The public has spoken: When it comes to politics, revolutionary Russell Brand is even worse than Jeremy Clarkson November 13, 2014 Self-proclaimed revolutionary Russell Brand may be shocked at the results of a new YouGov survey. The poll finds that the vast majority of the great British public thinks he's one worst celebs who spouts off about politics. Of those polled, 46 per cent said Brand made a negative contribution to the political debate. For a [...]
ITV on course for best ad revenue performance in five years November 13, 2014 Broadcaster ITV has enjoyed its “best outperformance of the market for five years” according to the company's latest interim management statement. The company saw broadcast ad revenues rise six per cent, "well ahead of the UK television advertising market", said Adam Crozier, ITV's chief executive. External revenues climbed eight per cent to £1.8bn, with ITV [...]
Quarterly inflation report: Bank of England signals no interest rate hike until autumn 2015, cuts growth and inflation forecasts November 12, 2014 No rate rise until next autumn – that was the message from Bank of England governor Mark Carney in his quarterly inflation report this morning. "What really matters is the broad process of monetary policy, not a specific date for the first interest rate rise", Carney said, causing markets to predict the first increase will [...]
Uber taxi app wins the hearts of US Congress members in 2014 midterm elections November 12, 2014 As taxi app service Uber continues to soar in popularity it's finding support among a group not usually known for their embrace of disruptive businesses with a hostility to onerous regulation. In the recent US midterm elections, Uber accounted for 61 per cent of rides taken by members of Congress and their staff. An impressive [...]
G4S share price edges up as it reveals growth in developing markets and North America November 12, 2014 It's been a disappointing few years for outsourcer G4S, but things might finally be looking for the company. It reported this morning its performance was in line with expectations, with organic revenue growth rising 4.2 per cent in the nine months to 30 September, thanks to "strong growth" in its US and emerging markets businesses. [...]
FCA hits RBS, HSBC, UBS, JPMorgan and Citi with record £1.1bn fine in forex rigging scandal November 12, 2014 Some of Britain's biggest banks have been slapped with a fine of £1.1bn by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for "failing to control business practices" in their foreign exchange trading operations. After a year-long investigation into allegations of rate-rigging in their spot forex trading businesses, the UK's financial watchdog said the actions of the five [...]
European Court of Justice rules states can refuse welfare to immigrants but how many “benefits tourists” are there really? November 11, 2014 The European Court of Justice has ruled member states are free to exclude EU citizens from other nations who move to their country for the sole purpose of claiming benefits. The news was music to the ears of those in Downing Street, who have been seeking to crack down on so-called benefits tourism. So long [...]
So wrong it’s right: The Double Donut Burger with streaky bacon hits Hungry Horse menu November 11, 2014 Britain's culinary tastes may be beginning to mirror those of their colonial cousins in America, if the latest offering from pub chain Hungry Horse is anything to go by. Diners at the chain, owned by brewer Greene King, can now indulge their meat cravings and sweet tooth all in one go with Double Donut Burger. [...]
Vodafone share price rises as profits dive but beat expectations November 11, 2014 Shares in Vodafone rose more than five per cent in mid-morning trading, despite the fact figures it published today showed pre-tax profits collapsed 73 per cent to £406m in the six months ended 30 September. However, forecasts for core earnings were raised. Basic earnings per share took a heavy hit, falling almost 70 per cent. [...]
Labour challenges the government with opposition day debate on European arrest warrant November 11, 2014 Less than 24 hours after David Cameron came within a hair's breadth of losing a vote on whether to debate the re-signing of Britain to 35 EU justice measures, the Labour party is planning to use its opposition day to debate the European arrest warrant. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the vote was necessary [...]