BMW to shut Mini factory for a month after Brexit to minimise risk to production September 18, 2018 BMW will shut its Mini factory in Oxford for a month after Britain leaves the EU as it prepares for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit. The company has moved its annual summer shutdown to April, coinciding with Brexit to minimise the risk of any “short-term parts-supply” disruption in the event of a no-deal. It [...]
BHP boss paid $8.1m but missed out on more after fatalities and production issues September 18, 2018 BHP Billiton's chief executive was paid $8.1m (£6.2m) last year but missed out on a higher increase due to fatalities at the company's mines and lower than targeted production. Andrew Mackenzie's total remuneration package for the year to the end of June, excluding shares payments, was $4.657m – an increase of $100,000 on the previous year. [...]
City broker Cenkos’ shares crash as profits fall 90 per cent September 18, 2018 City broker Cenkos’ shares fell seven per cent in early morning trading today as it revealed a 92 per cent plunge in profits. Read more: Volkswagen drives truck and bus division IPO plans forward The figures The stockbroker’s post-tax profits dropped to just £300,000 for the six months ending June, compared to the £3.7m it [...]
How to dispel fear in the face of change September 18, 2018 Fear often accompanies change within an organisation. But how we communicate with our staff, and take them on the company’s journey, can help to dispel any urban myths, and make sure the change programme is set for success. Experience tells us that for change in a business to be truly transformational, people have to sit [...]
US-China trade war: Alibaba’s Jack Ma warns tensions could last for 20 years September 18, 2018 Jack Ma, chairman of Chinese tech giant Alibaba, has said the escalating trade war between the US and China could last for 20 years and be a “mess”, after President Donald Trump announced new tariffs overnight. At a speech to shareholders, he said Chinese businesses would move production to avoid the tariffs and called for [...]
An extract from Spectrum, a new book published in association with the V&A museum about the global history of wallpaper September 18, 2018 Before the industrial revolution, the vast majority of domestic interiors were necessarily plain and simple, with whitewashed walls, perhaps tinted with an earth pigment such as ochre or umber. Fabrics were used sparingly, and were assiduously reused and recycled. Colour schemes were largely drab; jewel-bright hues and rich patterns were delights only available to an [...]
Major report recommends end to migration cap for highly skilled workers September 18, 2018 The government should make it easier for highly skilled workers to come to the UK, according to a major report from an independent committee tasked with examining the migration system. Reforms proposed by the Migration Advisory Committee (Mac) include abolishing caps on tier 2 visas for high- and medium-skilled workers, and streamlining the application system. [...]
Escape Hunt finds it tough to break out of losing streak as profits fall September 18, 2018 Escape room sector heavyweight Escape Hunt reported declining profits in its interim results as the company works to build up resources in its head office. The figures Escape Hunt, which runs escape room experiences including an upcoming Doctor Who themed room, said revenue soared in the last year from £193,000 to £800,000. But gross profit [...]
Ocado’s warehouse robots help it boost third quarter revenue September 18, 2018 Online grocer Ocado today revealed rocketing revenue in its third quarter, driven by a growth in orders and improved capacity at its robotic warehouses. The figures It grew revenue by 11.5 per cent to £348.6m in revenue over the three months to the start of September. Read more: Asda to end price guarantee scheme in [...]
Get ready for the robot revolution – and fast September 17, 2018 The rise of the robots has generated a fierce debate – one in which the doomsayers shout the loudest. However, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the future is bright: for every job that machines are due to displace worldwide by 2022, they will create almost two more – a net positive of 58m. They [...]