Founder Favourites: Richard Farleigh on what playing chess, investing and starting a business have in common
Greggs delivers success once again as evening trade boosts sales October 1, 2024 High street bakery Greggs has reported another quarter of strong sales growth, fueled by new products and extended evening opening hours. The sausage-roll maker told markets this morning that total sales rose by 10.6 per cent in the third quarter of 2024, with like-for-like sales up five per cent. This growth was “supported by menu [...]
Warning over ‘burdensome’ employment laws stifling SME growth September 24, 2024 Thousands of small businesses risk closure if the government proceeds with plans to end probationary periods for employees without specific exemptions, a leading employment platform has warned.
Card Factory shares plummet despite first interim dividend in five years and ‘resilient’ results September 24, 2024 Shares in personalised gift and party supply business Card Factory have slumped despite the return of its interim dividend after a revenue boost. The company announced the recommencement of an interim dividend of 1.2p, “demonstrating commitment to delivering progressive returns to shareholders”. However, its share price fell by nearly 20 per cent in early trades. The [...]
Labour conference: Reeves and Reynolds to unveil industrial strategy following ‘Budget for investment’ September 23, 2024 Rachel Reeves has announced the government will unveil its long-promised industrial strategy next month, as she vowed to deliver a “Budget for investment”. The Chancellor took an upbeat tone as she stressed that her “optimism for Britain burns brighter than ever”. Ahead of the October 30 Budget, she argued: “Growth is the challenge, and investment [...]
Reel Cinemas: Evolution is ‘critical for long-term survival’ September 13, 2024 Reel Cinemas has said the evolution of its business model is “critical for its long-term survival” after its profit was slashed during its latest financial year. The Leicestershire-headquartered independent chain added that it is optimistic for the despite rising costs and the industry remaining “challenging”. The admission comes in newly-filed accounts with Companies House which [...]
Firms fear looming minimum wage rise and workers’ rights package September 9, 2024 The survey makes apparent the extent of business concern over the new deal for workers, which is one of the most controversial aspects of Labour's legislative agenda.
Haven and Warner Hotels owner slips into the red after Butlin’s sale September 4, 2024 The group behind Haven holiday parks and Warner Leisure Hotels fell into the red after the sale of Butlin’s, it has been revealed. Bourne Leisure, which is owned by investment giant Blackstone, has reported a pre-tax loss of £166.5m for 2023, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. The loss comes after the group reported [...]
Crisis in Bangladesh shows that draconian regimes are always doomed to fail August 16, 2024 Repressive governments don’t just brutalise their people, they impoverish them too, writes Will Cooling
UK economy grows 0.6 per cent in second quarter, in line with expectations August 15, 2024 The UK economy grew in line with expectations in the second quarter of 2024, as it continued to bounce back from a shallow recession.
UK inflation comes in below expectations in July August 14, 2024 UK inflation jumped back above the Bank of England’s two per cent target in July, but came in below City estimates for the period. According to figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), prices rose 2.2 per cent in July. Meanwhile, core inflation, or price rises excluding volatile food and energy [...]