Beleaguered Grayling set to announce major new review of rail services September 16, 2018 The government is set to launch a major review of the UK’s railways this week, following widespread criticism and a series of operational problems. Transport secretary Chris Grayling is expected to appoint Keith Williams, the former boss of British Airways, to undertake a systematic, 12-month review of the country’s rail services. Williams is the deputy [...]
Beleaguered Grayling set to announce major new review of rail services September 16, 2018 The government is set to launch a major review of the UK’s railways this week, following widespread criticism and a series of operational problems. Transport secretary Chris Grayling is expected to appoint Keith Williams, the former boss of British Airways, to undertake a systematic, 12-month review of the country’s rail services. Williams is the deputy [...]
Mark Kleinman’s big predictions for the Square Mile in 2019 January 11, 2019 Sir Martin Sorrell’s WPP exit, Unilever’s HQ U-turn, Melrose’s swoop for GKN: 2018 was a year full of surprises in the City. And while forecasting might be a fool’s errand, here are 10 predictions for the year ahead. •Theresa May will decisively lose next week’s “meaningful vote” on Brexit: that’s not a punt that will [...]
Aviva and Founders Factory are betting on these five fintech startups for artificial intelligence, blockchain and virtual reality expertise July 24, 2017 Aviva is betting on virtual reality, artificial intelligence and blockchain when it comes to technology. The insurer has unveiled the first five startups to benefit from a multi-million pound investment into new technology with startup accelerator and incubator Founders Factory. And the two have also created their own startup together, OnCare, aiming to take the [...]
Royal London joins group of investors preparing to vote against Unilever Netherlands move October 3, 2018 Royal London Asset Management is the latest Unilever shareholder to speak out against the company's plan to scrap its London listing and headquarters. Unilever has proposed to simplify its current dual-headed structure into a single holding Dutch company, with a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange, however a growing list of investors have announced [...]
The fault in default funds: Why you might not be getting the most out of your workplace pension scheme April 17, 2019 There is no denying that auto-enrolment is paving the way for the British population to have a half-decent savings pot in retirement. According to recent figures from the Office for National Statistics, 76 per cent of UK employees were members of a workplace pension scheme in 2018, up slightly from the 73 per cent enrolled [...]
Unilever hits back over City fury at Dutch move September 25, 2018 Unilever has stepped up its charm offensive on City investors as it tries to combat a brewing shareholder revolt over plans to ditch its London headquarters. The consumer goods giant has organised meetings with the most vocal opponents of the plans in an attempt to assuage their fears, although its attempts to change minds have [...]
Blackrock boss Larry Fink’s pay rises to $28m April 16, 2018 The pay packet of Larry Fink, chief executive of Blackrock, rose to $28m during 2017, according to a proxy statement issued by the firm. Fink, the founder and chief executive of the world’s largest asset manager, enjoyed a 10 per cent increase in total annual compensation compared to the previous year. As well as a [...]
ISA saver numbers fall to lowest level since 2000 August 31, 2018 The number of savers using ISAs has fallen to an 18-year low as consumers seek alternative investment methods. New account numbers fell to 10.8m in 2017/18, the lowest number since 2000, according to new figures published by HMRC today. However, although there are fewer accounts, the amount of money being saved in ISAs has increased hugely – [...]
AA looks to get back on track with encouraging full-year results April 15, 2018 Breakdown cover firm AA is expecting to get back on the road with some positive results when it releases its annual report on Tuesday. For the year-end, estimates from Liberum reckoned that AA’s trading EBITDA will be around £392m, as sales will go up slightly to £964m from £933m in 2017. Earnings in 2019 have [...]