cityam--2020-07-03--Opening up: How one entrepreneur kept his food hall dream alive

The pandemic has been tough on everybody – but launching a food hall business in the middle of it is really going above and beyond .
Sessions Market chief Dan Warne tells us how he kept going , and plans for the future It was early March and just like so many businesses , the news of the virus sweeping through Europe was far from encouraging .
At Sessions Market Ltd. , we had won a bid to operate a large food hall on the Brighton seafront in a Victorian building called Shelter Hall Raw and had both the financing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but quite suddenly and dramatically that looked highly unlikely .
A very real question of whether we could finance , build and operate this business , and under what conditions , presented itself abruptly .
Read more : Where to grab a drink this weekend as the capital reopens It was clear we needed to think quickly ( and frankly speculatively ) , about what was to come and how we could exist in that new world .
What we ’ ll deliver and how we ’ ll deliver it may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the industry .
Firstly , I must stress that we were lucky to have a forward-thinking local authority in Brighton , who happened to be our landlord .
Landlords serving eviction notices , ahead of the forfeiture moratorium was senseless commercially , let alone ethically .
Fortunately for us , Brighton and Hove City Council were not only willing to adapt our lease terms to make this workable , but also worked closely and rapidly with us in adapting our design and build .
For context , we took a multi-million-pound build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a third of the budget , to deliver a ‘ raw ’ concept .
This basic , less capital-intensive design will become more commonplace in this climate , with the focus diverted to the quality and provenance of the end product , which is no bad thing .
This was a landlord thinking about long term value creation , not just by supporting a tenant they believe in , but by thinking holistically about the ancillary regenerative value that concepts like ours create .
Clearly a landlord that doubles as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of value creation over a wider area , but there is nonetheless much to be heralded in their proactivity and shared sense of urgency .
For context , we are now creating a space from scratch to be designed for this period , with our designers somehow fusing safety and art , making protective screens part of the aesthetic .
Our landlord not only backed us , but were intimately involved in the process .
Secondly , our whole concept is an egalitarian one ; we create a platform and invite the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our space .
We champion them at the early points in their journey .
We give reverence to the history of a community and try to be sympathetic in our design and product curation .
Ultimately , we have always wanted to create a space that isn ’ t just inspired by the local community , but is genuinely built by it through employing 70 locals and working with over 20 local businesses across the project .
While this was important pre Covid-19 , it has become fundamental now .
The collective ambition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this viable .
Everyone involved in this project is not merely contracted to it , but feels endemic to it , and the level of productivity that comes from that is staggering .
This crisis has very clearly brought out the best in local community spirit and this will propel those businesses that can help instil a sense of purpose and place back on the high street .
Mass market homogenised brands still have their place , but I might argue that ’ s increasingly in utilitarian consumption online .
Finally , everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Covid-19 will accelerate the digitisation of bricks and mortar businesses .
Pay-at-table technology will become the norm , and broader , deeper virtual offerings will become commonplace .
This is an obvious point , but less obvious is what that means for physical retail and hospitality .
We will move into a period where digital ordering creates far richer data , allowing businesses to algorithmically map trends and adapt their concepts accordingly , across multiple channels .
Those businesses that can most malleably respond to the data will be most successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a marketplace model , which we ’ ll keep dynamic and flexible , allowing us to change concepts rapidly according to what the data tells us , much like Netflix knows what you want before you do .
This model has always been the future , and Covid-19 has merely accelerated that .

Opening up: How one entrepreneur kept his food hall dream alive
Shelter Hall Raw , Brighton Launch ***Pic by David McHugh / Brighton Pictures ***
The pandemic has been tough on everybody – but launching a food hall business in the middle of it is really going above and beyond. Sessions Market chief Dan Warne tells us how he kept going, and plans for the future
It was early March and just like so many businesses, the news of the virus sweeping through Europe was far from encouraging.
At Sessions Market Ltd., we had won a bid to operate a large food hall on the Brighton seafront in a Victorian building called Shelter Hall Raw and had both the financing and the time to deliver something exciting, but quite suddenly and dramatically that looked highly unlikely. A very real question of whether we could finance, build and operate this business, and under what conditions, presented itself abruptly.
Read more: Where to grab a drink this weekend as the capital reopens
It was clear we needed to think quickly (and frankly speculatively), about what was to come and how we could exist in that new world. What we’ll deliver and how we’ll deliver it may be indicative of a ‘new normal’ for the industry.
Firstly, I must stress that we were lucky to have a forward-thinking local authority in Brighton, who happened to be our landlord. Landlords serving eviction notices, ahead of the forfeiture moratorium was senseless commercially, let alone ethically.
Fortunately for us, Brighton and Hove City Council were not only willing to adapt our lease terms to make this workable, but also worked closely and rapidly with us in adapting our design and build. For context, we took a multi-million-pound build and condensed it into a 6-week programme, with a third of the budget, to deliver a ‘raw’ concept. This basic, less capital-intensive design will become more commonplace in this climate, with the focus diverted to the quality and provenance of the end product, which is no bad thing.
This was a landlord thinking about long term value creation, not just by supporting a tenant they believe in, but by thinking holistically about the ancillary regenerative value that concepts like ours create.
Clearly a landlord that doubles as a local authority is afforded a holistic view of value creation over a wider area, but there is nonetheless much to be heralded in their proactivity and shared sense of urgency. For context, we are now creating a space from scratch to be designed for this period, with our designers somehow fusing safety and art, making protective screens part of the aesthetic. Our landlord not only backed us, but were intimately involved in the process.
Secondly, our whole concept is an egalitarian one; we create a platform and invite the best local businesses to operate their brands in our space. We champion them at the early points in their journey. We give reverence to the history of a community and try to be sympathetic in our design and product curation. Ultimately, we have always wanted to create a space that isn’t just inspired by the local community, but is genuinely built by it through employing 70 locals and working with over 20 local businesses across the project.
While this was important pre Covid-19, it has become fundamental now. The collective ambition from the local Brighton community has made this viable. Everyone involved in this project is not merely contracted to it, but feels endemic to it, and the level of productivity that comes from that is staggering. This crisis has very clearly brought out the best in local community spirit and this will propel those businesses that can help instil a sense of purpose and place back on the high street. Mass market homogenised brands still have their place, but I might argue that’s increasingly in utilitarian consumption online.
Finally, everything at Shelter Hall Raw will be digitised, and Covid-19 will accelerate the digitisation of bricks and mortar businesses. Pay-at-table technology will become the norm, and broader, deeper virtual offerings will become commonplace. This is an obvious point, but less obvious is what that means for physical retail and hospitality.
We will move into a period where digital ordering creates far richer data, allowing businesses to algorithmically map trends and adapt their concepts accordingly, across multiple channels. Those businesses that can most malleably respond to the data will be most successful. At Sessions Market, we have a marketplace model, which we’ll keep dynamic and flexible, allowing us to change concepts rapidly according to what the data tells us, much like Netflix knows what you want before you do. This model has always been the future, and Covid-19 has merely accelerated that.


cityam--2020-07-03--FTSE 100 slides as new coronavirus cases spook investors

The FTSE 100 fell in morning trading as investor excitement following yesterday ’ s strong US payrolls data petered out and fears over surging coronavirus cases helped dampen sentiment .
The blue-chip index was 0.8 per cent lower approaching midday , at 6,190 points .
On its current path , the FTSE 100 will have risen marginally this week .
Read more : Asian stocks climb to four-month high on US jobs data The FTSE 250 index of mid-sized fell , dropping 0.1 per cent .
In Europe , Germany ’ s Dax was 0.2 per cent lower and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent .
Global stocks climbed higher yesterday after data showed the US economy added jobs at a record pace in June .
Investors cheered the latest sign of a rebound in business activity following the easing of coronavirus lockdowns .
The US ’ s tech-heavy Nasdaq index closed at a record high yesterday .
It continued the trend of stock markets soaring while economies around the world remain severely depressed .
However , fears over spiking Covid-19 cases in several US states and the possibility of further lockdowns helped keep a lid on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the states to have rowed back on plans to reopen as cases soar .
It has been a volatile few weeks for traders as they have contended with conflicting data .
Stock markets have regularly risen or fallen by more than one per cent each day .
Investors were cheery in Asia today , however .
Asian markets hit a four-month high in the wake of further positive economic data from China and the US payrolls figures .
China ’ s services sector expanded at its quickest pace in over a decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Managers ’ Index ( PMI ) showed , as the easing of lockdown measures revived consumer demand .
MSCI ’ s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose to its highest level since late February .
Hong Kong ’ s Hang Seng climbed one per cent and the Shanghai Composite added two per cent respectively .
David Madden , market analyst at trading platform CMC Markets , said part of the reason European markets were subdued is that the US is on holiday for Independence Day .
“ Traders on this side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit on their hands today while their US counterparts enjoy their long weekend , ” he said .
“ The infection rate in the US and the pausing of the reopening of states is still a factor for traders to consider.
” Read more : US economy adds 4.8m jobs as recovery continues In the currency markets , the euro slipped slightly after French prime minister Eduard Philipe resigned from President Emmanuel Macron ’ s government .
It was broadly flat against the dollar heading towards midday at €1.123 .
The pound was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trading at £1.246 .

FTSE 100 slides as new coronavirus cases spook investors
The FTSE 100 fell in morning trading as investor excitement following yesterday’s strong US payrolls data petered out and fears over surging coronavirus cases helped dampen sentiment.
The blue-chip index was 0.8 per cent lower approaching midday, at 6,190 points. On its current path, the FTSE 100 will have risen marginally this week.
Read more: Asian stocks climb to four-month high on US jobs data
The FTSE 250 index of mid-sized fell, dropping 0.1 per cent. In Europe, Germany’s Dax was 0.2 per cent lower and the continent-wide Stoxx 600 was down 0.5 per cent.
Global stocks climbed higher yesterday after data showed the US economy added jobs at a record pace in June. Investors cheered the latest sign of a rebound in business activity following the easing of coronavirus lockdowns.
The US’s tech-heavy Nasdaq index closed at a record high yesterday. It continued the trend of stock markets soaring while economies around the world remain severely depressed.
However, fears over spiking Covid-19 cases in several US states and the possibility of further lockdowns helped keep a lid on sentiment today. Texas and Florida are among the states to have rowed back on plans to reopen as cases soar.
It has been a volatile few weeks for traders as they have contended with conflicting data. Stock markets have regularly risen or fallen by more than one per cent each day.
China services pick up sharply
Investors were cheery in Asia today, however. Asian markets hit a four-month high in the wake of further positive economic data from China and the US payrolls figures.
China’s services sector expanded at its quickest pace in over a decade in June, the Caixin/Markit services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed, as the easing of lockdown measures revived consumer demand.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose to its highest level since late February. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed one per cent and the Shanghai Composite added two per cent respectively.
David Madden, market analyst at trading platform CMC Markets, said part of the reason European markets were subdued is that the US is on holiday for Independence Day.
“Traders on this side of the Atlantic might be tempted to sit on their hands today while their US counterparts enjoy their long weekend,” he said.
“The infection rate in the US and the pausing of the reopening of states is still a factor for traders to consider.”
Read more: US economy adds 4.8m jobs as recovery continues
In the currency markets, the euro slipped slightly after French prime minister Eduard Philipe resigned from President Emmanuel Macron’s government. It was broadly flat against the dollar heading towards midday at €1.123.
The pound was also roughly flat against the dollar, trading at £1.246.


cityam--2020-07-03--Super Saturday: Where to grab a drink (and a bite to eat)

We know Soho is opening up with pedestrianised streets , but what else is happening this weekend around the capital ?
If you ’ re in need of inspiration , City A.M. takes a very brief look at options – but for goodness ’ sake , just go out and explore !
We ’ ve all been locked down long enough… BOXPARK is opening up again for business , introducing click and collect for the first time as well as opening up socially-distanced bars and restaurants at its Shoreditch , Wembley and Croydon sites .
Some traders will even be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What will Soho look like this weekend ?
In Wapping , Skylight will be open again from 12 noon on the 4th .
Because of social distancing rules they ’ ve had to abandon their popular lawn games to ensure more people can sit down and enjoy the sun-drenched ( possibly not this Saturday… ) terrace .
Somewhat ironically , for 2020 they ’ ve added a Corona tropical terrace – in honour of the pale lager , not the other one – and a couple of new food options .
Bethnal Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also open again , with bucketloads of hand sanitisers around the premises as well as all the usual whisky sour-y joy you have come to expect from behind the bar .
Tottenham ’ s Beavertown taproom is also opening up again , and the brewery has marked the occasion by commissioning a special ode to the great British pub .
Down south , Peckham ’ s Brick Brewery is also opening up , with reservations in the front garden and the back bar open to walk-ins – though they warn you may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gosnells ’ taproom is also open , if you ’ re feeling lost without your mead fix .
In Bermondsey , the beer mile is opening up again , albeit in a slightly more ordered way than usual .
Not all the breweries are open just yet , but enough to satisfy an appetite we are assure .
Maltby Street Market has been open for a little while now , and at the end of the crawl , Vinegar Yard is open too – with two new bars to keep you busy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer in Bermondsey – Jose Pizarro ’ s two Spanish restaurants will open just a week or so later .
And for those craving a pizza that doesn ’ t come in a box : founders of authentic Italian pizzerias Zia Lucia and pasta restaurant Berto have announced that they will be opening some of their venues on the 4th July .
Berto on Holloway Road will be opening its doors as well as Zia Lucia Aldgate and Zia Lucia BoxPark .

Super Saturday: 11 London pubs to visit as capital reopens
We know Soho is opening up with pedestrianised streets, but what else is happening this weekend around the capital? Well, there’s plenty of London pubs and bars reopening, if you’re in need of a post-lockdown drink.
If you’re looking for inspiration, City A.M. takes a very brief look at options – but for goodness’ sake, just go out and explore! We’ve all been locked down long enough…
Shoreditch, Wembley, Croydon
BOXPARK is opening up again for business, introducing click and collect for the first time as well as opening up socially-distanced bars and restaurants at its Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon sites. Some traders will even be running table service.
Read more: What will Soho look like this weekend?
Wapping
In Wapping, Skylight will be open again from 12 noon on 4 July. Because of social distancing rules they’ve had to abandon their popular lawn games to ensure more people can sit down and enjoy the sun-drenched (possibly not this Saturday…) terrace. Somewhat ironically, for 2020 they’ve added a Corona tropical terrace – in honour of the pale lager, not the other one – and a couple of new food options.
Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green’s brilliant cocktail bar Coupette is also open again, with bucketloads of hand sanitisers around the premises as well as all the usual whisky sour-y joy you have come to expect from behind the bar.
Tottenham
Tottenham’s Beavertown taproom is also opening up again, and the London brewery has marked the occasion by commissioning a special ode to the great British pub.
Peckham
Down south, Peckham’s Brick Brewery is also opening up. This great London pub will offer reservations in the front garden, while the back bar is open to walk-ins – though they warn you may have to queue. Up the road, Gosnells’ taproom is also open, if you’re feeling lost without your mead fix.
Bermondsey
In Bermondsey, the beer mile is opening up again, albeit in a slightly more ordered way than usual. Not all the London pubs are open just yet, but enough to satisfy an appetite we are assure. Maltby Street Market has been open for a little while now, and at the end of the crawl, Vinegar Yard is open too – with two new bars to keep you busy.
Tapas-fanciers will have to wait a little longer in Bermondsey – Jose Pizarro’s two Spanish restaurants will open just a week or so later.
Holloway Road
And for those craving a pizza that doesn’t come in a box: founders of authentic Italian pizzerias Zia Lucia and pasta restaurant Berto have announced that they will be opening some of their venues on the 4th July. Berto on Holloway Road will be opening its doors as well as Zia Lucia Aldgate and Zia Lucia BoxPark.


cityam--2020-07-03--RBS chairman calls on Bank of England to lift dividend curbs

The chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland ( RBS ) has called on the Bank of England to lift curbs on dividends by the autumn to make lenders more attractive to investors .
The BoE had told lenders in March to scrap buybacks and dividends until the end of 2020 to bolster their finances in the face of the economic crisis triggered by coronavirus .
Read more : FCA puts UK banks on notice on overdrafts but will not open formal inquiry Howard Davies said today that banks could not suspend payouts indefinitely .
“ It ’ s probably fair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investible because when people try to do the models about what banks are worth they can ’ t plug in any numbers for cash out , ” he told a City & Financial webinar .
RBS , along with Barclays , HSBC and Lloyds , suspended dividend payments for 2020 at the central bank ’ s request in March .
Shares in RBS , which is majority state-owned , have fallen by around half this year , wiping £15bn off its market capitalisation .
Shares in rival Lloyds have also dropped just over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barclsys have fallen by around 35 per cent apiece .
British banks have lent more than £40bn of state-backed funds to businesses struggling with the impact of the pandemic , but are bracing for an expected wave of defaults in the coming months .
Read more : RBS profit nearly halves due to coronavirus uncertainty “ We can see clouds gathering on the horizon , but it hasn ’ t yet started to pour down with rain , but I think we know that it ’ s going to , and that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period for us , ” Davies said .
The Bank of England declined to respond to Davies ’ comments .
RBS has been contacted for comment .

RBS chairman calls on Bank of England to lift dividend curbs
Howard Davies said that lenders could not suspend payouts to shareholders indefinitely
The chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has called on the Bank of England to lift curbs on dividends by the autumn to make lenders more attractive to investors.
The BoE had told lenders in March to scrap buybacks and dividends until the end of 2020 to bolster their finances in the face of the economic crisis triggered by coronavirus.
Howard Davies said today that banks could not suspend payouts indefinitely.
“It’s probably fair to say the banking sector is not investible because when people try to do the models about what banks are worth they can’t plug in any numbers for cash out,” he told a City & Financial webinar.
RBS, along with Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds, suspended dividend payments for 2020 at the central bank’s request in March.
Shares in RBS, which is majority state-owned, have fallen by around half this year, wiping £15bn off its market capitalisation. Shares in rival Lloyds have also dropped just over 50 per cent, while HSBC and Barclsys have fallen by around 35 per cent apiece.
British banks have lent more than £40bn of state-backed funds to businesses struggling with the impact of the pandemic, but are bracing for an expected wave of defaults in the coming months.
“We can see clouds gathering on the horizon, but it hasn’t yet started to pour down with rain, but I think we know that it’s going to, and that’s going to be a very difficult period for us,” Davies said.
The Bank of England declined to respond to Davies’ comments. RBS has been contacted for comment.


cityam--2020-07-03--Quarantine legal challenge begins as measures scrapped for 60 countries

Three of the UK ’ s biggest airlines have today begun their legal challenge against the government ’ s travel quarantine plan , the same day the measures were lifted for 60 countries .
In a rare show of unity , rivals British Airways , Ryanair and Easyjet had come together to challenge the blanket restrictions , which say that all those entering England have to self-isolate for 14 days .
Read more : Aviation industry hails ‘ turning point ’ as quarantine scrapped for 60 countries The airlines have challenged the regulations on the grounds that they are disproportionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking at the High Court today , the airlines ’ lawyer Tom Hickman said : “ The measures are more severe than the measures imposed during the height of the lockdown , they ’ re more severe than the measures imposed on people showing symptoms of Covid-19 .
“ The fact that they are entering the UK from a Covid-19 hotspot could provide some justification , but the mere fact that they are entering the UK can not .
” In a joint statement , the airlines had said the measures would “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the wider economy and destroy thousands of jobs ” .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data Ahead of the trial , government lawyers had released documents saying that there was no requirement for ministers to consult on the decision to implement the measures .
Overnight authorities announced that France , Spain , Germany and Italy would be included on a 60-strong list of countries to which holidaymakers in England would be able to travel from 10 July without needing to quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be published later today , but speaking to the BBC earlier today transport secretary Grant Shapps said the US would remain on a “ red list ” of banned countries .
Read more : England scraps quarantine for Germany , France , Spain and Italy The Foreign Office will also shift its blanket advice warning against “ all but essential ” travel in light of the new developments .
Hickman said that the airlines had wanted to delay the case to consult the list of countries to be exempt , but were proceeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forthcoming .

Quarantine legal challenge begins as measures scrapped for 60 countries
Three of the UK’s biggest airlines have today begun their legal challenge against the government’s travel quarantine plan, the same day the measures were lifted for 60 countries.
In a rare show of unity, rivals British Airways, Ryanair and Easyjet had come together to challenge the blanket restrictions, which say that all those entering England have to self-isolate for 14 days.
The airlines have challenged the regulations on the grounds that they are disproportionate and were introduced without proper consultation.
Speaking at the High Court today, the airlines’ lawyer Tom Hickman said: “The measures are more severe than the measures imposed during the height of the lockdown, they’re more severe than the measures imposed on people showing symptoms of Covid-19.
“The fact that they are entering the UK from a Covid-19 hotspot could provide some justification, but the mere fact that they are entering the UK cannot.”
In a joint statement, the airlines had said the measures would “have a devastating effect on British tourism and the wider economy and destroy thousands of jobs”.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Ahead of the trial, government lawyers had released documents saying that there was no requirement for ministers to consult on the decision to implement the measures.
Overnight authorities announced that France, Spain, Germany and Italy would be included on a 60-strong list of countries to which holidaymakers in England would be able to travel from 10 July without needing to quarantine.
The full list is due to be published later today, but speaking to the BBC earlier today transport secretary Grant Shapps said the US would remain on a “red list” of banned countries.
The Foreign Office will also shift its blanket advice warning against “all but essential” travel in light of the new developments.
Hickman said that the airlines had wanted to delay the case to consult the list of countries to be exempt, but were proceeding with the case until the information was forthcoming.


cityam--2020-07-03--No official US approach to question Prince Andrew over Epstein, says PM

US authorities have not made an official approach to the government for permission to speak to Prince Andrew about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein , according to the Prime Minister .
Prosecutors in the States want to question Andrew over his contacts with the disgraced financier , who was awaiting trial on charges of trafficking minors when he died last August in prison .
Read more : Prince Andrew ‘ bewildered ’ by FBI claims he has refused to cooperate in Epstein case There has been renewed focus on the case after the arrest of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Epstein yesterday .
New York prosecutors filed a six-charge indictment against Maxwell , including participating in sexual abuse and two counts of perjury .
US officials say Prince Andrew has repeatedly evaded requests for an interview , but his lawyers insist he has offered to help three times this year .
In an interview with LBC today , Boris Johnson said : “ No such approach has been made .
It ’ s a matter for the royal family.
” “ Everybody ’ s sympathies are very much with the victims of Jeffrey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to comment on matters affecting the royal family.
” Yesterday a source close to Prince Andrew said he was “ bewildered ” by claims that he had ignored requests from the FBI to cooperate with their investigation .
Read more : Prince Andrew ’ s legal team in dispute over US Epstein inquiry A source close to the Duke of York told City A.M. yesterday that he had “ twice communicated ” with the US Department of Justice in the last month , but has had “ no response ” to date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday , acting Manhattan US Attorney Audrey Strauss said : “ We would welcome Prince Andrew coming in to talk with us.
” Get the news as it happens by following City A.M. on Twitter .

No official US approach to question Prince Andrew over Epstein, says PM
(Photo by Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images)
US authorities have not made an official approach to the government for permission to speak to Prince Andrew about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein, according to the Prime Minister.
Prosecutors in the States want to question Andrew over his contacts with the disgraced financier, who was awaiting trial on charges of trafficking minors when he died last August in prison.
There has been renewed focus on the case after the arrest of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend and longtime associate of Epstein yesterday.
New York prosecutors filed a six-charge indictment against Maxwell, including participating in sexual abuse and two counts of perjury.
US officials say Prince Andrew has repeatedly evaded requests for an interview, but his lawyers insist he has offered to help three times this year.
In an interview with LBC today, Boris Johnson said: “No such approach has been made. It’s a matter for the royal family.”
“Everybody’s sympathies are very much with the victims of Jeffrey Epstein but you wouldn’t expect me to comment on matters affecting the royal family.”
Yesterday a source close to Prince Andrew said he was “bewildered” by claims that he had ignored requests from the FBI to cooperate with their investigation.
A source close to the Duke of York told City A.M. yesterday that he had “twice communicated” with the US Department of Justice in the last month, but has had “no response” to date.
After Maxwell was arrested and charged on Thursday, acting Manhattan US Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “We would welcome Prince Andrew coming in to talk with us.”
Get the news as it happens by following City A.M. on Twitter.


cityam--2020-07-03--Aviation industry hails 'turning point' as quarantine scrapped for 60 countries

People from England will be able to go to more than 50 countries from 10 July without having to quarantine on return , the government has announced .
The full list of countries will be published later today but ministers have already named France , Germany , Spain and Italy among those exempted from the blanket restrictions .
Read more : England scraps quarantine for Germany , France , Spain and Italy The announcement met with relief from the travel sector , which has repeatedly warned the government that the quarantine rules risked causing huge economic damage to an already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already been lost across the aviation and travel sectors due to the coronavirus pandemic , with airlines especially desperate to try and claw back some of the summer season .
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate welcomed the announcement , saying it sent a clear message that it was now safe to go on holiday .
“ Alongside changes to the Government ’ s official travel advice , this announcement provides a significant boost to consumer confidence and sends a very clear message that it is now safe to take summer holidays abroad , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business trips again ” , he said .
“ We look forward to publication later today of what we hope will be an extensive list of countries that will be exempt from the need to self-isolate on return to the UK and we welcome the fact this will be kept under close review .
“ The aviation industry has a long way to go to in its recovery from this pandemic however today ’ s news will hopefully mark the start of a turning point.
” Travel association ABTA said it “ strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry would be “ hugely relieved ” .
“ Travel businesses have been under enormous pressure since the start of the pandemic , and the industry can now start to meet customers ’ pent-up appetite for travel ” , a spokesperson said .
“ Getting the balance of health risk and economic risk is a difficult challenge , and we strongly support the government in taking this initiative ” .
Read more : Exclusive : Half of business travel jobs at risk , says BTA boss Huw Merriman , chair of the transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government to scrap the blanket rules , said the announcement would help restore consumer confidence .
He added that the government should champion the development of global health standards for aviation to build on the developments .
Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye agreed , saying the measures were a “ step in the right direction ” .
“ More work is now needed on the creation of a Common International Standard to facilitate the resumption of trade and travel to countries deemed to still pose a risk ” , he added .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing will help accelerate this.
” The 14-day quarantine rule had met with dismay from the wider business community , with many warning that it would effectively shut the UK off from global trade .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data Although he also welcomed today ’ s scrapping of the measure , London Chamber of Commerce chief executive Richard Burge said that “ London ’ s role as a global city had been damaged for no reason ” by the quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourism , are vital to many sectors of the UK economy , so it ’ s welcome that our country is effectively once again open for business ” , he said .
“ But this is the approach that should have been taken at the outset , not the absurd blanket quarantine .
“ Britain ’ s participation in world trade was unnecessarily delayed and London ’ s role as a global city has been damaged for no reason ” .
British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall agreed , saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to appear ” and warning that the job was “ not yet done ” .
“ It ’ s taken far too long for the exemption list to appear , and the fact that it does not initially apply to all four nations of the UK will put regional connectivity and regional economies at risk .
“ Neither the process nor the outcome inspire confidence , either here at home or with our partners globally ” , he said .
“ While these changes will give some businesses a fighting chance to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the job is not yet done .
This isn ’ t just about summer holidays .
He finished : “ Ministers need to focus on restoring connections and confidence with key trading partners all across the world ” .
Dale Keller of the Board of Airline Representatives said that the UK should look to ape the EU ’ s approach and open to a similar number of countries .
“ Every day that overseas markets are closed is costing the UK heavily in lost jobs , collapsing trade and negative social impacts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continually review and expand the list countries as soon as the criteria is met ” , he warned .
The Business Travel Association , which had been pushing for ‘ business travel corridors ’ to key corporate destinations around the world , said that it “ cautiously ” welcomed the step .
Read more : Up to 75 countries to be exempt from quarantine rules as ‘ air bridges ’ thrown out “ The BTA has never supported quashing quarantine completely ” , it said .
“ Safety must remain paramount , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution to the evolving global situation ” .

Aviation industry hails ‘turning point’ as quarantine scrapped for 60 countries
People from England will be able to go to more than 50 countries from 10 July without having to quarantine on return, the government has announced.
The full list of countries will be published later today but ministers have already named France, Germany, Spain and Italy among those exempted from the blanket restrictions.
The announcement met with relief from the travel sector, which has repeatedly warned the government that the quarantine rules risked causing huge economic damage to an already battered sector.
Thousands of jobs have already been lost across the aviation and travel sectors due to the coronavirus pandemic, with airlines especially desperate to try and claw back some of the summer season.
‘The start of a turning point’
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate welcomed the announcement, saying it sent a clear message that it was now safe to go on holiday.
“Alongside changes to the Government’s official travel advice, this announcement provides a significant boost to consumer confidence and sends a very clear message that it is now safe to take summer holidays abroad, visit family and friends and take international business trips again”, he said.
“We look forward to publication later today of what we hope will be an extensive list of countries that will be exempt from the need to self-isolate on return to the UK and we welcome the fact this will be kept under close review.
“The aviation industry has a long way to go to in its recovery from this pandemic however today’s news will hopefully mark the start of a turning point.”
Travel association ABTA said it “strongly supported” the decision, saying the industry would be “hugely relieved”.
“Travel businesses have been under enormous pressure since the start of the pandemic, and the industry can now start to meet customers’ pent-up appetite for travel”, a spokesperson said.
“Getting the balance of health risk and economic risk is a difficult challenge, and we strongly support the government in taking this initiative”.
Huw Merriman, chair of the transport select committee, which had called for the government to scrap the blanket rules, said the announcement would help restore consumer confidence.
He added that the government should champion the development of global health standards for aviation to build on the developments.
Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye agreed, saying the measures were a “step in the right direction”.
“More work is now needed on the creation of a Common International Standard to facilitate the resumption of trade and travel to countries deemed to still pose a risk”, he added.
“The trials at Heathrow for screening and testing will help accelerate this.”
London ‘damaged for no reason’
The 14-day quarantine rule had met with dismay from the wider business community, with many warning that it would effectively shut the UK off from global trade.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Although he also welcomed today’s scrapping of the measure, London Chamber of Commerce chief executive Richard Burge said that “London’s role as a global city had been damaged for no reason” by the quarantine.
“International business travel, and tourism, are vital to many sectors of the UK economy, so it’s welcome that our country is effectively once again open for business”, he said.
“But this is the approach that should have been taken at the outset, not the absurd blanket quarantine.
“Britain’s participation in world trade was unnecessarily delayed and London’s role as a global city has been damaged for no reason”.
British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall agreed, saying the list had taken “far too long to appear” and warning that the job was “not yet done”.
“It’s taken far too long for the exemption list to appear, and the fact that it does not initially apply to all four nations of the UK will put regional connectivity and regional economies at risk.
“Neither the process nor the outcome inspire confidence, either here at home or with our partners globally”, he said.
“While these changes will give some businesses a fighting chance to make up for months of lost income, the job is not yet done. This isn’t just about summer holidays.
He finished: “Ministers need to focus on restoring connections and confidence with key trading partners all across the world”.
Dale Keller of the Board of Airline Representatives said that the UK should look to ape the EU’s approach and open to a similar number of countries.
“Every day that overseas markets are closed is costing the UK heavily in lost jobs, collapsing trade and negative social impacts, and we urge the UK Government to continually review and expand the list countries as soon as the criteria is met”, he warned.
‘A more practical solution’
The Business Travel Association, which had been pushing for ‘business travel corridors’ to key corporate destinations around the world, said that it “cautiously” welcomed the step.
“The BTA has never supported quashing quarantine completely”, it said.
“Safety must remain paramount, and the traffic-light system is a more practical solution to the evolving global situation”.


cityam--2020-07-03--Production under controversial ventilator challenge comes to an end

Production of medical breathing devices under the UK ’ s “ ventilator challenge ” will come to a halt this weekend , with the government claiming success for its controversial scheme .
The challenge was launched in late March when the government feared that the UK ’ s existing supply of ventilators – machines which help people to breath in intensive care – would be overwhelmed by the coronavirus crisis .
Read more : Boris Johnson calls on UK businesses to make ventilators amid Covid-19 crisis Private companies were called upon to produce existing models or design their own from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Production is to come to a close this weekend .
The government said that around 14,000 devices have been produced by private companies in the UK including Penlon , Babcock and Breas Medical .
However , forecasts of tens of thousands of people needing ventilators did not come true .
The vast majority of those needing breathing equipment used the NHS ’ s already existing machines with very few produced by the ventilator challenge being used .
The UK has one of the worst coronavirus death tolls in the world , at more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of these happened in care homes rather than hospital .
The ventilator challenge has been controversial , with the government accused of a number of missteps .
The UK failed to join an initial EU ventilator procurement scheme in March .
It was accused of pursuing , and encouraging firms to make , models that were too simple early on in the pandemic .
In a memo leaked to the Financial Times , a team of expert advisers told the UK ’ s medical safety regulator in April that going after basic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more ventilators , more oxygen , more drugs , more ventilator days , more staff and almost certainly worse patient outcomes ” .
However , the government has furiously defended the ventilator challenge .
It has said it always envisaged a mixed approach which would boost the production of domestically-made ventilators and import the more complex machines .
The government today said the challenge was a big success .
It said the UK now has over 25,000 devices now available in total to the NHS , up from 9,000 before the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been imported from abroad .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : “ Thanks to these efforts , everyone who needed a ventilator has had access to one , and the NHS has the vital machines it needs to continue providing life-saving support against this deadly virus.
” Read more : UK coronavirus death toll rises by 176 ahead of lockdown lifting in England Tom Clutton-Brock , director of the Medical Devices Testing and Evaluation Centre , said : “ Designing , manufacturing and testing ventilators usually takes years .
So it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a space of months .
“ Having tested all of these devices , it ’ s impressive that several new models met the regulator ’ s requirements .
”

Production under controversial ventilator challenge comes to an end
The government said the NHS now has more than 25,000 ventilators available to it
Production of medical breathing devices under the UK’s “ventilator challenge” will come to a halt this weekend, with the government claiming success for its controversial scheme.
The challenge was launched in late March when the government feared that the UK’s existing supply of ventilators – machines which help people to breath in intensive care – would be overwhelmed by the coronavirus crisis.
Private companies were called upon to produce existing models or design their own from scratch for use in the NHS.
Production is to come to a close this weekend. The government said that around 14,000 devices have been produced by private companies in the UK including Penlon, Babcock and Breas Medical.
However, forecasts of tens of thousands of people needing ventilators did not come true. The vast majority of those needing breathing equipment used the NHS’s already existing machines with few produced by the ventilator challenge being used.
The UK has one of the worst coronavirus death tolls in the world, at more than 44,000. Yet a large number of these happened in care homes rather than hospital.
Ventilator scheme was controversial
The ventilator challenge has been controversial, with the government accused of a number of missteps. The UK failed to join an initial EU ventilator procurement scheme in March.
It was accused of pursuing, and encouraging firms to make, models that were too simple early on in the pandemic.
In a memo leaked to the Financial Times, a team of expert advisers told the UK’s medical safety regulator in April that going after basic designs “will result in the need for more ventilators, more oxygen, more drugs, more ventilator days, more staff and almost certainly worse patient outcomes”.
However, the government has furiously defended the ventilator challenge. It has said it always envisaged a mixed approach which would boost the production of domestically-made ventilators and import the more complex machines.
The government today said the challenge was a big success. It said the UK now has over 25,000 devices now available in total to the NHS, up from 9,000 before the start of the pandemic. Over 2,500 have been imported from abroad.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Thanks to these efforts, everyone who needed a ventilator has had access to one, and the NHS has the vital machines it needs to continue providing life-saving support against this deadly virus.”
Tom Clutton-Brock, director of the Medical Devices Testing and Evaluation Centre, said: “Designing, manufacturing and testing ventilators usually takes years. So it’s outstanding the progress which has been made in a space of months.
“Having tested all of these devices, it’s impressive that several new models met the regulator’s requirements.”


cityam--2020-07-03--PM plans further reopenings as he warns England to 'be responsible'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the government will next week announce a timetable for the reopening of parts of the economy that remain shut such as swimming pools , gyms and nail bars .
At a Downing Street press conference he said : “ Next week we will set out a timetable for their reopening , though of course I can only lift those remaining national restrictions as and when it is safe to do so.
” Read more : End of quarantine : Where can you go on holiday this summer ?
Johnson also addressed criticism of the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the Scottish and Welsh administrations called “ shambolic ” .
The government today unveiled a list of 59 countries holidaymakers from England will be able to travel to without needing to quarantine on return from 10 July .
The PM insisted that the quarantine plan had been heavily trailed and that there would be robust quarantining in place from a large number of countries .
It came a day ahead of the reopening of much of the hospitality sector from the coronavirus lockdown .
Pubs , restaurants and cafes can reopen if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
Johnson said : “ As lockdown eases we should focus on supporting the livelihoods of business owners and employees up and down the country.
” The government has faced criticism for mixed messaging on the next stage of the easing of the lockdown , which has been dubbed “ independence day ” .
The Treasury had to delete a tweet that encouraged people to “ raise a glass ” to the ending of the lockdown amid criticism that it was encouraging a flood of people to the pub .
Johnson today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly .
We must not let them down ” .
He warned the public that the government will not “ will not hesitate in putting on the breaks ” on the easing of lockdown if cases rise again .
The US has seen a surge in coronavirus cases in recent weeks .
States such as Florida and Texas have pulled back their plans to reopen , which could have worrying implications for the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as new coronavirus cases spook investors The government earlier today revealed the full list of countries holidaymakers from England will be able to travel to without needing to quarantine on return from 10 July .
Surprisingly Greece is included , although transport secretary Grant Shapps this morning told the BBC it would not be on the list until 15 July at the earliest due to Greek restrictions on UK travel .

PM plans further reopenings as he warns England to ‘be responsible’
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the government will next week announce a timetable for the reopening of parts of the economy that remain shut such as swimming pools, gyms and nail bars.
At a Downing Street press conference he said: “Next week we will set out a timetable for their reopening, though of course I can only lift those remaining national restrictions as and when it is safe to do so.”
Johnson also addressed criticism of the government’s coronavirus travel quarantine plan, which the Scottish and Welsh administrations called “shambolic”. The government today unveiled a list of 59 countries holidaymakers from England will be able to travel to without needing to quarantine on return from 10 July.
The PM insisted that the quarantine plan had been heavily trailed and that there would be robust quarantining in place from a large number of countries.
It came a day ahead of the reopening of much of the hospitality sector from the coronavirus lockdown. Pubs, restaurants and cafes can reopen if they feel it is safe to do so.
Johnson said: “As lockdown eases we should focus on supporting the livelihoods of business owners and employees up and down the country.”
The government has faced criticism for mixed messaging on the next stage of the easing of the lockdown, which has been dubbed “independence day”.
The Treasury had to delete a tweet that encouraged people to “raise a glass” to the ending of the lockdown amid criticism that it was encouraging a flood of people to the pub.
Johnson today said that the success of hospitality businesses “and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly. We must not let them down”.
He warned the public that the government will not “will not hesitate in putting on the breaks” on the easing of lockdown if cases rise again.
The US has seen a surge in coronavirus cases in recent weeks. States such as Florida and Texas have pulled back their plans to reopen, which could have worrying implications for the economy.
The government earlier today revealed the full list of countries holidaymakers from England will be able to travel to without needing to quarantine on return from 10 July.
Surprisingly Greece is included, although transport secretary Grant Shapps this morning told the BBC it would not be on the list until 15 July at the earliest due to Greek restrictions on UK travel.


cityam--2020-07-03--European politicians reject banking regulator candidate for a second time

A panel of European Union politicians has rejected the candidate for executive director of the bloc ’ s banking regulator for the second time , in a bid to attract more women to top EU jobs .
The European Parliament ’ s economic affairs committee voted by 24 to 23 to recommend that the full parliament rejects Francois-Louis Michaud as the next executive director of the European Banking Authority ( EBA ) when it meets next week .
Read more : EU banks take on Visa and Mastercard with ‘ truly European ’ payments system Michaud , currently a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month told a parliament hearing that he was fully aware of the need for a better gender balance at the EBA , and was willing to commit to appointing more women to top positions at the watchdog .
The first candidate for the job , Irish central banker Gerry Cross , was also rejected by the committee in January .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data Before joining the Central Bank of Ireland , Cross held a position at banking lobby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe , which had raised concerns for some EU lawmakers .
Sven Giegold , a member of the economic affairs committee said in a statement today that the vote , which took place late last night , was a step forward in the fight for gender equality in top positions at EU financial institutions .
Read more : Brexit : UK vows to complete City of London assessments in two weeks If the full European Parliament rejects Michaud then EBA would have to present lawmakers with a shortlist of at least one male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are disappointed about this outcome and we wait for the decision of the Parliament in its plenary session next week , ” EBA said in a statement .

European politicians reject banking regulator candidate for a second time
A panel of European Union politicians has rejected the candidate for executive director of the bloc’s banking regulator for the second time, in a bid to attract more women to top EU jobs.
The European Parliament’s economic affairs committee voted by 24 to 23 to recommend that the full parliament rejects Francois-Louis Michaud as the next executive director of the European Banking Authority (EBA) when it meets next week.
Michaud, currently a senior official at the European Central Bank, last month told a parliament hearing that he was fully aware of the need for a better gender balance at the EBA, and was willing to commit to appointing more women to top positions at the watchdog.
The first candidate for the job, Irish central banker Gerry Cross, was also rejected by the committee in January.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Before joining the Central Bank of Ireland, Cross held a position at banking lobby group the Association for Financial Markets in Europe, which had raised concerns for some EU lawmakers.
Sven Giegold, a member of the economic affairs committee said in a statement today that the vote, which took place late last night, was a step forward in the fight for gender equality in top positions at EU financial institutions.
If the full European Parliament rejects Michaud then EBA would have to present lawmakers with a shortlist of at least one male and one female candidate, Giegold said.
“We are disappointed about this outcome and we wait for the decision of the Parliament in its plenary session next week,” EBA said in a statement.


cityam--2020-07-03--For the sake of our economy and our culture, we need to save London's theatres

Tomorrow , large parts of London ’ s economy will start to reopen .
Pubs and restaurants will fling wide their doors , hotels will begin to welcome guests , and museums and art galleries will once more be open for business .
But not all of London will be switching back into gear .
Live performances are still banned , placing immense pressure on the capital ’ s cultural offering .
Read more : Struggling to adapt ?
Look to the creative industries for inspiration Our theatres are in a perilous situation thanks to Covid-19 .
Take the world-renowned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 100 people on stage , performing to an audience of 2,000 people .
It needs 95 per cent occupancy just to break even .
As things stand , the management has warned that it is at risk of running out of reserves within months .
Then there ’ s the Royal Albert Hall , a charity without government funding that relies 100 per cent on people coming in and buying tickets .
It has lost £12m in income since Covid hit , and it too is at risk of folding in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t bring the people in .
Hundreds if not thousands of other venues , large and small , face a similar predicament .
There is no prospect of our cultural establishments opening any time soon — indeed , shows are expected to remain closed for the rest of 2020 , if not longer .
And that ’ s only part of the challenge .
The Society of London Theatre ( SOLT ) represents more than 50 major theatres with more than 15 million attendees every year .
A third of these attendees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could open tomorrow , international tourism is estimated to be non-existent for at least the rest of the year .
If these theatres and venues do not survive , the entire West End ecosystem is at risk of collapse .
Theatres bring in visitors who stay in hotels , drink in bars , eat at restaurants and go shopping .
For every pound spent at the theatre , a further £5 is spent in the local economy .
So what ’ s to be done ?
I ’ ve been working with industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a plan to rescue our theatres — and thereby the areas that rely on them .
I ’ ve taken this plan to the heart of government , and I am happy to say that ministers are listening .
First , we need to keep social distancing flexible and temporary , and look at overseas models such as South Korea , Australia and Las Vegas to see how we can bring mass people into buildings safely .
Here in London , Andrew Lloyd Webber is trying out some of these solutions at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing and hygienic door handles , and I ’ ve offered to be part of the experiment .
Second , we need a serious one-off financial injection into our theatres to keep them going .
I would like the government to consider investing in the long-term health of venues and productions through purchasing arts bonds , with returns once venues are back up and running .
Around £300m , per three months that venues are closed , will save the whole sector across the UK .
That ’ s a modest amount compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being considered just for single companies .
Third , we need to recognise the huge contribution of our culture , arts , leisure and hospitality sectors , and put them at least on par with the likes of car and steel manufacturing in the UK .
Our hospitality industry alone generates £40bn in tax for the exchequer , and we export phenomenal amounts .
These sectors play a vital part both economically and culturally .
They should not be underestimated .
Finally , we need an aspirational timetable to bringing big live events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants can plan and forecast for Christmas — one of the busiest times of the year .
London is world-renowned for our arts , theatre and culture — and these things will be vital in helping us feel better as we recover from this difficult time .
For the sake of our economy , our society , our health , and our international standing , we must save these industries .
Read more : What pubs , cinemas and hairdressers will look like under new lockdown rules

For the sake of our economy and our culture, we need to save London’s theatres
If theatres do not survive, the entire West End ecosystem is at risk of collapse
Tomorrow, large parts of London’s economy will start to reopen.
Pubs and restaurants will fling wide their doors, hotels will begin to welcome guests, and museums and art galleries will once more be open for business.
But not all of London will be switching back into gear. Live performances are still banned, placing immense pressure on the capital’s cultural offering.
Our theatres are in a perilous situation thanks to Covid-19.
Take the world-renowned Royal Opera House. Typically it brings more than 100 people on stage, performing to an audience of 2,000 people. It needs 95 per cent occupancy just to break even. As things stand, the management has warned that it is at risk of running out of reserves within months.
Then there’s the Royal Albert Hall, a charity without government funding that relies 100 per cent on people coming in and buying tickets. It has lost £12m in income since Covid hit, and it too is at risk of folding in a matter of months if it can’t bring the people in.
Hundreds if not thousands of other venues, large and small, face a similar predicament.
There is no prospect of our cultural establishments opening any time soon — indeed, shows are expected to remain closed for the rest of 2020, if not longer. And that’s only part of the challenge. The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) represents more than 50 major theatres with more than 15 million attendees every year. A third of these attendees are international visitors. Even if venues could open tomorrow, international tourism is estimated to be non-existent for at least the rest of the year.
If these theatres and venues do not survive, the entire West End ecosystem is at risk of collapse. Theatres bring in visitors who stay in hotels, drink in bars, eat at restaurants and go shopping. For every pound spent at the theatre, a further £5 is spent in the local economy.
So what’s to be done? I’ve been working with industry figures and we’ve come up with a plan to rescue our theatres — and thereby the areas that rely on them. I’ve taken this plan to the heart of government, and I am happy to say that ministers are listening.
First, we need to keep social distancing flexible and temporary, and look at overseas models such as South Korea, Australia and Las Vegas to see how we can bring mass people into buildings safely. Here in London, Andrew Lloyd Webber is trying out some of these solutions at the Palladium, such as thermal heat testing and hygienic door handles, and I’ve offered to be part of the experiment.
Second, we need a serious one-off financial injection into our theatres to keep them going. I would like the government to consider investing in the long-term health of venues and productions through purchasing arts bonds, with returns once venues are back up and running. Around £300m, per three months that venues are closed, will save the whole sector across the UK. That’s a modest amount compared to the hundreds of millions in bailouts being considered just for single companies.
Third, we need to recognise the huge contribution of our culture, arts, leisure and hospitality sectors, and put them at least on par with the likes of car and steel manufacturing in the UK. Our hospitality industry alone generates £40bn in tax for the exchequer, and we export phenomenal amounts. These sectors play a vital part both economically and culturally. They should not be underestimated.
Finally, we need an aspirational timetable to bringing big live events back, so theatres, hotels and restaurants can plan and forecast for Christmas — one of the busiest times of the year.
London is world-renowned for our arts, theatre and culture — and these things will be vital in helping us feel better as we recover from this difficult time. For the sake of our economy, our society, our health, and our international standing, we must save these industries.
Main image credit: Getty


cityam--2020-07-03--HSBC to invest further in China amid row over support for Hong Kong law

HSBC has announced plans to make new investments in its wealth management and insurance operations in mainland China , after coming under fire for backing the controversial new security law in Hong Kong .
The UK-based lender has been criticised by investors and politicians over its support for the new National Security Law in Hong Kong , which critics say undermines freedoms in the city .
Read more : Hong Kong man charged with terrorism in first use of new security law HSBC said today that it will establish a financial technology company in mainland China , and that its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will hire new staff to provide non-branch based wealth management services to customers in Shanghai and Guangzhou .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data The Asia-focused lender hopes to be the top wealth manager in the continent in the medium to long term , Greg Hingston , the bank ’ s regional head of wealth and personal banking said earlier this year .
China ’ s parliament adopted the security law earlier this week following months of protests in the city triggered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guaranteed by a “ one country , two systems ” formula agreed when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 .
Read more : China ’ s new Hong Kong law ‘ a betrayal ’ , says US Vice President Pence Foreign secretary Dominic Raab has criticised HSBC and other British banks over their backing of the new law .
“ I ’ ve been very clear in relation with HSBC and… all of the banks : the rights and the freedoms and our responsibilities in this country to the people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the altar of bankers ’ bonuses , ” Raab told parliament on Wednesday .

HSBC to invest further in China amid row over support for Hong Kong law
HSBC’s headquarters in Hong Kong
HSBC has announced plans to make new investments in its wealth management and insurance operations in mainland China, after coming under fire for backing the controversial new security law in Hong Kong.
The UK-based lender has been criticised by investors and politicians over its support for the new National Security Law in Hong Kong, which critics say undermines freedoms in the city.
HSBC said today that it will establish a financial technology company in mainland China, and that its life insurance joint venture in the country will hire new staff to provide non-branch based wealth management services to customers in Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
The Asia-focused lender hopes to be the top wealth manager in the continent in the medium to long term, Greg Hingston, the bank’s regional head of wealth and personal banking said earlier this year.
China’s parliament adopted the security law earlier this week following months of protests in the city triggered by fears Beijing was the stifling freedoms guaranteed by a “one country, two systems” formula agreed when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab has criticised HSBC and other British banks over their backing of the new law.
“I’ve been very clear in relation with HSBC and… all of the banks: the rights and the freedoms and our responsibilities in this country to the people of Hong Kong should not be sacrificed on the altar of bankers’ bonuses,” Raab told parliament on Wednesday.


cityam--2020-07-03--There will be a V-shaped recovery in some sectors, says Sir Martin Sorrell

Advertising mogul Sir Martin Sorrell has said that the coronavirus crisis has disrupted the status quo , and companies ’ recovery will be dependent on sector .
Speaking to City A.M. ’ s City View podcast , Martin Sorrell , who has previously spoken of a V-shaped recovery , said the pandemic has pushed services further online , at a consumer level and beyond .
Read more : The City View : Sir Martin Sorrell on why Boris is in trouble if unemployment bounces It echoes comments Sorrell made before the pandemic took hold in the UK , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital revolution ” .
The former WPP chief executive told City A.M. the recovery will vary from sector to sector and there will be V-shaped sectors such as technology , healthcare and e-commerce .
The packaged goods and auto industries are likely to be U-shaped , Sorrell predicts , but travel and leisure will continue to suffer .
“ The status quo has been disrupted by coronavirus to an extent we ’ ve not seen before , ” he commented .
“ It is hard to see the wood from the trees but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll be a fundamental change in the way we work and respond.
” He is not convinced the “ doom and gloom ” is helpful in the current environment , instead calling on companies “ set out a vision ” .
Sorrel remains bullish on his advertising firm S4 Capital ’ s own prospects saying there is “ huge opportunity ” in the digital world .
“ We still have a fighting chance of doubling the size of the company organically , excluding deals , over three years ” .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S4 ’ s indirect costs , from leases to travel costs .
Read more : The Long Read : Sir Martin Sorrell on advertising , coronavirus and the new media landscape The advertising guru also touched on “ Brand Boris ” and said the Prime Minister will have a difficult time dealing with coronavirus and the looming Brexit deadline simultaneously .
He pointed to the strain the economy will face when the government ’ s job retention scheme winds down in October .
“ The impact of unemployment is very worrying and Brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Get the news as it happens by following City A.M. on Twitter .

There will be a V-shaped recovery in some sectors, says Sir Martin Sorrell
Advertising mogul Sir Martin Sorrell has said that the coronavirus crisis has disrupted the status quo, and companies’ recovery will be dependent on sector.
Speaking to City A.M.’s City View podcast, Martin Sorrell, who has previously spoken of a V-shaped recovery, said the pandemic has pushed services further online, at a consumer level and beyond.
It echoes comments Sorrell made before the pandemic took hold in the UK, in which he predicted it will “accelerate the digital revolution”.
The former WPP chief executive told City A.M. the recovery will vary from sector to sector and there will be V-shaped sectors such as technology, healthcare and e-commerce. The packaged goods and auto industries are likely to be U-shaped, Sorrell predicts, but travel and leisure will continue to suffer.
“The status quo has been disrupted by coronavirus to an extent we’ve not seen before,” he commented. “It is hard to see the wood from the trees but if there’s anyone good there’ll be a fundamental change in the way we work and respond.”
He is not convinced the “doom and gloom” is helpful in the current environment, instead calling on companies “set out a vision”.
Sorrel remains bullish on his advertising firm S4 Capital’s own prospects saying there is “huge opportunity” in the digital world. “We still have a fighting chance of doubling the size of the company organically, excluding deals, over three years”. It is in part because the pandemic has decreased S4’s indirect costs, from leases to travel costs.
The advertising guru also touched on “Brand Boris” and said the Prime Minister will have a difficult time dealing with coronavirus and the looming Brexit deadline simultaneously.
He pointed to the strain the economy will face when the government’s job retention scheme winds down in October. “The impact of unemployment is very worrying and Brand Boris has to deal with that.”
Get the news as it happens by following City A.M. on Twitter.


cityam--2020-07-03--End of quarantine: Where can you go on holiday this summer?

The government has revealed the full list of countries holidaymakers from England will be able to travel to without needing to quarantine on return from 10 July .
In total , 59 countries are included on the list , along with the 14 British Overseas territories , Ireland , the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man .
Read more : Aviation industry hails ‘ turning point ’ as quarantine scrapped for 60 countries As expected , the list is dominated by countries from the EU , along with many of the Caribbean islands .
Australia , Japan , Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also make the list .
Surprising , Greece is also included , although transport secretary Grant Shapps this morning told the BBC it would not be included on the list until 15 July at the earliest due to Greek restrictions on UK travel .
As expected , however , neither Portugal or Sweden were included on the list , due to recent spikes in cases .
This morning Shapps had suggested that there would be a “ red list ” of banned countries , including the US , but no such list has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Australia and New Zealand have been included even though their borders remain closed .
The list will be kept under constant review , the Department of Transport said this morning , but may be added to in the coming days .
Read more : Quarantine legal challenge begins as measures scrapped for 60 countries The Foreign Office has also changed its travel advice away from its blanket warning against “ all but essential ” travel to the destinations .
The new rules only apply to England at this stage , with devolved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions .
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said that her administration would likely agree with the list of low-risk countries , but slammed Whitehall ’ s “ shambolic ” decision making .
Read more : England scraps quarantine for Germany , France , Spain and Italy

End of quarantine: Where can you go on holiday this summer?
The government has revealed the full list of countries holidaymakers from England will be able to travel to without needing to quarantine on return from 10 July.
In total, 59 countries are included on the list, along with the 14 British Overseas territories, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
As expected, the list is dominated by countries from the EU, along with many of the Caribbean islands.
Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Taiwan all also make the list.
Surprising, Greece is also included, although transport secretary Grant Shapps this morning told the BBC it would not be included on the list until 15 July at the earliest due to Greek restrictions on UK travel.
As expected, however, neither Portugal or Sweden were included on the list, due to recent spikes in cases.
This morning Shapps had suggested that there would be a “red list” of banned countries, including the US, but no such list has been published yet.
And countries such as Australia and New Zealand have been included even though their borders remain closed.
The list will be kept under constant review, the Department of Transport said this morning, but may be added to in the coming days.
The Foreign Office has also changed its travel advice away from its blanket warning against “all but essential” travel to the destinations.
The new rules only apply to England at this stage, with devolved administrations set to lay out their own restrictions.
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said that her administration would likely agree with the list of low-risk countries, but slammed Whitehall’s “shambolic” decision making.
The full list
Andorra Germany New Zealand Antigua and Barbuda Greece Norway Aruba Greenland Poland Australia Grenada Reunion Bahamas Hong Kong Serbia Barbados Hungary Seychelles Belgium Iceland South Korea Bonaire Italy Spain Croatia Jamaica St Barthelemy Curacao Japan St Kitts & Nevis Cyprus Liechtenstein St Lucia Czech Republic Lithuania St Pierre & Miquelon Denmark Luxembourg Switzerland Dominica Macau Taiwan Faroe Islands Malta Trinidad and Tobago Fiji Mauritius Turkey Finland Monaco Vatican City France Netherlands Vietnam French Polynesia New Caledonia https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors#exemption-rules
More to follow.


cityam--2020-07-03--Pubs to unlock doors from 6am for 4 July reopening

Pubs in England will be allowed to reopen from 6am tomorrow morning , the government has confirmed .
Downing Street said most of its latest eased lockdown measures , such as reducing social distancing from 2m to “ one metre plus ” , will come into effect at midnight .
Punters are being encouraged to pre-book tables ahead of their visit to their local pub , so as to avoid disappointment .
Live music and standing at the bar will be prohibited , with indoor table service or outside drinking permitted instead .
Read more : Super Saturday : Pubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brits While the majority of England ’ s pubs will reopen tomorrow , some will stay closed as their owners try to stagger the impact of social distancing rules being eased .
Research conducted by Accenture showed that over half ( 56 per cent ) of UK consumers are reluctant to venture to pubs and bars , preferring to wait until scientific evidence shows it is safe to do so .
“ As a country with the biggest pub culture in the world , it ’ s hard to imagine that UK consumers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a pint , ” said Oliver Wright , global consumer goods lead at Accenture .
“ This shows just how significant the changes in consumer behaviour have been , in a very short space of time .
This crisis is going to define the 20s and will likely lead to a seminal change in how people think about consumption , which is something that UK business must factor into long-term recovery planning.
” Read more : Super Saturday : The pubs , bars and restaurants reopening in the City Prime Minister Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference at Downing Street at 5pm today to discuss the upcoming measures .
Earlier this morning he advised Brits to exercise caution at their local watering hole on 4 July .
“ My message is , let ’ s not blow it now folks , we ’ ve done a fantastic job so far in bearing down on this disease , collectively , let ’ s not blow it now , ” he told LBC radio .

Pubs to unlock doors from 6am for 4 July reopening
Plastic screens are installed at a branch of Weatherspoons in Muswell Hill as it prepares for re-opening
Pubs in England will be allowed to reopen from 6am tomorrow morning, the government has confirmed.
Downing Street said most of its latest eased lockdown measures, such as reducing social distancing from 2m to “one metre plus”, will come into effect at midnight.
Punters are being encouraged to pre-book tables ahead of their visit to their local pub, so as to avoid disappointment. Live music and standing at the bar will be prohibited, with indoor table service or outside drinking permitted instead.
While the majority of England’s pubs will reopen tomorrow, some will stay closed as their owners try to stagger the impact of social distancing rules being eased.
Research conducted by Accenture showed that over half (56 per cent) of UK consumers are reluctant to venture to pubs and bars, preferring to wait until scientific evidence shows it is safe to do so.
“As a country with the biggest pub culture in the world, it’s hard to imagine that UK consumers would still be wary to venture out for a pint,” said Oliver Wright, global consumer goods lead at Accenture.
“This shows just how significant the changes in consumer behaviour have been, in a very short space of time. This crisis is going to define the 20s and will likely lead to a seminal change in how people think about consumption, which is something that UK business must factor into long-term recovery planning.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be holding a televised press conference at Downing Street at 5pm today to discuss the upcoming measures.
Earlier this morning he advised Brits to exercise caution at their local watering hole on 4 July.
“My message is, let’s not blow it now folks, we’ve done a fantastic job so far in bearing down on this disease, collectively, let’s not blow it now,” he told LBC radio.


cityam--2020-07-03--Hong Kong man charged with terrorism in first use of new security law

A man carrying a sign reading “ Liberate Hong Kong ” as he drove a motorbike into police at a protest has become the first person charged with inciting separatism and terrorism under a new security law .
Beijing imposed the legislation on the former British colony earlier this week despite protests from Hong Kongers and Western nations , setting China ’ s freest city on a more authoritarian path .
Read more : China ’ s new Hong Kong law ‘ a betrayal ’ , says US Vice President Pence Critics say the law — which punishes crimes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with foreign forces with up to life in prison — is aimed at crushing dissent and a long-running campaign for greater democracy in the financial hub .
Hong Kong police said 23-year-old Tong Ying-kit rammed and injured some officers at an illegal protest on Wednesday .
A video posted online showed a motorbike knocking over several officers before the driver falls over and is arrested .
Tong , who was hospitalised after the incident , was charged less than 24 hours after the city government said the slogan he was carrying — “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times ” — connotes separatism or subversion under the new law .
The rallying cry appears on placards , T-shirts , and post-it notes stuck to walls around the financial hub .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data China ’ s parliament adopted the security law following months of protests in the city triggered by fears Beijing was the stifling freedoms guaranteed by a “ one country , two systems ” formula agreed when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the law is aimed at a few “ troublemakers ” and the not wider rights afforded to the city under the agreement , but international concern over the legislation mounted after authorities arrested 10 people under the new law within 24 hours of it taking effect .
The European Union has put Hong Kong high on its agenda , while the United Nations ’ human rights office said today that it was “ alarmed ” at arrests under the new legislation .
“ We are alarmed that arrests are already being made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when there is not full information and understanding of the scope of the offences , ” UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said .
Read more : China tells UK to stop ‘ interfering ’ in Hong Kong ’ s affairs “ We are concerned that the definition of some of the offences contained in the law are vague and overly broad and do not adequately distinguish between violent and non-violent acts.
” “ This may lead to discriminatory or arbitrary interpretation and enforcement of the law , which could undermine human rights @ @ @ @ @ @

Hong Kong man charged with terrorism in first use of new security law
Hong Kong police detain people on a bus after they cleared protesters taking part in a rally against a new national security law on 1 July
A man carrying a sign reading “Liberate Hong Kong” as he drove a motorbike into police at a protest has become the first person charged with inciting separatism and terrorism under a new security law.
Beijing imposed the legislation on the former British colony earlier this week despite protests from Hong Kongers and Western nations, setting China’s freest city on a more authoritarian path.
Critics say the law — which punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison — is aimed at crushing dissent and a long-running campaign for greater democracy in the financial hub.
Hong Kong police said 23-year-old Tong Ying-kit rammed and injured some officers at an illegal protest on Wednesday.
A video posted online showed a motorbike knocking over several officers before the driver falls over and is arrested.
Tong, who was hospitalised after the incident, was charged less than 24 hours after the city government said the slogan he was carrying — “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times” — connotes separatism or subversion under the new law.
The rallying cry appears on placards, T-shirts, and post-it notes stuck to walls around the financial hub.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
China’s parliament adopted the security law following months of protests in the city triggered by fears Beijing was the stifling freedoms guaranteed by a “one country, two systems” formula agreed when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong say the law is aimed at a few “troublemakers” and the not wider rights afforded to the city under the agreement, but international concern over the legislation mounted after authorities arrested 10 people under the new law within 24 hours of it taking effect.
The European Union has put Hong Kong high on its agenda, while the United Nations’ human rights office said today that it was “alarmed” at arrests under the new legislation.
“We are alarmed that arrests are already being made under the law with immediate effect, when there is not full information and understanding of the scope of the offences,” UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said.
“We are concerned that the definition of some of the offences contained in the law are vague and overly broad and do not adequately distinguish between violent and non-violent acts.”
“This may lead to discriminatory or arbitrary interpretation and enforcement of the law, which could undermine human rights protection,” Colville added.


cityam--2020-07-03--‘Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times’ slogan deemed illegal

The popular protest slogan “ Liberate Hong Kong , revolution of our times ” has been deemed illegal by the city ’ s government .
Hong Kong has said the slogan is separatist , becoming a crime covered under the new national security law imposed by Beijing .
Read more : HSBC and Standard Chartered have put profits before principles and betrayed Hong Kong The saying is plastered over placards at rallies , clothes and accessories and written on post-it notes on walls across the Chinese-ruled city .
Raising further concern that freedom of speech in Hong Kong will dwindle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency said a Communist cadre who became prominent during a 2011 clampdown on protesters in a southern Chinese village will head the new national security office created in Hong Kong under the new law .
Zheng Yanxiong , 57 , most recently served as the secretary general of the Communist Party committee of Guangdong province , an economic powerhouse bordering Hong Kong .
Videos that were leaked from an internal government meeting in 2011 depict Zheng calling foreign media “ rotten ” .
Under the new legislation , the new security agency in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-existing local laws , in serious cases .
The legislation allows agents to take suspects across the border and into China for trials in communist-controlled courts .
The legislation also allows for special treatment of the agents , including prohibiting any inspections of their vehicles .
“ The slogan ‘ Liberate Hong Kong , the revolution of our times ’ nowadays connotes ‘ Hong Kong independence ’ , or separating the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ( HKSAR ) from the People ’ s Republic of China , altering the legal status of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power , ” the government declared in a statement on Thursday night .
It is as yet unclear whether independent courts will uphold the government ’ s stance on this slogan .
The government has reiterated that the new security law will not affect freedom of speech , of the media , and other rights in the city not seen in mainland China .
On Wednesday , the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong ’ s return to Chinese rule , police arrested roughly 370 people during protests over the new legislation , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new law .
The law has incited alarm among democracy activists and rights groups , as well as lawyers , business leaders and Western governments .
Read more : China ’ s new Hong Kong law ‘ a betrayal ’ , says US Vice President Pence Demosisto , a pro-democracy group led by Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong , disbanded hours after the legislation was passed , while prominent group member Nathan Law said on Thursday he had left the global financial hub .
“ The protests in Hong Kong have been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China is getting more and more authoritarian , ” Law told Reuters in an interview via internet video .

‘Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times’ slogan deemed illegal
Hong Kong protesters in 2019 rallied around the slogan now being ruled illegal under a new Chinese security law
The popular protest slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times” has been deemed illegal by the city’s government.
Hong Kong has said the slogan is separatist, becoming a crime covered under the new national security law imposed by Beijing.
The saying is plastered over placards at rallies, clothes and accessories and written on post-it notes on walls across the Chinese-ruled city.
Raising further concern that freedom of speech in Hong Kong will dwindle, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency said a Communist cadre who became prominent during a 2011 clampdown on protesters in a southern Chinese village will head the new national security office created in Hong Kong under the new law.
Zheng Yanxiong, 57, most recently served as the secretary general of the Communist Party committee of Guangdong province, an economic powerhouse bordering Hong Kong.
Videos that were leaked from an internal government meeting in 2011 depict Zheng calling foreign media “rotten”.
Under the new legislation, the new security agency in Hong Kong can take enforcement action beyond pre-existing local laws, in serious cases. The legislation allows agents to take suspects across the border and into China for trials in communist-controlled courts.
The legislation also allows for special treatment of the agents, including prohibiting any inspections of their vehicles.
“The slogan ‘Liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times’ nowadays connotes ‘Hong Kong independence’, or separating the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) from the People’s Republic of China, altering the legal status of the HKSAR, or subverting the state power,” the government declared in a statement on Thursday night.
It is as yet unclear whether independent courts will uphold the government’s stance on this slogan.
The government has reiterated that the new security law will not affect freedom of speech, of the media, and other rights in the city not seen in mainland China.
On Wednesday, the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule, police arrested roughly 370 people during protests over the new legislation, with 10 of those involving violations of this new law.
The law has incited alarm among democracy activists and rights groups, as well as lawyers, business leaders and Western governments.
Demosisto, a pro-democracy group led by Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, disbanded hours after the legislation was passed, while prominent group member Nathan Law said on Thursday he had left the global financial hub.
“The protests in Hong Kong have been a window for the world to recognise that China is getting more and more authoritarian,” Law told Reuters in an interview via internet video.


cityam--2020-07-04--Enable could well be Eclipsed on her return

AFTER the thrill of the Investec Derby and Oaks on Epsom Downs on Saturday , the action comes thick and fast for racing fans with more Group One action at Sandown on Sunday .
John Gosden ’ s wonder mare Enable returns to defend her Coral Eclipse ( 3.35pm Sandown ) crown and its great to see her back as a six-year-old .
She got somewhat stuck in the mud behind Waldgeist when only just failing to land a record third consecutive Arc de Triomphe when we last saw her in action and all roads are likely to lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Magical got pretty close to Enable in this 12 months ago and this year ’ s renewal feels a lot hotter .
There is no getting away from the fact that she is one of the finest racehorses of my lifetime , but I ’ m not sure she will be fully tuned up for this assignment and I ’ m prepared to take her on at the prices .
Godolphin ’ s Ghaiyyath looks the obvious contender on the back of an impressive victory in last month ’ s Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demolition job over this trip out in Dubai in February and he looks to be finally living up to the hype that surrounded him going into last year ’ s Arc .
However , he is just 9/4 to land the spoils here and that also feels a tiny bit skinny .
Instead , I ’ m prepared to take a chance on Aidan O ’ Brien ’ s JAPAN to bounce back from his Royal Ascot disappointment at a generous looking 9/2 .
The market told you he was going to need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to strip far fitter here .
He won a good renewal of the Juddmonte International over this trip at York last year and he looks the value alternative to the big guns .
Looking at the others and Japanese raider Deirdre looks up against it in this grade , while Regal Reality goes well at Sandown but has a lot to find .
Elsewhere on the Sandown card and John Quinn , who had a nice success with Safe Voyage at Epsom on Derby Day , will be hoping to land the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BEACH .
She ran a hell of a race to finish third behind Battaash in the Group One King ’ s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and will find things easier down in calmer waters .
She won really impressively at this track last summer and looks well worth an interest at 10/3 with most firms .
The obvious danger on paper looks fellow three-year-old Lazuli who won well at the track last time .
Finally , the first two home in last month ’ s Royal Hunt Cup lock horns again in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dark Vision came out on top that day but may struggle to confirm the form with Montatham on these 3lbs revised terms .
Both look likely to be on the premises again but there may just be a little value in looking further down the list .
Hugo Palmer ’ s Acquitted looks a big price at 12/1 considering he gave eventual St James ’ Palace Stakes winner Palace Pier a fright at Newcastle two starts back .
He was all at sea over 10 furlongs at Ascot last time and the drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better light .
That said , I ’ m going to leave him and side with Andrew Balding ’ s ZWAYAAN at 14/1 with a few firms .
He ’ s been given a little slack by the handicapper and goes well both fresh and at this track .
There is every chance he could drift even further , so keep an eye out on the Tote ( www.tote.co.uk ) too where he could return be a huge price .

Enable could well be Eclipsed on her return
Japan could bounce back in the Eclipse after a disappointing showing at Royal Ascot
AFTER the thrill of the Investec Derby and Oaks on Epsom Downs on Saturday, the action comes thick and fast for racing fans with more Group One action at Sandown on Sunday.
John Gosden’s wonder mare Enable returns to defend her Coral Eclipse (3.35pm Sandown) crown and its great to see her back as a six-year-old.
She got somewhat stuck in the mud behind Waldgeist when only just failing to land a record third consecutive Arc de Triomphe when we last saw her in action and all roads are likely to lead to Paris again.
Aidan O’Brien’s Magical got pretty close to Enable in this 12 months ago and this year’s renewal feels a lot hotter.
There is no getting away from the fact that she is one of the finest racehorses of my lifetime, but I’m not sure she will be fully tuned up to for this assignment and I’m prepared to take her on at the prices.
Godolphin’s Ghaiyyath looks the obvious contender on the back of an impressive victory in last month’s Group One Coronation Cup.
That followed a demolition job over this trip out in Dubai in February and he looks to be finally living up to the hype that surrounded him going into last year’s Arc.
However, he is just 9/4 to land the spoils here and that also feels a tiny bit skinny.
Instead, I’m prepared to take a chance on Aidan O’Brien’s JAPAN to bounce back from his Royal Ascot disappointment at a generous looking 9/2.
The market told you he was going to need the run that day and he is likely to strip far fitter here.
He won a good renewal of the Juddmonte International over this trip at York last year and he looks the value alternative to the big guns.
Looking at the others and Japanese raider Deirdre looks up against it in this grade, while Regal Reality goes well at Sandown but has a lot to find.
Elsewhere on the Sandown card and John Quinn, who had a nice success with Safe Voyage at Epsom on Derby Day, will be hoping to land the Coral Charge (1.50pm) with LIBERTY BEACH.
She ran a hell of a race to finish third behind Battaash in the Group One King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and will find things easier down in calmer waters.
She won really impressively at this track last summer and looks well worth an interest at 10/3 with most firms.
The obvious danger on paper looks fellow three-year-old Lazuli who won well at the track last time.
Finally, the first two home in last month’s Royal Hunt Cup lock horns again in the Coral Challenge (3.00pm).
Dark Vision came out on top that day but may struggle to confirm the form with Montatham on these 3lbs revised terms.
Both look likely to be on the premises again but there may just be a little value in looking further down the list.
Hugo Palmer’s Acquitted looks a big price at 12/1 considering he gave eventual St James’ Palace Stakes winner Palace Pier a fright at Newcastle two starts back.
He was all at sea over 10 furlongs at Ascot last time and the drop in trip will help see him in a better light.
That said, I’m going to leave him and side with Andrew Balding’s ZWAYAAN at 14/1 with a few firms.
He’s been given a little slack by the handicapper and goes well both fresh and at this track.
There is every chance he could drift even further, so keep an eye out on the Tote (www.tote.co.uk) too as where he could return be a huge price.
POINTERS SUNDAY
Liberty Beach 10/3 1.50pm Sandown
Zwayaan e/w 14/1 3.00pm Sandown
Japan 9/2 3.35pm Sandown