EG Group: From a Bury service station to a $13bn IPO January 14, 2025 EG Group is set to end 24 years as a private company with a $13bn float on the New York Stock Exchange, according to reports. Co-founder of EG Group and current non-executive, Zuber Issa, told the Sunday Times that “the road map is starting now” on an IPO, with the float expected to complete this [...]
Skoda Superb iV Estate review: A family car with no compromises January 14, 2025 Finding a family estate used to be an easy process, with almost every car manufacturer offering a ‘longroof’ version of its hatchback or saloon models. Fast-forward to the present day, however, and finding a new wagon can feel trickier than having a balanced argument on social media. We can thank the exponential rise of the [...]
Fewer firms expanded headcount following the Budget, BCC says January 14, 2025 Fewer firms increased their headcount in the final quarter of last year, a new survey showed, as businesses prepare for the impact of the national insurance hike.
Kiki McDonough: Business lessons from 40 years as a royal jeweller January 14, 2025 Royal jeweller Kiki McDonough has made a name for herself in fine jewellery over the last 40 years. She shares her business lessons in today's Notebook.
Steve Borthwick England squad: Three Champions Cup bolters to watch January 14, 2025 This morning England manager Steve Borthwick names his squad for the Six Nations, with a trip to Dublin up first next month. Last weekend’s Investec Champions Cup action, then, was the very last chance for players to give a good account of themselves before today’s announcement. But it wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies for hopefuls [...]
Petition against WPP four-day office policy hits 10,000 signatures January 13, 2025 A petition demanding that WPP revokes its new four-day office policy has attracted over 10,000 signatures in just four days, as backlash from staff grows against the ad giant’s decision to mandate a higher level of attendance at its offices worldwide. The Change.org petition, which claims to have been set up by a group of [...]
I did avalanche training so I could ski more January 13, 2025 What do an ex Royal Marine, a former police inspector and a Network Rail team leader have in common? They all recently passed the Ski Club of Great Britain reps course. I joined this trio and 32 others from all parts of the UK to undertake an intense 12-day programme in Tignes, France to become [...]
VCT fundraising push continues as Baronsmead launches £50m raise January 13, 2025 Two Baronsmead venture capital trusts (VCTs) have launched a £50m funding drive today as a boom in fundraising for the vehicles continues. The VCTs, which are managed by Gresham House, are targeting a £30m share offer with an over-allotment option of £20m, meaning they are able to issue new shares if there is demand from [...]
Chauffeur firm Blacklane looks to ‘double down’ on London after Saudi cash injection January 13, 2025 Luxury chauffeur service Blacklane is looking to “double down” on London after announcing its largest-ever funding round late last year. The Berlin-based firm, which counts Mercedes-Benz and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s Tasaru Mobility among its investors, raised £53.5m in October amid long-running reports of a possible Initial Public Offering (IPO). Blacklane’s airport transfer [...]
Polestar 2 review: Popular premium EV now tops 400 miles January 13, 2025 First launched in 2022, the Polestar 2 was the first fully electric model from the Chinese-owned Swedish brand. However, things move fast in the EV market, so Polestar has given its stylish crossover a substantial overhaul. The Polestar 2 faces a lot more competition than when it initially went on sale. The market for electric [...]