UK retail sector shows ‘promising’ signs of recovery in August September 8, 2020 UK retailers showed “promising” signs of recovery last month as sales jumped, the latest research showed. Retail sales increased 4.7 per cent on a like-for-like basis compared to August last year, when they had decreased 0.8 per cent. Total sales were up 3.9 per cent last month, against a decline of 0.4 per cent last [...]
Brits ignore PM’s diet plea as spending on takeaways surges September 8, 2020 Worried about the nation’s weight, Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched an anti-obesity drive in July. But the latest spending data suggests Britons resoundingly ignored his advice. Spending on takeaways and fast food jumped 20.7 per cent year on year in August, according to Barclaycard data released today. That was the biggest rise since the measure [...]
Central London footfall jumps as office workers start to return September 7, 2020 Retail footfall in central London jumped last week as workers began returning to the office, in a sign of hope for struggling businesses in the capital, the latest research showed. Footfall increased 4.1 per cent across inner London high streets compared to the previous week as firms began to welcome employees back to the office. [...]
Amazon fined by UK watchdog over late documents in Deliveroo probe September 7, 2020 Amazon has earned a slap on the wrist from UK regulators after it failed to meet a deadline for vital documents, as part of a long-running probe into its stake in Deliveroo. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) today fined Amazon £55,000, after it was forced to delay its investigation of Amazon’s purchase of a [...]
Soho jazz club Ronnie Scott’s to reopen this month September 7, 2020 London jazz club Ronnie Scott’s will reopen for live music performances this month after an initial attempt in August was put on ice following changes to coronavirus restrictions. The Soho venue will open on 19 September for live concerts, and has also reopened its upstairs area as a cocktail bar at weekends. Ronnie Scott’s had [...]
Pizza Express creditors back plan to close 73 restaurants and cut 1,000 jobs September 7, 2020 Pizza Express’s creditors have approved the restaurant chain’s restructuring programme, allowing it to close 73 sites, putting 1,000 jobs at risk. The company announced this morning that more than 89 per cent of creditors voted for its company voluntary arrangement (CVA), surpassing the 75 per cent vote needed. The majority of landlords backed the proposals, [...]
Primark sales surge towards £2bn in post-lockdown rebound September 7, 2020 Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF) said today that sales at the high street chain had surged in the fourth quarter as shoppers rushed back to the high street after lockdown. Despite the three-month lockdown period, ABF said Primark was on course to make a profit of £350m this year, the top end of previous [...]
Homeless shelter investment firm plans £250m London float September 7, 2020 Homeless accommodation provider Home Reit has this morning announced that it will float on the London Stock Exchange market next month. The trust, which seeks to invest in accommodation for homeless people across the UK, is looking to raise £250m from the initial public offering. The first real estate trust to float in London since [...]
Which London restaurants are extending Eat Out to Help Out? September 4, 2020 Independent and chain restaurants across London are preparing to launch their own discounts following the success of the government’s Eat Out to Help Out initiative. The government scheme, which offered a 50 per cent discount up to the value of £10 per person, has been popular, with 64m half price meals enjoyed in the first [...]
Pret a Manger boss says shift to home working will become permanent September 4, 2020 The boss of sandwich chain Pret a Manger said the shift towards home working during the coronavirus pandemic will become permanent. Pano Christou, who was appointed chief executive in September last year, said workers will come into the office less often than they did before the Covid-19 crisis. Christou said Pret needs to adapt to [...]