Businesses will not survive another winter of lockdown, CEO of UK Hospitality warns October 23, 2021 Businesses will not survive another winter of lockdown restrictions, the CEO of UK Hospitality has warned. Times Radio Presenter Jenny Kleeman asked Kate Nicholls if she thought businesses would survive if the Government goes ahead with Plan B. No I don’t, bluntly. We have already lost 12,000 businesses. Kate Nicholls Consumers will not go out [...]
Covid rules easing: Medics call decision to re-open nightclubs in Belfast ‘complete madness’ October 22, 2021 Medics have said the Stormont decision to lift coronavirus rules despite mounting pressures on the health service is “complete madness.” Dr Tom Black, chair of BMA’s Northern Ireland council, said the relaxations planned for the end of the month would ultimately lead to more Covid-19 deaths. He criticised the move as “stupidity” as he warned [...]
Tesco and ASOS call for legal crackdown on human rights abuse October 22, 2021 Tesco and ASOS are among more than 30 retail businesses and investors have called for a new UK law to prevent human rights abuse. Some 36 household names – including Primark and John Lewis – have issued a joint statement calling for fresh human rights and environmental due diligence law. A legal review by Blackstone [...]
Sterling fares well following PMI surprise despite retail sales fall October 22, 2021 This morning’s UK retail sales figures showed a monthly decline of 0.2 per cent in September, while the market had been anticipating a rise of 0.6 per cent. Meanwhile, sales were down 1.3 per cent compared to September last year, yet the consensus forecast was for a decline of 0.4 per cent. It was the [...]
Strong appetite for takeaway and delivery as sales soar past pre-Covid levels October 22, 2021 Restaurant groups- including Pizza Express and Honest Burgers -more than doubled their delivery and takeaway sales from pre-Covid levels last month. Combined sales were 130 per cent higher than in September 2019, the CGA & Slerp Hospitality at Home Tracker revealed. Sales are also 35 per cent higher than in September 2020, with signs that [...]
Holiday Inn owner reports trade improvement as travel returns October 22, 2021 Crowne Plaza owner InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has said it has achieved an average daily rate in line with pre-pandemic levels. In a third quarter trading update, it said it had achieved occupancy of around 60 per cent. It reported revenue per available room (RevPAR) was down 21 per cent on 2019. It was up [...]
ProCook confirms intention to proceed with IPO October 22, 2021 Kitchenware brand ProCook has confirmed its intention to proceed with an initial public offering. The business confirmed it would make its debut on the London Stock Exchange and list on the premium listing segment of the official list of the FCA. The offer will comprise an offer of existing shares to be sold by existing [...]
Retail sales drop for fifth month in a row October 22, 2021 UK retail sales dropped in September for the fifth consecutive month but have bounced back from the pandemic, It marked the longest continuous stretch since records began in 1996, according to official figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales volumes dropped by 0.2 per cent last month, following a 0.6 per cent [...]
JD Sports acquires Cosmos and moves into the Greek market October 22, 2021 JD Sports has acquired 80 per cent of Greek sport retailer Cosmos to expand its presence in Europe with a foothold in the Greek market. “This is another exciting acquisition for JD that further expands our presence in Europe,” said JD Sports’ executive chairman Peter Cowgill. “We welcome the highly experienced and knowledgeable Tsiknakis Family [...]
Half term: Brits to inject £4.5bn into economy with Halloween staycations October 21, 2021 Families will inject £4.5bn into the economy with half-term staycations this month. Just under half of UK families will take a short break this half-term, according to the Travelodge Holiday Index. The hotel chain found London topped the list as most popular city and Halloween-themed destination. Those looking to enjoy Halloween on a staycation can [...]