City watchdog fines ex-Carillion finance chiefs for market manipulation January 7, 2026 The City watchdog has fined the former finance directors of collapsed construction firm Carillion for their role in making “misleading” statements from the company. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said both Richard Adam and Zafar Khan were aware of “serious financial troubles” in Carillion’s UK business but failed to reflect this in company announcements. Adam [...]
‘A load of rubbish’: Pubs round on Starmer’s licencing offer January 7, 2026 Pub and hospitality bosses have rounded on Keir Starmer’s suggestion that relaxed licencing laws may compensate the industry for business rates bills having risen at the Budget, branding the proposal “a load of rubbish”. The Prime Minister confirmed his government was talking to industry leaders about “what further support” ministers could provide pubs and other [...]
US military won’t invade Greenland, but Wall Street Warriors might January 7, 2026 A US military invasion of Greenland would be self-defeating, but both sides have a great deal to gain from harmonious financial relations, writes James Gray.
Reform announces Laila Cunningham will run for London Mayor January 7, 2026 Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has announced that Westminster City councillor Laila Cunningham will stand as its candidate to be the Mayor of London in 2028. In a press conference on Wednesday morning, Farage said Cunningham would also lead Reform’s local campaigns in London ahead of crucial council elections in May. During her speech, she criticised [...]
Coty recovers from £50m loss amid potential Rimmel and Max Factor sale January 7, 2026 The UK and Ireland arm of Coty has recovered from losing more than £50m as it considers selling off the likes of Rimmel and Max Factor. The New York-listed giant announced at the end of September that it was weighing its options for its consumer beauty division. While a formal decision has not yet been [...]
Trump torpor: What explains markets’ muted response to Venezuela and Greenland? January 7, 2026 It is understandable that of the dozens of 2026 market outlook papers published by banks and analysts last month, not one predicted that Venezuela’s autocratic leader, Nicolas Maduro, would be captured in a historic overnight raid just three days into the New Year. Even more forgivable, is the fact none foresaw the rapid escalation of [...]
British investors fled the stock market at a record rate in 2025 January 7, 2026 British investors pulled out of the stock market at a record pace last year, as Budget uncertainty sparked a flight to safe haven assets. Equity fund outflows hit £6.7bn in 2025, twice the rate suffered in 2016, the year of the Brexit referendum, where outflows reached £3.3bn, according to global funds network Calastone. December marked [...]
Majestic Wine blames Reeves’ tax hikes as profit slashed January 7, 2026 Majestic Wine has blamed Rachel Reeves and her tax policies for its profit almost slashing in half during its latest financial year. The Watford-based business said the “economic environment became more challenging” during the 12 months to 31 March, 2025, especially after the general election and the Chancellor’s first Budget. The chain added that these [...]
Shell and BP shares sink as China slams ‘bully’ US over oil dispute January 7, 2026 Shares in FTSE 100 oil giants took a tumble on Wednesday as President Donald Trump ramped up the pressure on Venezuela to hand over oil. Shell had sunk near four per cent by midday to 2,644.7p whilst BP was down 3.5 per cent to 416.65p. The losses in the oil giants – which make up [...]
Air fryer frenzy sees Ninja’s European sales rocket past £1bn January 7, 2026 A surge in demand for air fryers has helped Sharkninja’s European sales surge past the £1bn mark for the first time, the firm’s latest accounts reveal. Sharkninja Europe, the UK-based subsidiary of the US consumer appliance maker, posted turnover of £1.2bn in 2024, a whopping 43 per cent increase on the previous year, as Brits [...]
