UK construction sector confidence hits an 11-year high July 2, 2015 Confidence across the UK construction sector hit an 11-year high in June, while growth continued to rebound, according a widely-watched industry survey released today. The Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ index smashed economists' expectations rising to 58.1 in June, up from 55.9 a month earlier, the fastest increase in four months. "The extent of the recent rise [...]
Government sells further one per cent stake in Lloyds Banking Group August 3, 2015 The government has sold another one per cent of its stake in Lloyds Banking Group as it looks to reduce its holdings in the bailed-out lender. Now just under 14 per cent of the bank is owned by the taxpayer; at its peak in 2009, 40 per cent was publicly-owned. In total £14bn has [...]
Lobbying scandals undermine our democracy – It is time for politicians and lobbyists to wake up to the problem September 23, 2015 Lobbying is an essential part of our democracy. But lobbying abuses undermine our democracy. And lobbying scandals occur with alarming frequency. This is neither a small problem nor a myth: The process of lobbying can be abused by those looking to further private interests, and the decisions which govern our lives and the business environment [...]
Autumn Statement 2015: How the analysts, businesses and think tanks reacted to the key points in George Osborne’s speech November 25, 2015 Chancellor George Osborne delivered his Autumn Statement and Spending Review speech to parliament today. He announced increased housing in inner cities, a sell-off of prisons to develop new homes, and more cash for affordable housing schemes. Read more: Osborne announces surprise u-turn on tax credits Here's what the analysts, business and think tanks think about Osborne's plans: What the analysts said: [...]
London won’t dominate forever: These are the top five international finance centres of the future September 4, 2015 London won't dominate forever: These are the top five international finance centres of the future Every market's success depends on financial stability, infrastructure development, taxation and economic strength. At the moment, western cities such as New York and London dominate as international financial centres, but increasingly hotspots are emerging in the developing world and [...]
Four actionable tips for starting up a business in 2015 October 8, 2015 We have put together seven actionable tips for SMEs and people thinking of starting up a new business in 2015. As the Chinese proverb says: ‘the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.’ With the right business idea, planning, marketing and execution it is [...]
Good results from Legal and General help to boost FTSE – London Report August 6, 2015 BRITAIN’S top share index rose yesterday, boosted by better- than-expected results from Legal & General and London Stock Exchange Group, and by a rebound in the mining sector. The FTSE 100 closed up one per cent at 6,752.41 points, about five per cent below a record high of 7,122.74 points reached in April. Insurer Legal [...]
UK house prices: Persimmon share price dips despite fecund first half August 18, 2015 Another day, another housebuilder boasting impressive growth, after Persimmon said profits rose 31 per cent to £2.72.8m in the six months to the end of June. The figures You read that right: profits before tax rose 31 per cent to £272.8m, up from £208.9m last year. Meanwhile revenues rose 11 per cent to £1.3bn, while underlying earnings per share [...]
The rise of reward crowdfunding in Europe September 10, 2015 Harriet Green asks Indiegogo’s Anastasia Emmanuel about the platform’s experience in new markets WHAT does the rewards and donation-based crowdfunding sector look like today? Despite having a longer history than equity and debt crowdfunding, the fast-growth of platforms which offer perks and non-monetary rewards in return for investment doesn’t get so much media time. Indiegogo, [...]
Former Marks & Spencer boss Lord Stuart Rose backs Select Property Group August 24, 2015 There is a new new retail club in town and it’s called Select Property Group. Former Marks & Spencer chairman Lord Stuart Rose has emerged as a surprise backer in the privately-owned developer, which operates a swathe of student housing and is about to launch its first block of serviced flats in Manchester. He has [...]