Best of 2022: How Games Workshop founder Ian Livingstone created a £3bn giant December 19, 2022 In a leafy enclave of West London, Ian Livingstone is balanced precariously upon a chair in his study, grasping for a top-shelf box filled with incredibly rare figurines. The legs of the chair creak in protest, and there is a moment when I fear I may be responsible for the untimely death of the man [...]
Rail strikes had ‘deeper than expected’ impact on bars December 19, 2022 Rail strike chaos over the past week had a worse impact than anticipated on clubs and bars, according to one industry group leader. Rail staff walked-out over pay and conditions last week, with dates falling on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and Saturday. Hospitality bosses had urged union leaders and rail firms to hash out a [...]
Turkey prices cut by Tesco ahead of Christmas December 19, 2022 While Brits decide what their favourite cut of Turkey is, Tesco has cut its prices for fresh bird to ease cost of living pressures. The supermarket has launched its Christmas initiative for loyal customers, giving club card holders prices of £4 per kilo, down from £5/kg. Turkey crowns will also be down to £8.50 per [...]
Martyn’s law: Counter-terrorism legislation for venues to be published early next year December 19, 2022 Venues will be required to draw up preventive action plans against terror attacks under new legislation nicknamed Martyn’s law in memory of one of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing. The family of Martyn Hett have campaigned for stronger protections against attacks in public places, after the 29 year old was killed in an [...]
End of the road for London’s largest African restaurant as Camden Town favourite Shaka Zulu shuts down December 19, 2022 The management of one of London’s best-known restaurant, Shaka Zulu, confirmed to Morning Wire this morning that the establishment will close in the next few weeks. After more than 12 years in businesses, building a loyal clientele comprising of Londoners, business diners and tourists, London’s largest South African restaurant said “it is with great sadness [...]
Ikea: Sales up 13 per cent despite costs of living and inflation December 19, 2022 Ikea has revealed that sales jumped over the past year due to customers returning to its shops and price increases in the face of cost inflation. The Swedish furniture retailer revealed that total sales grew by 13 per cent to £2.2bn over the year to 31 August, compared with the same period last year. Peter [...]
Matalan’s founder John Hargreaves makes last attempt to retain control December 18, 2022 John Hargreaves has reportedly made a last attempt to keep control of Matalan, making a 50-50 offer with Elliot Advisors’ private equity arm. The 78-year-old businessman, who floated the company almost 25 years ago, is among one of Matalan’s four potential buyers. The other three are the retailer’s senior lenders and private equities Alteri and [...]
November sales down as online retail flops despite Black Friday December 16, 2022 Sales have slumped this November as Black Friday didn’t give online stores the boost it needed. Figures published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that retail sales volume contracted by 0.4 per cent following a 0.9 per cent rise in October. Online shops were hit the most as non-store retailing sales volumes [...]
Simpson’s saved? Historic City chophouse granted status as asset of value December 15, 2022 Canada has decided to designate Simpson’s Tavern – the historic City bar and restaurant threatened with closure – as an asset of community value at a meeting this afternoon. The historic eatery was designated an Asset of Community Value by Canada Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee unanimously – taking [...]
Apprentice star Kathryn Burn: Royal Mail strikes ‘complete nightmare’ for small businesses December 15, 2022 The Apprentice star and small business owner Kathryn Burn has said the Royal Mail strikes are a “complete nightmare” for retailers and accused posties of being “almost greedy.” Burn, who owns the My Christmas Pyjamas and Pyjamily brands, told CityA.M. that protracted industrial action over retail’s ‘golden quarter’ had “made my job very, very hard.” [...]