Unfinished Business September 1, 2020 Back in 2015, I co-founded a challenger Bank called Starling with a super smart group of people (plus me) with different talents – mine was technology – and with a common drive, determination and goal ‘to change financial services for the better’. I think we went a long way in achieving that aim, helping people [...]
Covid researchers ecstatic: Christmas comes early as multiple studies confirm Omicron is mildest coronavirus variant so far and rapidly replaces deadly Delta December 23, 2021 Researchers in the UK are increasingly convinced the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus is much milder than the previous Delta mutation, and most likely the least lethal strain so far, thereby confirming earlier findings in South Africa. According to research by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA(, people who get infected with the Omicron variant [...]
Goldman Sachs and Citi slash UK GDP forecasts on news of second lockdown November 2, 2020 Goldman Sachs and Citi have sharply cut its economic forecasts for the UK in the fourth quarter following news of a fresh national lockdown in England to curb the second wave of coronavirus infections. In a client note, Goldman analysts said the US investment bank now expects UK GDP to shrink 2.4 per cent in [...]
Royal Mail accelerates parcel business pivot with collection service launch October 21, 2020 Royal Mail has stepped up its fight back against online delivery giants as it launched a parcel pick-up service across the UK. The postal service is adapting its service to cater for the boom in online shopping, which has accelerated during the coronavirus pandemic, saying the move means sellers and shoppers will “no longer need [...]
Piece of Cake: Lockdown treats boost revenue 30 per cent at Cake Box November 23, 2020 Specialist dessert retailer Cake Box saw shares spike almost four per cent this morning, as it announced group revenue jumped just under a third in the first half of 2020. The cream cake specialist said group revenue hiked 30 per cent to £8.6m in the 20 weeks to 30 September — up from £6.6m in [...]
Lagos imposes 24-hour lockdown amid protests against Nigeria’s police October 20, 2020 Lagos imposes 24-hour lockdown amid protests against Nigeria's police
Talk Talk shares leap as Toscafund makes buyout offer October 8, 2020 Shares in Talk Talk leapt 16.5 per cent after the telecoms firm revealed that it had received a buyout offer from asset manager Toscafund. The offer, which prices the internet operator at 97p per share, comes with a number of conditions attached, including the support of chairman Sir Charles Dunstone. The deal values the firm [...]
Picnic in style with our top restaurant-in-a-box delivery kits March 29, 2021 As the weather turns and outdoor meet-ups for two groups of up to six people are finally allowed, there’s a bit of optimism in the air. What better way to celebrate than with a Covid-friendly, appropriately-distanced, outdoor feast? Our Life&Style editor Steve Dinneen continues to eat his way through as many home delivery boxes as [...]
In a face off against FinTech, traditional face-to-face banks must become more bespoke than ever March 19, 2021 There’s no doubt digital banking is in demand. Last year, $4.1bn was invested into FinTech in the UK, accounting for just under half of Europe’s FinTech investment. Since lockdown began this has continued to grow, with a 72 per cent rise in the use of FinTech apps in Europe as a result of pandemic restrictions. [...]
FTSE 100 edges higher after Covid sparks sharp sell-off October 29, 2020 The FTSE 100 rose slightly this morning after tumbling three per cent yesterday as investors braced themselves for a tough winter of rising coronavirus cases and new government restrictions. London’s main stock index climbed was last up 0.3 per cent at 5,600 points. Despite the slight gain, the index remained at around a six-month low. [...]