Housebuilders’ share prices drop after “dire” construction data released July 4, 2016 UK housebuilders' share prices fell this morning after the publication of data showing construction activity fell ahead of the Brexit vote. In afternoon trading Barratt Developments' share price was down 4.19 per cent, Persimmon's fell 4.94 per cent, Berkeley Group's share price fell 4.41 per cent and Taylor Wimpey's share price was down 4.59 per cent. Commercial real estate [...]
Construction output slumps to seven-year low on Brexit fears July 4, 2016 Construction output plummeted in June as firms held off major projects due to uncertainty ahead of the EU referendum, fresh data has shown. The closely-watched purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the sector came in at its worst level for seven years this morning, plunging from 51.2 in May to 46 on an index where scores below [...]
The new centre ground: The full text of Theresa May’s Conservative Party conference speech October 5, 2016 In the speech which closed the Conservative Party conference, Theresa May spoke of a country in transition, and new opportunities. The full 7,600 words is below – although if you'd rather a cut-down version, her best quotes are here – or you can read how businesses reacted. The new centre ground: May's speech in full When [...]
The great Deutsche Bank sale begins as bailout rumours continue to swirl September 28, 2016 Deutsche Bank sold one of its less core businesses today, prompting speculation that more asset sales are on the cards at the troubled German lender as it faces the prospect of a multi-billion pound US fine. The bank agreed to sell British insurance business Abbey Life to Phoenix, which will bring in nearly £1bn in capital. [...]
Financial advice and the rise of gamification: Robo-advice may improve access but augmented reality could boost engagement September 21, 2016 The Pokemon Go craze may have subsided, but the mobile game has cemented augmented reality in the public’s consciousness. With the UK release of Oculus Rift yesterday, the more immersive virtual reality is also set to grip the nation. With these new states of reality engaging us, it begs the question: how long it will take [...]
How Theresa May can achieve a truly radical housebuilding revolution October 25, 2016 Today, so many leaders are judged on how much they achieve in their first 100 days in office, a concept first associated with US President Franklin D Roosevelt. But as this milestone passes for Theresa May, what can we expect from the government when it comes to its promise of a radical approach to housing? [...]
British car manufacturers have rolled out the most cars for 16 years August 25, 2016 With the uncertainty from the Brexit vote, political ding-dongs over train seats and finding out the weakened sterling could have led to our holidays costing us a bit more than we had bargained for – Britons have a bit to moan about. But one sector that has provided a welcome burst of good news to the general public is the nation’s car [...]
Advertising spend is expected to keep growing after Brexit vote (in some sectors, at least) August 2, 2016 Advertising expenditure in the UK is predicted to grow this year and next, despite uncertainty around the Brexit vote. But forecasts from the Advertising Association/ Warc Expenditure Report are down on previous estimates from before the EU referendum. Total UK adspend is expected to grow 4.2 per cent to £20.9bn this year, down from the [...]
Brexit is a chance for London to renew itself once again as a great global city September 5, 2016 London is a phoenix-like city. It has reinvented itself time and again, rising from the Great Fire, the Plague and the Blitz. Compared to those, Brexit is a mild cold. The capital now needs to renew itself once again. It produces 22 per cent of the UK’s GDP and 30 per cent of its tax [...]
Can they fix it? MPs have launched an inquiry into the housebuilding industry and the UK’s housing crisis July 5, 2016 MPs have started an inquiry into the UK's embattled housebuilding sector, seeking answers on why supply cannot keep up with demand to produce the homes the country needs. The Communities and Local Government (CLG) committee will be calling the chief executives of major developers to give evidence on the industry's capacity to build after figures released [...]