Why millennial women are efficient – but not very productive – mothers October 31, 2024 Millennial women have reached child-bearing age in a corporate culture that encourages them to have fewer babies, closer together and later in life, says Eliza Filby Few may have seen the link between yesterday’s budget and the latest fertility rates from the ONS which showed they have dropped to their lowest mark since records began. [...]
Rise in National Insurance and Minimum Wage delivers ‘ big blow’ to struggling firms October 30, 2024 Rachel Reeves’ increase to employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NIC) will be a “big blow” to sectors already suffering from higher costs, a number of businesses have warned. While delivering the Autumn Budget this afternoon, the Chancellor announced a number of “very difficult decisions” in order to fill the £22bn “black hole” inherited by the Conservatives. [...]
Our thoughts on the Tim Burton exhibition at the Design Museum October 30, 2024 The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum, review and star rating: ★★★★☆ The Design Museum is leveraging itself as a heritage attraction of equal weight to the behemoths of South Kensington. Its latest exhibitions, a look inside the world of Barbie and, newly opened this week, The World of Tim Burton, are both [...]
The Buddha of Suburbia has the most amazing sex scenes I’ve seen in London theatre October 30, 2024 The Buddha of Suburbia review and star rating: ★★★★★ Only London theatre titan Emma Rice could convince an audience to suspend their disbelief when a party popper symbolises someone ejaculating. Of course – why wouldn’t it? Freshly arriving in London after a run at The RSC Swan, Stratford upon Avon earlier this year, The Buddha [...]
In defence of Treasury brain October 30, 2024 Treasury officials are often criticised for making budgets add up in the short term at the expense of long-term goals. That’s true, but imagine the money that would be wasted if they didn’t! Writes Joe Hill Budgets are divisive, everyone has their own gripe. Too much spending, or too little. Not enough growth, or too [...]
Eckoh: Another AIM exit as private equity firm launches bid October 30, 2024 Payments software firm Eckoh is set to leave the London Stock Exchange’s AIM after it received an offer from private equity firm Bridgepoint. The bid values Eckoh at 54p per share or £169.3m. The price is offered is 15.9 times Eckoh’s adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the year ending March [...]
What’s on in London in November 2024 October 29, 2024 As London’s streets start to glow with early festive lights, November in London promises an exciting mix of events that capture the city’s essence. From sparkling markets and iconic parades to live music and hidden pop-ups, there’s something to surprise Londoners and visitors alike. Ready to explore the best of London this November? Dive into [...]
Competition intensifies in Saudi’s surging insurance industry October 29, 2024 In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been building an insurance industry from scratch. In the process, the country has generated home-grown companies and attracted international giants such as Bupa to help cater to rising demand. So far, the expansion of insurance in the Kingdom has been dizzying. According to Saudi Arabia’s central bank (SAMA), in [...]
BAE Systems plots £220m transformation to create hundreds of jobs October 29, 2024 Defence company BAE Systems is planning to invest £220m to transform its Rochester base into an “advanced technology” factory. The century-old site, which specialises in aerospace technologies and electronic systems, will be revamped into a “state-of-the-art” 32,000sqm facility. BAE Systems expects the bigger and “more efficient” factory will create 300 jobs over the next five [...]
A ski holiday on the Swiss Riviera, with deserted slopes and a long snow season October 28, 2024 Enjoy the precision and serenity of German-speaking Switzerland for a unique Swiss Riviera ski holiday adventure by train, boat and bus. By Rob Rees The Luzern area of Central Switzerland provides a perfect gateway to top notch ski areas, easily accessible from Zürich or via train from Paris. Zürich airport, with its efficient train station [...]