UK housing crisis: Greenbelt “under siege” as councils earmark land for 275,000 more homes to be built, research claims April 25, 2016 England's Greenbelt will become home to more than a quarter of a million houses, as part of the government's efforts to resolve the UK's housing crisis. Councils have allocated land for 275,000 houses to be built on England's greenbelt – an increase of 50,000 on last year – research published this morning claims. But while some people might [...]
Snoozebox chief executive Lorcán Ó Murchú resigns ahead of new review of loss-making firm April 25, 2016 The chief executive of troubled portable hotel group Snoozebox Lorcán Ó Murchú has resigned, ahead of the publication of a review of the loss-making business. Ó Murchú, who had been spearheading a three-year overhaul of the business, has stepped down from the board with immediate effect, though he will "remain available to assist the company" as he hands over [...]
BHS appoints Duff & Phelps administrators, putting 10,000 jobs at risk – but more than 30 bid enquiries have already been made April 25, 2016 More than 30 enquiries to buy BHS out of administration have been made since reports first surfaced that the business was teetering on the brink, City A.M. understands. Managing directors Philip Duffy and Benjamin Wiles were appointed joint administrators of BHS this morning, putting around 10,000 jobs at risk. In a statement Duff & Phelps [...]
EE to create 600 jobs in UK, bringing all customer service roles onshore, as it pledges to fill 4G gaps “to the very edges of the UK” April 25, 2016 Mobile operator EE has announced plans to buck a trend – creating 600 customer service roles onshore, meaning all customer calls will be answered in the UK and Ireland by the end of the year. The move, which comes just weeks after the completion of BT's £12.5bn takeover of the firm, creating the biggest telecoms group in [...]
Another Cadbury’s recipe change, Brexit blues, the Queen’s 90th birthday and the shareholder spring that never was: Here’s what got us talking this week April 22, 2016 Cadbury's left us open-mouthed with yet another recipe shake-up. A new job working for the Queen came with added perks. And London's iconic statues were given some help with their breathing. Forget the economy – won't someone think of our cheese? (Source: Getty) 1) Brexit boxing The Treasury published its 200-page report on the impact [...]
HSBC AGM: Remuneration report easily passed by shareholders April 22, 2016 If you were expecting some revolutionary zeal from HSBC's shareholders at today's AGM, you might be surprised at how easily the bank's executive pay has been approved. The directors' remuneration report was passed with 90.49 per cent of the vote today, while the directors' remuneration policy was approved with 96.05 per cent of the vote. That [...]
Why 2017 will be the year you run the London Marathon – and how technology can help you run faster, longer and fitter April 22, 2016 New technologies announced with each marathon are redefining the sport, opening it up to people that wouldn’t have dreamed of running 26 miles a few years ago. The London Marathon proves that runners just can’t get enough of data: wearables, smart devices and smart clothing are likely to be out in force. On paper, running is probably the [...]
HSBC AGM: Douglas Flint talks pay, Panama, Brexit and his exit own (Flexit?) as he confirms the hunt for his successor is on April 22, 2016 HSBC's chairman Douglas Flint has admitted he is "not content" with the 23 per cent drop in the bank's share price this year – but has passed the blame onto the wider market. The banking boss, who this morning confirmed the hunt for his successor is on but confirmed he would remain as long as necessary, claimed jitters [...]
Merlin Attractions admits health and safety breaches over Alton Towers crash April 22, 2016 Executives from Alton Towers parent company has admitted breaching health and safety laws over the rollercoaster crash last year. Merlin Attractions Operations has pleaded guilty to the breach this morning. Several of the victims appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme today. The Health and Safety Executive is prosecuting the group over last year's incident on The [...]
EU referendum: Seven Brexit myths debunked by economists at Berenberg April 22, 2016 With so many unknowns going into the EU referendum, there have been plenty of claims and counter-claims being made about the impact leaving the union could have on the UK. But economists at Berenberg claim the debate has been "shrouded in myths, rather than driven by facts or reasonable arguments". Now the team is embarking on a [...]