London economy’s post-election bounce continues March 9, 2020 London’s private sector grew strongly in February, survey data has shown, even as the coronavirus outbreak took its toll on tourism. The Natwest/IHS Markit London purchasing managers’ index posted 56 in February, down slightly from 56.5 in January but stronger than the long-run average. A score of above 50 indicates that the private sector expanded. [...]
London broadband firm G Network eyes bumper funding boost March 8, 2020 London full-fibre broadband firm G Network is said to be seeking a huge funding boost as network providers race to roll out superfast internet connections across the UK. G Network, which targets affluent central London postcodes including Mayfair, Marylebone and Chelsea, has reportedly hired bankers from Rothschild to locate new funds over the coming months. [...]
Bob Diamond appoints ex-Barclays colleague Rich Ricci to lead Panmure Gordon March 6, 2020 Bob Diamond has hired his former right-hand man from his time at Barclays to head up loss-making stockbroker Panmure Gordon. Diamond appointed Rich Ricci as chief executive of London-based Panmure, which he acquired two years ago. The former Barclays boss will be reunited with 56-year-old American investment banker Ricci, who ran the old Barclays capital [...]
Coronavirus: Starbucks bans reusable cups in bid to prevent spread of Covid-19 March 6, 2020 Starbucks has temporarily banned customers from using reusable cups in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The coffee shop chain has said customers will still get the 25p discount for bringing a reusable cup with them but drinks will be served in paper cups. Costa Coffee and Greggs have said they do not have plans to [...]
Firms send staff home as coronavirus arrives in Canary Wharf March 6, 2020 Contagion fears gripped Canary Wharf last night after a host of multinational firms pressed the button on coronavirus contingency plans in what could be just a taste of things to come. On a rollercoaster day in one of the globe’s most important financial hubs HSBC took the decision to evacuate more than a hundred staff [...]
Economy will stall without London investment, says Centre for Cities March 6, 2020 A failure to invest in London’s transport infrastructure will constrain the UK’s economy going forward, according to a new report. The Centre for Cities transport report found London was “outgrowing its transport capacity” and that a lack of transport investment would result in a “hard [economic] landing”. The think tank calls for £31bn investment in [...]
HS2 could have planning problems without Crossrail 2, says HS2 boss March 5, 2020 HS2 could run into planning problems if Crossrail 2 does not get the go-ahead, according to HS2’s chief executive. Speaking to the Public Affairs Committee yesterday, Mark Thurston said HS2 chiefs had expected Crossrail 2 to be approved when drawing up plans for the high speed train line. He added that the new Crossrail 2 [...]
Number of UK coronavirus cases hits 115, with 25 in London March 5, 2020 UK coronavirus cases rose again today from 85 to 115, with London counting 25 Covid-19 infections. Included in today’s figures were 25 new cases in England, and 30 new cases since yesterday’s total. “All are being investigated and contact tracing has begun,” the Department of Health tweeted. A total of 18,083 people in the UK [...]
Aung San Suu Kyi stripped of Canada award March 5, 2020 De-facto Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been stripped of a Canada Corporation award for failing to condemn the ethnic cleansing of her country’s Rohingya Muslim population. The local authority stripped her of its Honorary Freedom award today in a Court of Common Council hearing, for her “close association” with the Myanmar [...]
Tube delays caused by faulty trains rise by a third March 5, 2020 The number of Tube delays caused by faulty trains has risen by almost a third in just two years, according to new figures. Between 2016-17 and 2018-19, the number of delays on the London Underground due to mechanical issues with the trains shot up from 3,806 to 5,040 – a 32 per cent increase. More [...]
