunning glimpse into Japan’s past along the magnificent Nakasendo Way March 1, 2015 Japan’s sleek Shinkansen has been the country’s fastest mode of transport since it launched 50 years ago, its aerodynamic nose slicing through the rugged landscape. Before that, if you wanted to quickly traverse the country you would take the Nakasendo Way, one of five ancient highways built during the Edo period (1603-1868). Winding through the [...]
Now there’s an “Uber for laundry” for Londoners as Rocket Internet launches ZipJet November 4, 2014 Calling all those who hate doing laundry (that’s most of us) or those too lazy to get their washing done (students). There's now a solution to your problem which means you can spend more time with your feet up, rather than matching up odd socks. A new app has launched in London that offers pick-up [...]
Viewpoint: The retail investor should not be ignored March 17, 2014 HOW CAN any company which relies on the custom of the public ignore them when it floats on the market? Certainly it seems wrong to deny your customers a chance to share in your company’s fortunes. The current resurgence of initial public offerings in the London market is certainly welcome. But it isn’t good news [...]
From Quindell and Gotham City to Uber and the LDTA – five of the biggest business battles to watch out for in 2015 December 22, 2014 Rival camps have banded together, the lines are drawn, battle armour is on and adrenaline is running high. All that's left for spectators to do is grab some popcorn and watch from the ringside. From rival estate agents, to a business targeted by a Batman styled US fund and an influx of tiny new banks [...]
Internet float to test the market after setbacks May 5, 2014 IRISH tech firm Big Red Cloud, a provider of online accounting software, will today announce its plan to raise €5m (£4.1m) from a London float that will test investor’s appetites in a sector that has been hammered in recent weeks by fears of a valuation bubble. Despite jitters in the sector that have sent firms [...]
Testing firm Exova plans £110m float on London Stock Exchange March 20, 2014 EXOVA yesterday became the latest company to unveil its plans to float on the London Stock Exchange. The Edinburgh-based firm, which tests components for customers in a wide range of sectors including aerospace, oil and gas and pharmaceuticals, is looking to raise £110m from a premium listing on the main market next month. Around 30 [...]
Twitter goes in search of Gareth and Ed Miliband’s Mili-Clan – Labour party conference September 23, 2014 Ed Miliband really likes normal people. He likes them so much, he mentioned a bunch of them in his big speech at the Labour conference in Manchester yesterday. Name-dropping celebs is so last year, it’s all about ordinary folk – Ed’s Mili-Clan. Gareth was the stand out Mili-Clan member – within minutes of Ed [...]