Analysts: UK economy ‘like a punchdrunk boxer hanging off the ropes’ March 12, 2021 UK’s GDP shrank by 2.9 per cent in January, it was announced this morning, blowing a “cold snap” through the UK economy as a third national lockdown was imposed. Analysts were torn as to whether the harsh fall is a glass of cold water to the face, or better than what was forecast. January’s figures [...]
Belgium tightens coronavirus measures following spike in infections July 23, 2020 Belgium is set to tighten its coronavirus containment measures following a sharp spike in infections, Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes announced today, with face masks and tracing measures set to be made compulsory. The European country reported a 91 per cent hike in new infections last week, forcing the government to U-turn on plans to relax [...]
Restaurant delivery boxes are here to stay: We review 48 of them June 29, 2021 Before the pandemic, most top chefs would have turned their nose up at home delivery services. There’s the lack of control, the logistical nightmare, not to mention the wafer-thin margins. But necessity being the mother of invention has led to dozens of outstanding delivery services, and even with restaurants back open and looking forward to [...]
DEBATE: Is there a future for tech hubs post-Covid? September 3, 2020 Is there a future for tech hubs after Covid-19? Gavin Poole, chief executive of Here East, says YES. For centuries, the success of London’s business landscape has been steeped in the clusters of industry across the city. Companies and entrepreneurs exist side by side, driven by a shared mission and passion, and an exchange of [...]
City law firms repay furlough cash following strong business during pandemic October 14, 2020 Several large British law firms have handed back government furlough cash after seeing stronger-than-expected business during the pandemic. Square Mile-based firms Norton Rose Fulbright, Osborne Clarke and Herbert Smith Freehills have all paid back wage subsidies handed out by the chancellor, following strong demand for their legal services during the coronavirus crisis. Chancellor Rishi Sunak [...]
Ten Entertainment swings to loss as pandemic gutters sales September 23, 2020 Bowling alley chain Ten Entertainment swung to a loss in the first half of 2020 after a nationwide lockdown during the coronavirus crisis slashed revenue in half. The results Revenue slumped 46 per cent to £22.5m in the six months to 28 June, down from £41.4m in the same period last year. The group booked [...]
Boris Johnson: UK will not need another national coronavirus lockdown July 19, 2020 Boris Johnson has said the UK will not need another nationwide coronavirus lockdown, likening the measure to a “nuclear deterrent”. The Prime Minister said today that does not want another complete lockdown, adding “nor do I think we will be in that position again”. Johnson announced on Friday that local authorities would be given powers [...]
Millennials face a long wait online as next batch of 26-30 railcards go on sale nationwide January 2, 2019 Millennials are facing long waits to get their hands on the next batch of 26-30 railcards, which were launched this afternoon. The 26-30 railcard, which costs £30 for a year, went on sale at midday. It offers one third off most rail fares for more than 4m people across the UK, meaning railcard holders will save [...]
London house prices rose twice as fast as the rest of UK in 2010s January 7, 2020 London house prices rose twice as fast as the UK average during the 2010s, a new report has shown, notching up a 66 per cent growth rate that was far faster than any other region. In the country as a whole, the average house price rose 33 per cent over the last decade as it [...]
Second national lockdown wipes £430m off Primark’s balance sheet December 4, 2020 England’s second national lockdown wiped an estimated £430m off Primark’s balance sheet, as the pandemic continues to decimate British high street retailers. Speaking ahead of Primark’s annual general meeting later today, chairman Michael McLintock said: “Our estimate for the loss of sales for the announced periods of closure this autumn is now some £430m.” The [...]