A persistent slowdown in activity among private sector firms could weigh on economic growth over the coming months, with businesses set to cut staff and raise prices, according to a survey. The upcoming increase to national insurance contributions has prompted firms to assess their budgets urgently, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said. Output across [...]
Barclays has expanded its sports sponsorship portfolio by becoming principal partner of Lord’s Cricket Ground and its owner, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The multi-year partnership, effective immediately, sees the Home of Cricket’s iconic Media Centre renamed the Barclays Media Centre.  It will also mean the bank making “one of the largest ever donations” to the [...]
Diageo has said it has no plans to sell its outperforming Guinness brand and stake in Moët Hennessy, despite widespread reports earlier this week. In a statement to markets, the drinks company confirmed on Sunday “we have no intention to sell either.” Diageo shares soared to the top of the FTSE 100 on Friday after [...]
A majority stake in adventure park operator Zip World has been acquired by private equity firm Dolphin Capital in a deal worth £100m. Zip World, which is headquartered in Llanrwst, Wales, has become the latest investment for the Oxfordshire-based private equity firm which already counts the likes of Snowcentres, Techmet and Dynisma in its portfolio. The [...]
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged to cut red tape for building homes and infrastructure in a bid to speed up planning application approvals. Ahead of Reeves’ speech next week on economic growth, the government unveiled its new Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which will be introduced in the spring and help push its plan to build [...]