Disappointing third quarter for UK construction sector November 13, 2015 Construction output in the UK fell 2.2 per cent in the three months to the end of October, compared with the quarter before, figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed today. That figure is exactly what the ONS estimated as part of the UK's pretty disappointing third-quarter GDP figure – but remains very [...]
City Moves for 23 February 2016 | Who’s switching jobs February 23, 2016 The Moment The Moment, an international content agency that specialises in bespoke training solutions, has appointed Sir Jonathon Band as chairman of its advisory board, for its advanced digital learning division. Jonathon will oversee quarterly meetings that will guide and challenge the capability of the learning business. Jonathan joined the Royal Navy after graduating from [...]
EU extends Russia economic sanctions by six months December 21, 2015 The EU is extending economic sanctions against Russia by six months, it announced today. The sanctions, which were introduced in the July last year in response to Russia’s involvement in the annexation of Crimea in Ukraine, will stay in place until 31 July 2016. EU leaders linked the duration of the sanctions to the completion [...]
I’ll give London’s businesses the support and freedom they need to thrive January 27, 2016 From tech startups to street markets, black cabs to global banks, London’s businesses are what make our city great. As mayor, I’ll make it my business to deliver for them. Last week I launched my Action Plan for Greater London: more homes, better transport, cleaner air and safer streets. These are issues that matter to [...]
How is London going to pay for all that infrastructure? The future success of our vibrant, world class city depends on it. February 2, 2016 £1.3 trillion is not a number you come across often, but when you do it is a figure that is so incomprehensible, you might as well use the term ‘infinite’. However, £1.3 trillion is the sum devised by City Hall for the funding required to meet London’s infrastructure needs by 2050. That’s £37.1bn a year for [...]
Focus On London Bridge: Why house prices are on the rise next to The Shard December 11, 2015 Children in nursery may sing about London Bridge falling down, but in property circles, it’s building up and the sky’s the limit. The area first became a part of London’s fabric due to its famously crumbly bridge, which was built by the Romans and was the first to cross the Thames. It was originally made [...]
Pearson share price jumps as it unveils plans to cut 4,000 jobs and reduce headcount by 10 per cent. January 21, 2016 Another day, another massive set of job cuts. Publisher Pearson, which last year sold off its stakes in the Financial Times and The Economist, has announced plans to cut 10 per cent of its workforce – about 4,000 jobs – in an effort to "simplify" its business. In interim results today, the company said it [...]
UK construction PMI: Housebuilding increases at its fastest pace in a year October 2, 2015 Housing crisis? What housing crisis? Demand may be vastly outweighing supply in the UK's housing market at the moment – but the signs are looking increasingly encouraging, after new figures showed the UK's construction sector had one of its best months of the year in September, with growth hitting a seven-month high and – housebuilding [...]
Godiva is galloping into growth markets: Chief executive Mohamed Elsarky talks managing growth and high quality March 7, 2016 As Godiva celebrates its 90th anniversary, few would contest the heritage of the Belgian chocolatier. But since Turkish food manufacturer Yildiz Holding acquired the firm from Campbell Soup in 2007, it has been given a new lease of life. Now, chief executive Mohamed Elsarky has his sights on Asia. Since entering the Chinese market in late 2009, nearly 70 stores [...]
Funding Circle’s lending has just surpassed £1bn December 29, 2015 UK fintech unicorn Funding Circle has surpassed the milestone of lending £1bn to thousands of small businesses across the UK. The peer-to-peer lender, now the third biggest in the UK for small business loans, racked up £500m in loans this year, bringing the total lent since it started in 2010 to more than £1bn. More than 40,000 investors [...]