Car production still stalled at just half of pre-pandemic levels June 25, 2021 The number of cars produced in the UK last month remains mired at nearly half of pre-pandemic levels as the industry grapples with shortages of key components like semi-conductors. In May, 54,962 cars rolled off production lines, a tenfold improvement on the same month in 2020, when factories were in lockdown. However, the figure is [...]
Over 500 privately owned e-scooters seized by London police last week June 25, 2021 Hundreds of London’s e-scooter riders had their equipment seized by police last week, as the capital’s e-scooter scheme has swayed many private owners to take to the roads. The Metropolitan Police said its officers confiscated 507 of the tech-transport devices during “proactive patrols” across London’s boroughs. Transport for London (TfL) began trialling the e-scooters as [...]
KPMG told to expect £250m claim for Carillion collapse June 23, 2021 Accounting giant KPMG is expected to be told to pay £250m for its role in the collapse of outsourcing firm Carillion, its former client, in 2018. On behalf of the Insolvency Service, lawyers have warned KPMG to expect a claim. The expected move is part of an effort to reclaim funds that will be used [...]
Never Gonna Give EU Up: Radiohead and Bob Geldof plead for support to continue Euro tours June 23, 2021 Over 200 artists have backed a campaign pushing the government to act on Brexit-related red tape around touring in the EU. The #LetTheMusicMove campaign, launched today, was set up by the Featured Artists’ Coalition (FAC). It is calling for a “transitional support package” to cover new costs placed on UK artists and music businesses after [...]
Government should ‘rip up the rule’ book on rail fares June 23, 2021 The government needs to go further when it comes to rail ticketing reform and “rip up the rulebook”, or else businesses will suffer, a trade body has warned today. Jane Gratton, head of people policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, welcomed the newly announced flexible season tickets, but said the whole fares system needed [...]
Travel industry unites in last-gasp SOS as second ‘lost summer’ looms June 23, 2021 Pilots, travel agents and union members descended on Westminster this afternoon in a plea for the government to “save” the long-suffering travel industry. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the protestors were forced to appear one after another in two groups of 400, as part of a coordinated campaign of similar events around the country. But even [...]
Hire offer needed: Europcar rebuffs Volkswagen bid valuing it at €2.2bn June 23, 2021 Car rental giant Europcar has rebuffed an offer from VW and Audi owner Volkswagen, according to reports, that values the hire firm at €2.2bn (£1.88bn).
Haulier shortage putting construction work ‘under enormous pressure’ June 23, 2021 A shortage of hauliers due to the UK’s departure from the EU and Covid testing rules is becoming a “critical nationwide problem” for the construction industry, which is already battling disrupted supply chains. Government advisory body the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) today said that a lack of drivers was now causing construction delays and pushing [...]
Travel industry protest: Airline and tourism workers’ plea to ‘save summer holidays’ June 23, 2021 Travel industry protest: Airline and tourism workers' plea to 'save summer holidays'
London launches England’s first hydrogen-powered double decker buses June 23, 2021 Transport for London (TFL) will today add 20 new environmentally friendly hydrogen double decker buses to its fleet. Launched by London mayor Sadiq Khan in Ealing, the buses will provide commuters with smoother, quieter journeys thanks to less vibrations. Free-to-use USB charging ports will also be available onboard. They will join more than 500 electric [...]