Easy does it for travel and leisure as they underpin the FTSE 100 today February 23, 2021 After a promising start European markets struggled to maintain their early market optimism today. However, some decent gains continue in the likes of travel and leisure stocks, with multi-month highs in a lot of cases. Over the last three days this renewed buoyancy has been evident in anticipation of a possible reopening, and with a [...]
Survive the last months of lockdown with 35 amazing delivery kits February 23, 2021 Almost a year since the first lockdown, the restaurant world has been forced to change in ways that would have seemed laughable in the pre-Covid times. Top chefs including Simon Rogan are now launching successful at-home delivery platforms that promise to change the face of fine dining for years to come. We have sampled some [...]
Retail, wholesale and motor trade employment falls at sharpest rate in 35 years February 23, 2021 Employment levels across the retail, wholesale and motor trades fell at a record pace in the year to February as the coronavirus pandemic continued to wreak havoc on the economy. The latest research showed that job losses in the distributive sector spiked last month, with employment levels falling at the steepest rate since records began [...]
Brits rush to book holidays in hopes of end to travel restrictions February 23, 2021 Brits rushed to book holidays overnight after Boris Johnson yesterday raised the prospect of international travel restarting in time for the long summer break. According to the government’s roadmap for ending lockdown, international travel could start on 17 May at the very earliest. The announcement triggered a surge in bookings, with budget carrier Easyjet reporting [...]
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group to take £100m hit on lockdown restrictions February 23, 2021 Frasers Group, the retail empire owned by Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley, announced this morning that it expects to take a £100m hit due to lockdown restrictions. The retailer, which also owns House of Fraser and Jack Wills, said the length of the current lockdown, potential changes to consumer behaviour and the risk of future [...]
Roadmap: Hospitality industry faces financial ruin as sector remains shut until April February 22, 2021 The hospitality industry has reacted with fury as the Prime Minister plans to allow pubs and restaurants to serve outdoors only and not until 12 April. Currently, only 40 per cent of businesses in hospitality have outdoor spaces, meaning most will still face restrictions after April. In response to today’s announcement, UK Hospitality Chief Kate [...]
When will pubs, shops, cinemas and theatres reopen under Boris Johnson’s roadmap? February 22, 2021 The Prime Minister unveiled his roadmap for leaving lockdown this afternoon, promising that it would provide a “one way road to freedom… after a wretched year”. Boris Johnson said England would “start reclaiming our freedoms” in a fortnight’s time, with all legal limits on social contact set to end on 21 June at the earliest. [...]
Can’t knock the hustle: LVHM’s Moet Hennessy takes 50 per cent stake in Jay-Z’s champagne brand February 22, 2021 Luxury goods company LVHM is buying a 50 per cent stake in rap star Jay-Z’s champagne brand, Armand de Brignac. Jay-Z’s champagne brand is high-end, and known for its metallic bottles that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each. The investment, LVMH and Jay-Z said, is aimed at growing Armand de Brignac through LVMH’s global [...]
Pubs, restaurants and salons beg for more financial help if reopening delayed by months February 22, 2021 Retail, leisure and hospitality businesses have warned the government that current coronavirus financial aid will not be enough to support the industries if they are to remain closed for several more months. The demands were published after it was reported over the weekend that pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and beauticians and non-essential retailers could be waiting [...]
Toby Carvery owner Mitchells & Butlers launches £351m ‘critical’ cash raise after liquidity deteriorates February 22, 2021 Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), the owner of Toby Cavery and All Bar One, this morning launched a “critical” bid to raise £351m after the pub group’s liquidity “deteriorated significantly” during the pandemic. M&B said the open offer, which has been underwritten by majority shareholder Odyzean, will enable the company to reduce its unsecured debt and [...]