John Laing’s diverse portfolio drives global expansion at green-focused infrastructure firm March 5, 2019 Infrastructure investment company John Laing’s shares rose this morning as it announced strong growth in net asset value per share over the course of 2018. The group said it had resisted the global climate of political and economic uncertainty which has stymied infrastructure investment in some regions by maintaining a diverse portfolio. Share rose one [...]
DX delivers the goods as it narrows losses and improves sales March 5, 2019 DX Group hailed “encouraging progress” in its half-year results today as it narrowed losses and boosted revenue. Read more: St Modwen cashes in on fast-growing logistics sector as asset values rise The results Revenue rose seven per cent year on year to £157m while its loss before tax dropped from £14.1m in the same period [...]
Prices of petrol and diesel inch up in February after months of reduced prices March 4, 2019 The price of petrol and diesel inched up in February, ending three months of price reductions. Data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that the average price of a litre of petrol in the UK increased by just under a penny to 120.42p at the end of the month, while diesel increased by 1.24p to 129.88p [...]
Flybe shareholders approve airline sale to Virgin-led Connect Airways March 4, 2019 Shareholders in ailing airline Flybe have today approved its acquisition by Virgin-led consortium Connect Airways. At a general meeting today, 63 per cent of shareholders voted with the board's recommendation that they approve the sale, while 37 per cent staged a revolt and voted against it. Flybe has been urging its shareholders to accept the Connect [...]
Uber cars stock children’s books to boost bedtime reading for World Book Day March 4, 2019 Long known for getting time-poor commuters from A to B, Uber today launched a scheme to help London parents get home in time to read bedtime stories to their children. The ride-hailing company has teamed up with Penguin Random House imprint Puffin and the National Literacy Trust to launch a “mobile libraries” programme ahead of World Book Day, on [...]
Ghosn’s new lawyer sets fresh strategy as he aims to cut bail deal for former Nissan CEO March 4, 2019 Carlos Ghosn’s new lawyer struck an optimistic note today, saying that the ousted former Nissan boss could soon win bail from custody in Japan following two previous failed requests. Junichiro Hironaka, dubbed “the Razor” due to his mental sharpness, told a news conference: “I believe it’s possible he could be released in the near future,” Reuters reported. Read [...]
Budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air report soaring passenger numbers in February March 4, 2019 Budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air reported boosted traffic year-on-year in February, however both carriers saw passenger numbers drop on the previous month. A total of 9.3m customers flew with Ryanair in February, an increase of 13 per cent from 8.6m the previous year. Read more: Wizz Air profits tumble but airline clings to guidance [...]
Looking for space for homes in the capital? Build over rail lines March 4, 2019 A new survey of housebuilders published last week by construction consulting and design agency McBains is depressing reading for Londoners looking to get a foot on the housing ladder. Although two thirds of housebuilders in London reported that they had built more homes over the last 12 months, those that stated a decrease cited a [...]
Carmaker Porsche facing German tax investigation March 3, 2019 Luxury carmaker Porsche is facing an investigation over alleged tax debts. The sportscar manufacturer said on Sunday that it was cooperating with German prosecutors in relation to its tax treatment treatment of employees taking early retirement and benefits given to former executives. The benefits are reported to include parties, private plane trips and chauffeur services. [...]
UK ports propose 10-point plan to boost investment and trade March 3, 2019 A new 10-point plan to be revealed today will set out proposals aimed at boosting investment in the UK’s ports. The importance of the UK’s ports for business supply chains has been thrown into the spotlight by the potential for disruption in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Read more: Government to pay Eurotunnel £33m over [...]