cityam--2020-12-04--Revolut expands business offering with digital payments service

Challenger bank Revolut is bolstering its business offering as it moves into merchant acquiring allowing businesses to accept online card payments .
Revolut ’ s chief executive Nik Storonsky announced , at this year ’ s Web Summit , that its business segment had launched an acquiring solution , which will allow businesses in 13 European countries to accept card payments online directly into their account .
Read more : Revolut offers UK customers the opportunity to be paid a day early The product will pit Revolut against digital payment firms Stripe and Ayden in what is now a high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form part of the bank ’ s business starter pack which it claims provides firms with a solution to help them manage everything in one place without the need to alternate between acquiring and banking platforms .
It comes as businesses shift to social media platforms amid the pandemic and use Instagram , Facebook or TikTok as their new storefronts .
Revolut claims its new acquiring solution will alleviate the burden of payments by enabling businesses to send secure payment links to customers .
“ Companies across Europe know that it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to do business online , ” said Storonsky .
“ That ’ s why we introduced a new secure way to accept payments through websites and we have enabled customers without an online presence to get paid fast through secure payment links .
Our mission is to democratise acceptance and we are already on the way.
” It is the second product Revolut has launched this week .
On Wednesday the bank announced it had partnered with Modulr to allow its UK customers opportunity to be paid a day early , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users .
The push on new products comes as Revolut more than tripled its losses from 2018 in its annual report in August .
Although the neobank saw a rise in its customer base during the first lockdown , it saw a decline in interchange revenue , which makes up over 60 per cent of its income .
Business customers will pay lower fees for the new acquiring service , with a 1.3 per cent fee for UK and EEA consumer cards and 2.8 per cent for all other cards .
The new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Stripe , a third-party payment processor , that has soared in valuation following the boom in online transactions during lockdown .
Read more : Revolut trebles loss as digital bank continues to expand customer base Stripe recently announced it would be partnering with some of the world ’ s largest banks to offer a range of financial services .
Revolut Business customers in the UK , Austria , Belgium , Denmark , France , Germany , Ireland , Italy , Netherlands , Poland , Portugal , Spain and Sweden are all able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will roll out to eligible businesses in the EEA in the coming weeks .

Revolut expands business offering with digital payments service
Revolut said revenues in 2022 had also surged 33% as it reported four quarters of profit in 2021
Challenger bank Revolut is bolstering its business offering as it moves into merchant acquiring allowing businesses to accept online card payments.
Revolut’s chief executive Nik Storonsky announced, at this year’s Web Summit, that its business segment had launched an acquiring solution, which will allow businesses in 13 European countries to accept card payments online directly into their account.
The product will pit Revolut against digital payment firms Stripe and Ayden in what is now a high growth market.
Revolut Business Acquire will form part of the bank’s business starter pack which it claims provides firms with a solution to help them manage everything in one place without the need to alternate between acquiring and banking platforms.
It comes as businesses shift to social media platforms amid the pandemic and use Instagram, Facebook or TikTok as their new storefronts. Revolut claims its new acquiring solution will alleviate the burden of payments by enabling businesses to send secure payment links to customers.
“Companies across Europe know that it’s now essential to their success to be able to do business online,” said Storonsky. “That’s why we introduced a new secure way to accept payments through websites and we have enabled customers without an online presence to get paid fast through secure payment links. Our mission is to democratise acceptance and we are already on the way.”
It is the second product Revolut has launched this week. On Wednesday the bank announced it had partnered with Modulr to allow its UK customers opportunity to be paid a day early, and launched a web app for its regular users.
The push on new products comes as Revolut more than tripled its losses from 2018 in its annual report in August. Although the neobank saw a rise in its customer base during the first lockdown, it saw a decline in interchange revenue, which makes up over 60 per cent of its income.
Business customers will pay lower fees for the new acquiring service, with a 1.3 per cent fee for UK and EEA consumer cards and 2.8 per cent for all other cards.
The new acquiring solution places Revolut in direct competition with Stripe, a third-party payment processor, that has soared in valuation following the boom in online transactions during lockdown.
Stripe recently announced it would be partnering with some of the world’s largest banks to offer a range of financial services.
Revolut Business customers in the UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden are all able to accept payments online. The product will roll out to eligible businesses in the EEA in the coming weeks.


cityam--2020-12-04--Exclusive: Londoners take out 133 per cent more payday loans to cover Christmas this year

Pressure on households to overspend this Christmas is increasingly making Londoners resort to payday loans to cover the costs of the festive period .
Payday loans in London are set to increase by 133 per cent as households struggle to cover the costs of the holidays , according to the findings of a survey that pan-European credit manager Lowell shared exclusively with City A.M .
They also take out more standard loans and make more use of Christmas pre-purchase schemes , such as items from Christmas catalogues that are paid off in monthly instalments .
When asked how households funded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas 2020 we see that payday loans will increase 133 % , loans to increase 87 % , whilst disposable income is set to decrease 9 % .
When asked how households funded Christmas in 2019 compared to the festive period this year , as set out in the table below , Lowell also found that nearly one in 10 Londoners borrow money from friends or family .
Read more : Tis the season for retailers to rethink the Christmas chaos The findings come despite nearly a quarter of London households indicating that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the Christmas period , while 40 per cent will feel financial pressure , more than any other region in the UK .
The firm also found that 24 per cent of Londoners are set to reduce their spending , the highest proportion of any UK region , followed by 23 % of Bristol households and 20 % in Sheffield .
Below the per percentage of UK households per region who are set to decrease spending this Christmas : Moreover , 66 per cent of Londoners feel pressure to overspend at Christmas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overspend on food .
“ Whilst many London households intend to reduce their spending this year , worryingly , there is an increase of people intending to use payday loans or other methods of credit to fund Christmas .
This can lead to debt that can mount beyond control , ” said John Pears , UK managing director at Lowell .
Read more : London festive travel guide : How to get around safely this Christmas

Exclusive: Londoners take out 133 per cent more payday loans to cover Christmas this year
Shoppers walk under Christmas lights hanging on Regent Street
Pressure on households to overspend this Christmas is increasingly making Londoners resort to payday loans to cover the costs of the festive period.
Payday loans in London are set to increase by 133 per cent as households struggle to cover the costs of the holidays, according to the findings of a survey that pan-European credit manager Lowell shared exclusively with City A.M.
They also take out more standard loans and make more use of Christmas pre-purchase schemes, such as items from Christmas catalogues that are paid off in monthly instalments.
When asked how households funded Christmas 2019 and how this compares to Christmas 2020 we see that payday loans will increase 133%, loans to increase 87%, whilst disposable income is set to decrease 9%.
When asked how households funded Christmas in 2019 compared to the festive period this year, as set out in the table below, Lowell also found that nearly one in 10 Londoners borrow money from friends or family.
Funding option this Christmas % difference from 2019 to 2020 Payday loans 133% Loans 87% Christmas pre-purchase schemes 67% Borrowing from friends or family 9% Savings 4% Source: Lowells
Cutting back
The findings come despite nearly a quarter of London households indicating that they plan to cut back their spending during the Christmas period, while 40 per cent will feel financial pressure, more than any other region in the UK.
The firm also found that 24 per cent of Londoners are set to reduce their spending, the highest proportion of any UK region, followed by 23% of Bristol households and 20% in Sheffield. Below the per percentage of UK households per region who are set to decrease spending this Christmas:
Area % of respondents London 24.1% Bristol 22.7% Sheffield 20.0% Edinburgh 19.2% Nottingham 19.0% Leeds 16.2% Belfast 15.8% Liverpool 11.5% Manchester 11.4% Birmingham 10.3% Norwich 10.3% Newcastle 8.9% Cardiff 8.3% Southampton 5.0% Glasgow 3.4% Source: Lowells
Moreover, 66 per cent of Londoners feel pressure to overspend at Christmas, and 70 per cent feel pressure to overspend on food.
“Whilst many London households intend to reduce their spending this year, worryingly, there is an increase of people intending to use payday loans or other methods of credit to fund Christmas. This can lead to debt that can mount beyond control,” said John Pears, UK managing director at Lowell.


cityam--2020-12-04--Bank of England can cut rates below zero, Saunders says

LONDON ( Reuters ) – The Bank of England can probably cut interest rates slightly below zero , and it should be ready to pump more stimulus into the economy quickly if needed to recover from the coronavirus crisis or a Brexit hit , BoE policymaker Michael Saunders said .
“ In my view , there may be some modest scope to cut Bank Rate further but , if we do , it may be preferable to move in relatively small steps , ” Saunders said in a speech on Friday .
The BoE is reviewing the feasibility of taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of 0.1 % .
It has asked banks about whether that would hit their ability to lend .
“ My judgment at present is that the ELB ( effective lower bound ) for the UK is probably a little below zero , provided appropriate mitigations ( eg reserve tiering , bank funding scheme ) are in place , ” Saunders said .
The BoE ’ s nine rate-setters have expressed differing views over the suitability for Britain of negative rates , which have been used in other European countries and in Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its review “ reasonably soon ” .
Britain ’ s economy shrank by a quarter earlier this year as the country went into a first coronavirus lockdown .
The BoE expects it will only recover its pre-pandemic size in 2022 , slower than many other countries .
Saunders said he thought the BoE should not worry about overdoing future stimulus and it still had “ quite a lot of scope ” to expand its 895 billion-pound ( $ 1.20 trillion ) bond-buying programme .
“ Provided inflation expectations are well contained , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of providing too much monetary stimulus rather than too little , in order to underpin prospects for a strong recovery in the economy , ” he said .
However , more bond-buying was unlikely to have much impact unless it was accompanied by a cut in Bank Rate or a signal from the BoE that such a cut was likely .
Saunders said there was no firm evidence that the effective lower bound floor was below -1 % , given that no country has gone that low .
“ If the BoE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open minded and learning as it goes , but these comments hint of a move beyond the -0.5 % we previously had in mind , ” JP Morgan analyst Allan Monks said .
Recent news about the development of COVID-19 vaccines has reduced some risks facing the economy .
“ But we are not out of the woods yet , and there are some headwinds that could leave the economy stuck with persistently high unemployment and below-target inflation , ” Saunders said .
Uncertainties about how companies respond to barriers to trade with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
“ If those downside risks develop , risk management considerations argue for a relatively prompt monetary policy response in my view , ” Saunders said .

Bank of England can cut rates below zero, Saunders says
By William James and William Schomberg
LONDON (Reuters) – The Bank of England can probably cut interest rates slightly below zero, and it should be ready to pump more stimulus into the economy quickly if needed to recover from the coronavirus crisis or a Brexit hit, BoE policymaker Michael Saunders said.
“In my view, there may be some modest scope to cut Bank Rate further but, if we do, it may be preferable to move in relatively small steps,” Saunders said in a speech on Friday.
The BoE is reviewing the feasibility of taking its benchmark rate negative from its current level of 0.1%. It has asked banks about whether that would hit their ability to lend.
“My judgment at present is that the ELB (effective lower bound) for the UK is probably a little below zero, provided appropriate mitigations (eg reserve tiering, bank funding scheme) are in place,” Saunders said.
The BoE’s nine rate-setters have expressed differing views over the suitability for Britain of negative rates, which have been used in other European countries and in Japan.
Saunders said the BoE would comment on its review “reasonably soon”.
Britain’s economy shrank by a quarter earlier this year as the country went into a first coronavirus lockdown.
The BoE expects it will only recover its pre-pandemic size in 2022, slower than many other countries.
Saunders said he thought the BoE should not worry about overdoing future stimulus and it still had “quite a lot of scope” to expand its 895 billion-pound ($1.20 trillion) bond-buying programme.
“Provided inflation expectations are well contained, it is better to err on the side of providing too much monetary stimulus rather than too little, in order to underpin prospects for a strong recovery in the economy,” he said.
However, more bond-buying was unlikely to have much impact unless it was accompanied by a cut in Bank Rate or a signal from the BoE that such a cut was likely.
Saunders said there was no firm evidence that the effective lower bound floor was below -1%, given that no country has gone that low.
“If the BoE proceeds with the policy it will be open minded and learning as it goes, but these comments hint of a move beyond the -0.5% we previously had in mind,” JP Morgan analyst Allan Monks said.
Recent news about the development of COVID-19 vaccines has reduced some risks facing the economy.
“But we are not out of the woods yet, and there are some headwinds that could leave the economy stuck with persistently high unemployment and below-target inflation,” Saunders said.
Uncertainties about how companies respond to barriers to trade with the European Union were another factor facing the economy.
“If those downside risks develop, risk management considerations argue for a relatively prompt monetary policy response in my view,” Saunders said.
(Reporting by William James; Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Alison Williams)


cityam--2020-12-04--Covid-19: R rate now between 0.8 and one across all of UK

The rate at which Covid-19 is reproducing across the UK – known as the R rate – has dipped to between 0.8 and one .
That ’ s down from an R rate estimated range of 0.9 to one a week ago , government scientists said today , adding that the pandemic was declining at a faster rate than following the first wave of infections .
Read more : London pandemic update : How many Covid-19 infections are there in your local borough ?
An R number between 0.8 and one means 10 people with Covid-19 will on average infect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The growth rate was between minus three per cent and minus one per cent , down from between minus two per cent zero growth last week , indicating the number of new infections is shrinking between one per cent and three per cent each day .
Read more : Covid-19 : This is the London Tube line with the worst rate of wearing face masks It follows the good news yesterday that positive Covid cases dropped more than a quarter in England last week , according to the latest Test and Trace figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the effects of the nationwide lockdown .
Figures from the Department for Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) found that just over 110,000 people in England tested positive for coronavirus in England in the week to 25 November , marking a 28 per cent slump on the previous week .

Covid-19: R rate now between 0.8 and one across all of UK
Face-mask themed Christmas decorations (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)
The rate at which Covid-19 is reproducing across the UK – known as the R rate – has dipped to between 0.8 and one.
That’s down from an R rate estimated range of 0.9 to one a week ago, government scientists said today, adding that the pandemic was declining at a faster rate than following the first wave of infections.
An R number between 0.8 and one means 10 people with Covid-19 will on average infect between 8 and 10 other people.
The growth rate was between minus three per cent and minus one per cent, down from between minus two per cent zero growth last week, indicating the number of new infections is shrinking between one per cent and three per cent each day.
It follows the good news yesterday that positive Covid cases dropped more than a quarter in England last week, according to the latest Test and Trace figures, as the country begins to feel the effects of the nationwide lockdown.
Figures from the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) found that just over 110,000 people in England tested positive for coronavirus in England in the week to 25 November, marking a 28 per cent slump on the previous week.


cityam--2020-12-04--High-flying business figures exempted from travel quarantine rules

“ High value ” business travellers who arrive back into England will no longer have to self-isolate if they return from a country not on the government ’ s travel corridor list , the transport secretary has announced .
Grant Shapps said the move will allow “ more travel to support the economy and jobs ” ahead of the vaccine rollout .
Read more : DEBATE : Should we accept that this is the end for business travel ?
The new rules will apply to top bosses of foreign multinational firms visiting English branches and bosses at firms planning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business trips must result in a deal which creates or preserves 50 jobs or leads to a £100m investment or order , according to the Department for Transport .
Travellers will have to demonstrate in an exemption letter which will be checked by Border Force that they are delivering the business benefits to the UK .
The quarantine-free exemption will also apply to certain performing arts professionals , journalists and recently-signed elite sportspersons .
No new countries were added to or removed from the travel corridor list this week .
In October , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ sympathetic ” to an exemption for top City figures who regularly fly in and out of the UK , as the government seeks to “ promote global Britain ” ahead of the Brexit transition period deadline on 31 December .
While business travellers may still face hurdles entering their destination , the exemption from quarantine on return opens up the possibility of increased flights between London and business hubs such as New York , Zurich , Frankfurt , Paris and beyond .
Shapps last week slashed the 14-day quarantine for travellers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they acquire a negative coronavirus test .
Recent boosts to the UK ’ s testing programs have ignited rumours that a travel corridor between London and New York may be on the horizon .
Today ’ s business exemption was recommended by the government ’ s global travel taskforce , which has warned that business travel will be slow to recover after the nation ’ s lockdown .
Business travel accounted for 22 per cent of all the UK ’ s 38m inbound visits last year , contributed £4.5bn to the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London City Airport : “ The government ’ s decision to provide a limited number of quarantine exemptions for business travellers is welcome , and this will help open up business travel and provide a much needed shot in the arm for UK Plc .
“ Read more : London festive travel guide : How to get around safely this Christmas However , Sinclair added that “ more needs to be done to unlock all forms of travel again ” .
“ We believe the way to do this is to adopt a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need for quarantine altogether , ” he said .

High-flying business figures exempted from travel quarantine rules
London City Airport h
“High value” business travellers who arrive back into England will no longer have to self-isolate if they return from a country not on the government’s travel corridor list, the transport secretary has announced.
Grant Shapps said the move will allow “more travel to support the economy and jobs” ahead of the vaccine rollout.
New Business Traveller exemption: From 4am on Sat 5th Dec high-value business travellers💼will no longer need to self-isolate when returning to ENGLAND from a country NOT in a travel corridor, allowing more travel to support the economy and jobs. Conditions apply. — Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) December 3, 2020
The new rules will apply to top bosses of foreign multinational firms visiting English branches and bosses at firms planning to invest.
In each case, the business trips must result in a deal which creates or preserves 50 jobs or leads to a £100m investment or order, according to the Department for Transport.
Travellers will have to demonstrate in an exemption letter which will be checked by Border Force that they are delivering the business benefits to the UK.
The quarantine-free exemption will also apply to certain performing arts professionals, journalists and recently-signed elite sportspersons.
No new countries were added to or removed from the travel corridor list this week.
In October, business secretary Alok Sharma yesterday said he was “sympathetic” to an exemption for top City figures who regularly fly in and out of the UK, as the government seeks to “promote global Britain” ahead of the Brexit transition period deadline on 31 December.
While business travellers may still face hurdles entering their destination, the exemption from quarantine on return opens up the possibility of increased flights between London and business hubs such as New York, Zurich, Frankfurt, Paris and beyond.
Shapps last week slashed the 14-day quarantine for travellers returning from high-risk countries to five days if they acquire a negative coronavirus test.
Recent boosts to the UK’s testing programs have ignited rumours that a travel corridor between London and New York may be on the horizon.
Today’s business exemption was recommended by the government’s global travel taskforce, which has warned that business travel will be slow to recover after the nation’s lockdown.
Business travel accounted for 22 per cent of all the UK’s 38m inbound visits last year, contributed £4.5bn to the economy.
Robert Sinclair, chief executive of London City Airport: “The government’s decision to provide a limited number of quarantine exemptions for business travellers is welcome, and this will help open up business travel and provide a much needed shot in the arm for UK Plc. “
However, Sinclair added that “more needs to be done to unlock all forms of travel again”.
“We believe the way to do this is to adopt a globally harmonised pre-departure testing regime which eliminates the need for quarantine altogether,” he said.


cityam--2020-12-04--Tit for tat: Ann Summers launches CVA following rent dispute during pandemic

Ann Summers has launched a Company Voluntary Arrangement ( CVA ) following a dispute over the lingerie brand ’ s rents during the pandemic .
The CVA follows extensive discussions with the company ’ s landlords over plans to switch to turnover-based rents due to changing consumer behaviour during the coronavirus crisis .
Ann Summers said it wants to ensure “ the company ’ s property costs reflect today ’ s much-changed market conditions ” and enables “ the risks of the current trading environment to be more equitably shared between the business and its landlords ” .
The CVA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 91 high street stores , with revised terms already agreed on for the remaining two-thirds .
The firm benefitted from a surge in demand during the coronavirus lockdown , meaning the company expects to improve upon the £16m loss it recorded last year .
However the acceleration of the shift to online shopping during the coronavirus pandemic has forced bricks-and-mortar retailers to adapt .
Additional funding of up to £10m will be handed to Ann Summers if the CVA is approved , as part of plans to boost the board ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive Jacqueline Gold said the firm “ has a bright future ” but warned : “ We need to align our property costs so they reflect the challenges facing today ’ s high street… if the business is to fulfil its potential and prosper in the post-Covid trading environment.
” “ I ’ m grateful to the majority of our landlords who have worked constructively with us to agree sensible terms on the vast majority of our stores , and these landlords will not be affected by the CVA , ” she added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our marketing , our product and our brand , and are seeking to protect as many stores and jobs as we can through this process.
” Read more : Peacocks offered lifeline with management buy-out proposal that could save 5,000 jobs FRP Advisory have been appointed to oversee the CVA , which will be subject to a creditors ’ vote on 23 December , needing more than 75 per cent support to proceed .
Ann Summers joined a group of retailers to write to the Treasury in February this year , calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which they said had “ come unsustainable for many retailers ” .

Tit for tat: Ann Summers launches CVA following rent dispute during pandemic
Ann Summers has launched a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) following a dispute over the lingerie brand’s rents during the pandemic.
The CVA follows extensive discussions with the company’s landlords over plans to switch to turnover-based rents due to changing consumer behaviour during the coronavirus crisis.
Ann Summers said it wants to ensure “the company’s property costs reflect today’s much-changed market conditions” and enables “the risks of the current trading environment to be more equitably shared between the business and its landlords”.
The CVA will only affect 25 of the retailer’s 91 high street stores, with revised terms already agreed on for the remaining two-thirds.
The firm benefitted from a surge in demand during the coronavirus lockdown, meaning the company expects to improve upon the £16m loss it recorded last year.
However the acceleration of the shift to online shopping during the coronavirus pandemic has forced bricks-and-mortar retailers to adapt.
Additional funding of up to £10m will be handed to Ann Summers if the CVA is approved, as part of plans to boost the board’s growth plans.
Ann Summers chief executive Jacqueline Gold said the firm “has a bright future” but warned: “We need to align our property costs so they reflect the challenges facing today’s high street… if the business is to fulfil its potential and prosper in the post-Covid trading environment.”
“I’m grateful to the majority of our landlords who have worked constructively with us to agree sensible terms on the vast majority of our stores, and these landlords will not be affected by the CVA,” she added.
“We continue to invest in our marketing, our product and our brand, and are seeking
to protect as many stores and jobs as we can through this process.”
FRP Advisory have been appointed to oversee the CVA, which will be subject to a creditors’ vote on 23 December, needing more than 75 per cent support to proceed.
Ann Summers joined a group of retailers to write to the Treasury in February this year, calling for it to take action on business rates, which they said had “come unsustainable for many retailers”.


cityam--2020-12-05--David Fincher's Mank is a classic about a classic

There is a sad irony to David Fincher ’ s love letter to Old Hollywood being a big new release for Netflix .
Mank is the company ’ s big hope for Oscar glory , as films about the film business tend to go down well with the people in it ( Birdman , La La Land , The Artist , Adaptation… we could go on ) .
However , this dissection of movie history may be worth the accolades .
Set in real-life Hollywood in the 1930s and 40s , Gary Oldman plays the title role of Herman J.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ affectionately known by his colleagues , is a talented writer whose gift is side-tracked by a love of booze and women .
Having burned every bridge in Tinseltown , he is approached by a young Orson Welles ( Tom Burke ) to write his new epic , Citizen Kane .
Widely acknowledged to be loosely based on media mogul William Randolph Hurst ( Charles Dance ) , the script for Kane is written in sixty days by Mank as he nurses a broken leg , tended to by British secretary Rita Alexander ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this brilliant but scandalous screenplay spreads around town , we flashback to Mank ’ s days with MGM , and the events that inspired his most famous work .
It should be mentioned up front that , this is one version of the truth .
Both Mankiewicz and Welles are credited as writing Citizen Kane , for which they both won Oscars .
Debates rage on to this day as to the contribution of both men , but in the world of this film Mankiewicz is the sole writer .
All biopics take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it as stylishly as Mank .
Filmed in luxurious black-and-white , and sporting little intricacies like ‘ cigarette burn ’ marks in the corner of the frame , it feels like a movie from the period in which it is set .
More than a behind the scenes piece , Fincher holds no punches as he pulls back the curtain on a world of backroom deals , manipulation , and dirty politics .
It ’ s nostalgic for the real Old Hollywood , in all its ugly glory .
Mank ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , David ’ s father , who wrote it in the years before his death in 2003 .
Shelved since the late 90s , there ’ s a sense of release both in the writing and in a director given free reign to make the film he wants .
Rich with cultural references , Amanda Seyfried ’ s starlet Marion Davies could well be speaking for the audience when she sighs “ I hate shop talk , I never know what ’ s going on ” .
This is a movie for movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know your MGM from your Paramount , the redemption of a broken genius is a story that will grab anyone .
The role is a feast for an actor like Oldman , clashingly brilliantly with Collins ’ exasperated secretary/warden .
It ’ s the flashback scenes where he excels , however , shambling across the screen with glee as he skewers the rich and powerful , drink always in hand .
He has a lot to work with in Fincher Sr ’ s dialogue , which gives him brilliant asides like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any guy in a black hat ” .
It ’ s a portrait of self-destruction , someone who might have ruled the town had he just resisted saying what was on his mind .
The notable supporting cast give Oldman a wide array of sparring partners .
Seyfried is Mank ’ s kindred spirit , another soul underestimated by her superiors , and becomes the film ’ s emotional core .
There are small , wonderful performances everywhere you turn – Arliss Howard ’ s studio chief Louis B. Mayer , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sympathy from employees ; or Tom Pelphrey as Joseph L. Mankiewicz , Herman ’ s brother whose own career is being threatened by his sibling ’ s antics .
The phrase “ The Magic of The Movies ” is used sarcastically by several characters in the film , but what makes Mank so brilliant is that it finds the magic in the people that make the movies .
The sleaze behind the shiny veneer of Hollywood ’ s Golden Age is part of what makes it so compelling 80 years on , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a film that stands out even in his impressive CV .
Mank is in cinemas and on Netflix from 4th December .

David Fincher’s Mank is a classic about a classic
New David Fincher film Mank is an instant classic
There is a sad irony to David Fincher’s love letter to Old Hollywood being a big new release for Netflix. Mank is the company’s big hope for Oscar glory, as films about the film business tend to go down well with the people in it (Birdman, La La Land, The Artist, Adaptation… we could go on). However, this dissection of movie history may be worth the accolades.
Set in real-life Hollywood in the 1930s and 40s, Gary Oldman plays the title role of Herman J. Mankiewicz. Mank, as he is affectionately known by his colleagues, is a talented writer whose gift is side-tracked by a love of booze and women. Having burned every bridge in Tinseltown, he is approached by a young Orson Welles (Tom Burke) to write his new epic, Citizen Kane.
Widely acknowledged to be loosely based on media mogul William Randolph Hurst (Charles Dance), the script for Kane is written in sixty days by Mank as he nurses a broken leg, tended to by British secretary Rita Alexander (Lily Collins). As news of this brilliant but scandalous screenplay spreads around town, we flashback to Mank’s days with MGM, and the events that inspired his most famous work.
It should be mentioned up front that, this is one version of the truth. Both Mankiewicz and Welles are credited as writing Citizen Kane, for which they both won Oscars. Debates rage on to this day as to the contribution of both men, but in the world of this film Mankiewicz is the sole writer. All biopics take liberties with the truth, but few do it as stylishly as Mank.
Filmed in luxurious black-and-white, and sporting little intricacies like ‘cigarette burn’ marks in the corner of the frame, it feels like a movie from the period in which it is set. More than a behind the scenes piece, Fincher holds no punches as he pulls back the curtain on a world of backroom deals, manipulation, and dirty politics. It’s nostalgic for the real Old Hollywood, in all its ugly glory.
Mank’s own writing credit goes to Jack Fincher, David’s father, who wrote it in the years before his death in 2003. Shelved since the late 90s, there’s a sense of release both in the writing and in a director given free reign to make the film he wants. Rich with cultural references, Amanda Seyfried’s starlet Marion Davies could well be speaking for the audience when she sighs “I hate shop talk, I never know what’s going on”. This is a movie for movie nerds, but even if you don’t know your MGM from your Paramount, the redemption of a broken genius is a story that will grab anyone.
The role is a feast for an actor like Oldman, clashingly brilliantly with Collins’ exasperated secretary/warden. It’s the flashback scenes where he excels, however, shambling across the screen with glee as he skewers the rich and powerful, drink always in hand. He has a lot to work with in Fincher Sr’s dialogue, which gives him brilliant asides like “Nemesis – that’s Greek for any guy in a black hat”. It’s a portrait of self-destruction, someone who might have ruled the town had he just resisted saying what was on his mind.
The notable supporting cast give Oldman a wide array of sparring partners. Seyfried is Mank’s kindred spirit, another soul underestimated by her superiors, and becomes the film’s emotional core. There are small, wonderful performances everywhere you turn – Arliss Howard’s studio chief Louis B. Mayer, who cries on command when trying to draw sympathy from employees; or Tom Pelphrey as Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Herman’s brother whose own career is being threatened by his sibling’s antics.
The phrase “The Magic of The Movies” is used sarcastically by several characters in the film, but what makes Mank so brilliant is that it finds the magic in the people that make the movies. The sleaze behind the shiny veneer of Hollywood’s Golden Age is part of what makes it so compelling 80 years on, and Fincher plunges you into that world in a film that stands out even in his impressive CV.
Mank is in cinemas and on Netflix from 4th December.


cityam--2020-12-05--The Godfather Part III gets a new cut and a new title – The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Cor

It ’ s not just superheroes that are getting a new edit .
Thirty years on from its release , The Godfather Part III gets a new cut and a new title – The Godfather Coda : The Death of Michael Corleone .
Director Francis Ford Coppola and writer Mario Puzo ’ s original vision was a coda , rather than an official third part .
A post script that closes out the journey of Michael ( Al Pacino ) from soldier to godfather .
The Godfather Part III has had a reputation somewhat similar to The Hobbit Trilogy or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and point out moments worth celebrating , but generally it is considered a disappointment in comparison to its legendary predecessors .
Overstuffed and melodramatic , it was a film trying to imitate the previous two , rather than a story cut from the same cloth .
Approaching his sixties and suffering from ill health , Michael attempts to make the family business legitimate by bailing out The Vatican in exchange for controlling interest in a European conglomerate .
However , when a criminal organisation wants in on this new deal , Michael ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life of crime begin to crumble .
This new Godfather trims the fat ( it ’ s around 10-15 minutes shorter ) , and tweaks moments from restored footage .
Most interestingly , the beginning and end are slightly altered to give a different emphasis to the title , but this is little more than a posh Director ’ s Cut .
The film still invites its own demise by staging scenes that are very similar to what has come before .
We get a party scene with Don Corleone receiving visitors in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the film set in Sicily , and many characters who feel like stand-ins for past favourites .
Andy Garcia ( one of the hottest new talents at the time ) has the thankless task of representing the next generation as Vincent Corleone , the illegitimate son of James Caan ’ s Sonny who initially wants to get in on the criminal side of the business .
It ’ s an interesting arc from petty criminal to slick mobster , and is one of the better performances in the film .
The same can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was unfairly made the posterchild for the film ’ s failure when she appeared as Michael ’ s teenage daughter Mary when Winona Ryder dropped out .
It ’ s still a pretty stiff performance , particularly during the spark-free romance between Mary and her cousin Vincent ( “ I love you , Cuz ” remains a very uncomfortable line to hear in a love scene ) .
Coppola explores some interesting ideas , even if they don ’ t all work out .
Pacino would go on to say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have Michael express guilt over killing his brother Fredo , but the film ’ s courtyard confession scene is a fascinating reveal , handled well by Pacino who smashes the walls surrounding his most famous character .
Equally intriguing is Diane Keaton as Kay , Michael ’ s ex-wife who battles him to let their son Anthony pursue his musical dream .
Even with shaky dialogue , the Oscar winner manages to evolve her character in a legitimate way , “ dreading ” Michael more than she hates him .
This is far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the past – he has released director ’ s cuts of The Godfather trilogy , a chronological version , and edited it into a TV miniseries .
As such , this last stab at rewriting history is not exactly a surprise , but aside from a notable change in the final shot there will be little to win over the haters .
The Godfather Coda : The Death of Michael Corleone is in cinemas on 5th-6th December , and is available on home video platforms from 8th December .

The Godfather Part III gets a new cut and a new title – The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone
It’s not just superheroes that are getting a new edit. Thirty years on from its release, The Godfather Part III gets a new cut and a new title – The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone. Director Francis Ford Coppola and writer Mario Puzo’s original vision was a coda, rather than an official third part. A post script that closes out the journey of Michael (Al Pacino) from soldier to godfather.
The Godfather Part III has had a reputation somewhat similar to The Hobbit Trilogy or The Matrix sequels. Many defend it and point out moments worth celebrating, but generally it is considered a disappointment in comparison to its legendary predecessors. Overstuffed and melodramatic, it was a film trying to imitate the previous two, rather than a story cut from the same cloth.
Approaching his sixties and suffering from ill health, Michael attempts to make the family business legitimate by bailing out The Vatican in exchange for controlling interest in a European conglomerate. However, when a criminal organisation wants in on this new deal, Michael’s dreams of getting out of a life of crime begin to crumble.
This new Godfather trims the fat (it’s around 10-15 minutes shorter), and tweaks moments from restored footage. Most interestingly, the beginning and end are slightly altered to give a different emphasis to the title, but this is little more than a posh Director’s Cut.
The film still invites its own demise by staging scenes that are very similar to what has come before. We get a party scene with Don Corleone receiving visitors in his office, a large portion of the film set in Sicily, and many characters who feel like stand-ins for past favourites.
Andy Garcia (one of the hottest new talents at the time) has the thankless task of representing the next generation as Vincent Corleone, the illegitimate son of James Caan’s Sonny who initially wants to get in on the criminal side of the business. It’s an interesting arc from petty criminal to slick mobster, and is one of the better performances in the film.
The same can’t be said for Sofia Coppola, who was unfairly made the posterchild for the film’s failure when she appeared as Michael’s teenage daughter Mary when Winona Ryder dropped out. It’s still a pretty stiff performance, particularly during the spark-free romance between Mary and her cousin Vincent (“I love you, Cuz” remains a very uncomfortable line to hear in a love scene).
Coppola explores some interesting ideas, even if they don’t all work out. Pacino would go on to say that he felt it was a mistake to have Michael express guilt over killing his brother Fredo, but the film’s courtyard confession scene is a fascinating reveal, handled well by Pacino who smashes the walls surrounding his most famous character.
Equally intriguing is Diane Keaton as Kay, Michael’s ex-wife who battles him to let their son Anthony pursue his musical dream. Even with shaky dialogue, the Oscar winner manages to evolve her character in a legitimate way, “dreading” Michael more than she hates him.
This is far from the first time Coppola has tinkered with the past – he has released director’s cuts of The Godfather trilogy, a chronological version, and edited it into a TV miniseries. As such, this last stab at rewriting history is not exactly a surprise, but aside from a notable change in the final shot there will be little to win over the haters.
The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone is in cinemas on 5th-6th December, and is available on home video platforms from 8th December.


cityam--2020-12-05--Aston Martin Zagato Twins are the supercars sold as a pair

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato Heritage Twins have been revealed for the first time .
The Coupe and Speedster – which come as a pair – are Zagato ’ s 100th birthday present to itself .
Well , it beats a letter from the Queen .
Based on the previous V12 Vantage , the cars are fully clothed in carbon fibre , with trademark Zagato touches such as a bulbous front grille and afterburner-style tail lights .
The Speedster looks particularly dramatic , thanks to a longer windscreen , slash-cut side glass and ‘ humped ’ rear deck .
Unpainted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an option for the body panels , and can be tinted to the colour of your choice , a process that takes 400 hours .
The Twins ride 10mm lower on 19-inch centre-lock wheels from Formula One supplier APP Tech , along with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres .
Aero additions include a jutting front splitter and pop-up active rear spoiler , claimed to ‘ significantly improve balance and poise ’ .
Aston Martin ’ s 5.9-litre V12 has tuned to approximately 600hp – 80hp more than standard and 25hp up on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are quoted yet , but expect 0-62mph in around 3.5 seconds and a top speed beyond 200mph .
Most V12 Vantages were fitted with a ‘ Sportshift ’ automated manual gearbox .
However , a seven-speed dog-leg manual was available towards the end of production – and is likely to be an option here .
Inside , the cars are trimmed in rich Bridge of Weir leather , with an ‘ almost infinite ’ range of trims and textures .
Detail touches range from colour-matching the horn button on the steering wheel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pairs of Zagato Twins will be made , and you can opt for matching cars or two completely different specifications .
The only limit is your imagination… and your bank balance .
Established in 1919 , Zagato is an Italian coachbuilder and styling house .
It has a long history with Aston Martin , starting in the 1950s and including cars such as the radical V8 Zagato of 1986 ( Rowan Atkinson famously owned one ) .
The V12 Zagato Heritage Twins are built by R-Reforged in Warwick , a Swiss company that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 .
We recently sampled the one-of-25 Callum Vanquish , saying : ‘ The V12 sounds spectacular , its malevolent snarl building to a decadent wail .
Where the original Vanquish played heavy metal , this one adds a layer of classic soul ’ .
You can read our full first drive here .
Meanwhile , if you ’ re in Switzerland , the Zagato Twins are on display at Aston Martin ’ s St. Gallen dealership until the new year .
We ’ re hoping to drive them later in 2021 .

Aston Martin Zagato Twins are the supercars sold as a pair
The Aston Martin V12 Zagato Heritage Twins have been revealed for the first time. The Coupe and Speedster – which come as a pair – are Zagato’s 100th birthday present to itself. Well, it beats a letter from the Queen.
Based on the previous V12 Vantage, the cars are fully clothed in carbon fibre, with trademark Zagato touches such as a bulbous front grille and afterburner-style tail lights.
The Speedster looks particularly dramatic, thanks to a longer windscreen, slash-cut side glass and ‘humped’ rear deck.
Unpainted and lacquered ‘visual carbon’ is an option for the body panels, and can be tinted to the colour of your choice, a process that takes 400 hours.
The Twins ride 10mm lower on 19-inch centre-lock wheels from Formula One supplier APP Tech, along with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
Aero additions include a jutting front splitter and pop-up active rear spoiler, claimed to ‘significantly improve balance and poise’.
Aston Martin’s 5.9-litre V12 has tuned to approximately 600hp – 80hp more than standard and 25hp up on the later V12 Vantage S.
No performance figures are quoted yet, but expect 0-62mph in around 3.5 seconds and a top speed beyond 200mph.
Most V12 Vantages were fitted with a ‘Sportshift’ automated manual gearbox. However, a seven-speed dog-leg manual was available towards the end of production – and is likely to be an option here.
Inside, the cars are trimmed in rich Bridge of Weir leather, with an ‘almost infinite’ range of trims and textures.
Detail touches range from colour-matching the horn button on the steering wheel to reshaping the boot carpet.
Only 19 pairs of Zagato Twins will be made, and you can opt for matching cars or two completely different specifications. The only limit is your imagination… and your bank balance.
Established in 1919, Zagato is an Italian coachbuilder and styling house. It has a long history with Aston Martin, starting in the 1950s and including cars such as the radical V8 Zagato of 1986 (Rowan Atkinson famously owned one).
The V12 Zagato Heritage Twins are built by R-Reforged in Warwick, a Swiss company that also makes the Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25.
We recently sampled the one-of-25 Callum Vanquish, saying: ‘The V12 sounds spectacular, its malevolent snarl building to a decadent wail. Where the original Vanquish played heavy metal, this one adds a layer of classic soul’. You can read our full first drive here.
Meanwhile, if you’re in Switzerland, the Zagato Twins are on display at Aston Martin’s St. Gallen dealership until the new year. We’re hoping to drive them later in 2021.


cityam--2020-12-05--Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen to meet today as Brexit talks paused

Brexit talks between the UK and EU have been paused , with both sides citing “ significant divergences ” on the roadblocks standing in the way of a trade deal .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will speak later today to try to break the impasse .
Chief negotiators from both sides , David Frost and the EU ’ s Michel Barnier said late on Friday they would brief leaders to seek new impetus for the talks .
Read more : O Come , Emmanuel : Hopes of Brexit trade deal run thin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU will exit the Withdrawal Agreement on 1 January , which had offered businesses continuity of rules .
If no new deal is agreed trade will default to World Trade Organization terms – significantly more expensive for businesses and consumers than the current Single Market .
Read more : Exclusive : Government offshoring customs jobs to prep UK firms for Brexit Months of negotiations have revealed the three thorniest issues – fisheries , ensuring fair competition guarantees and ways to solve future disputes .
But so far neither side has walked away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still hold out some hope of securing a deal .
A deal would govern almost $ 1 trillion of annual trade to avoid a disorderly Brexit .
“ After one week of intense negotiations in London , the two chief negotiators agreed today that the conditions for an agreement are not met , due to significant divergences on level playing field , governance and fisheries , ” they said in a statement .
Read more : Don ’ t bid farewell to all the Brexit fish just yet “ They agreed to pause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state of play of the negotiations .
( European Commission ) President ( Ursula ) von der Leyen and Prime Minister ( Boris ) Johnson will discuss the state of play tomorrow afternoon.
” Sterling sank by as much as half a cent against the U.S. dollar , weakening to $ 1.342 from $ 1.347 .
The pound was also lower against the euro .

Brexit talks back on: Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen agree to resume trade deal negotiations
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this year
Brexit talks between the UK and EU will restart, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke over the phone today.
Post-Brexit trade negotiations will move from London to Brussels tomorrow.
Johnson and Von der Leyen will assess progress on Monday night.
I had a phone call with @BorisJohnson on the EU-UK negotiations.
Differences remain. No agreement feasible if these are not resolved. Chief negotiators will reconvene tomorrow. We will speak again on Monday. https://t.co/fsVtfW0HHh — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 5, 2020
On Friday both UK and EU citied “significant divergences” on the roadblocks stood in the way of a trade deal and said negotiations would pause.
Chief negotiators from both sides, David Frost and the EU’s Michel Barnier said late on Friday they would brief leaders to seek new impetus for the talks.
Here is a statement from myself and @MichelBarnier about the state of play in our negotiations. pic.twitter.com/P5Uhg7RQUz — David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) December 4, 2020
After one week of intense negotiations in London, together with @DavidGHFrost, we agreed today that the conditions for an agreement are not met, due to significant divergences on level playing field, governance and fisheries. — Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) December 4, 2020
The UK and the EU will exit the Withdrawal Agreement on 1 January, which had offered businesses continuity of rules.
If no new deal is agreed trade will default to World Trade Organization terms – significantly more expensive for businesses and consumers than the current Single Market.
Thorny issues remain
Months of negotiations have revealed the three thorniest issues – fisheries, ensuring fair competition guarantees and ways to solve future disputes.
But so far neither side has walked away from the talks, suggesting that both still hold out some hope of securing a deal.
A deal would govern almost $1 trillion of annual trade to avoid a disorderly Brexit.
“After one week of intense negotiations in London, the two chief negotiators agreed today that the conditions for an agreement are not met, due to significant divergences on level playing field, governance and fisheries,” they said in a statement.
“They agreed to pause in order to brief their principals on the state of play of the negotiations. (European Commission) President (Ursula) von der Leyen and Prime Minister (Boris) Johnson will discuss the state of play tomorrow afternoon.”
Sterling sank by as much as half a cent against the U.S. dollar, weakening to $1.342 from $1.347 on Friday.
The pound was also lower against the euro.


cityam--2020-12-05--Drink up to help out: The gin raising funds for hospitality

Even with the lifting of the second national lockdown enabling some bars and pubs to reopen this week , hospitality remains one of the sectors worst affected by Covid restrictions .
Hospitality Gin is a not-for-profit gin brand created to support the industry during the pandemic , offering the drinking public the opportunity to order in to help out .
Hospitality Gin is a traditional London dry gin , produced by the Cooper King Distillery in North Yorkshire .
It has a strong juniper base , with notes of honey , cardamom , lemongrass , and locally grown lavender , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All of the profits from its sale go to help the UK hospitality industry , with most of the proceeds going to established charities The Drinks Trust and Hospitality Action .
For those of us that enjoy drinking , and want to ensure that a vibrant bar scene can bounce back when normality is restored , getting some gin is a simple and pleasurable way to offer our support .
Read more : Restaurants and clubs that survive Covid may see a boom like never before Before the pandemic , hospitality was Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3m .
But now , many bar staff are experiencing serious financial difficulties as a result of the limits that have been placed on their ability to earn a living .
Government support for the sector has been inadequate and the imposition of new rules – such as the requirement for pubs in tier 2 only to serve alcohol alongside a substantial meal – are not making things any easier .
Hospitality Gin is the brainchild of Tom Lord , a Sheffield-based hospitality consultant with a decade ’ s experience .
Back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the problems confronting the sector , and equally quick to respond ; it was just 55 days from the original idea for Hospitality Gin , to the first bottles being delivered to customers .
The original batch was paid for with a start-up loan for a business that Lord was forced to shelve because of the lockdown .
After the first order , there was no money left for marketing so everything had to be managed on a shoestring .
But demand has built steadily , and now several editions of Hospitality Gin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of last month the range expanded , with the introduction of an exotic pineapple and pepper gin ( flavoured with juicy pineapple , fresh green bell peppers and floral pink peppercorns ) , the first in a new “ bartender series ” intended to encourage more creative drink-making .
Help hospitality workers by helping yourself to a bottle of Hospitality Gin : https : //hospitalitygin.co.uk/collections/view-all-products

Drink up to help out: The gin raising funds for hospitality
Even with the lifting of the second national lockdown enabling some bars and pubs to reopen this week, hospitality remains one of the sectors worst affected by Covid restrictions.
Hospitality Gin is a not-for-profit gin brand created to support the industry during the pandemic, offering the drinking public the opportunity to order in to help out.
Hospitality Gin is a traditional London dry gin, produced by the Cooper King Distillery in North Yorkshire. It has a strong juniper base, with notes of honey, cardamom, lemongrass, and locally grown lavender, with a healthy 42% ABV.
All of the profits from its sale go to help the UK hospitality industry, with most of the proceeds going to established charities The Drinks Trust and Hospitality Action. For those of us that enjoy drinking, and want to ensure that a vibrant bar scene can bounce back when normality is restored, getting some gin is a simple and pleasurable way to offer our support.
Before the pandemic, hospitality was Britain’s third-biggest industry, employing around 3m. But now, many bar staff are experiencing serious financial difficulties as a result of the limits that have been placed on their ability to earn a living.
Government support for the sector has been inadequate and the imposition of new rules – such as the requirement for pubs in tier 2 only to serve alcohol alongside a substantial meal – are not making things any easier.
Hospitality Gin is the brainchild of Tom Lord, a Sheffield-based hospitality consultant with a decade’s experience. Back in March, he was quick to realise the problems confronting the sector, and equally quick to respond; it was just 55 days from the original idea for Hospitality Gin, to the first bottles being delivered to customers. The original batch was paid for with a start-up loan for a business that Lord was forced to shelve because of the lockdown.
After the first order, there was no money left for marketing so everything had to be managed on a shoestring. But demand has built steadily, and now several editions of Hospitality Gin have been produced. At the end of last month the range expanded, with the introduction of an exotic pineapple and pepper gin (flavoured with juicy pineapple, fresh green bell peppers and floral pink peppercorns), the first in a new “bartender series” intended to encourage more creative drink-making.
Help hospitality workers by helping yourself to a bottle of Hospitality Gin: https://hospitalitygin.co.uk/collections/view-all-products


cityam--2020-12-05--Kol restaurant review: An endlessly inventive tour through modern Mexico

Restaurants have finally reopened this week and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in a tasting menu at Kol , designed by one of the world ’ s most highly-rated young chefs .
Read more : Tier 2 dining : heated terraces to meet for a covid-safe meal Reopening on Wednesday , Kol is a Mexican fine dining restaurant that , after two years of meticulous planning , was open for just a month before lockdown 2 forced it to close again .
I was able to get in during that short window and I can tell you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kol is the brainchild of Santiago Lastra , who at just 30 years old is one of the leading lights of Mexican – and indeed any – cuisine .
He was last in London during a hugely successful run at pop-up venue Carousel , although it ’ s his “ jungle experiment ” Noma Mexico that poped-up in the hippy-yoga retreat of Tulum that really cemented his name as one of the world ’ s top young chefs .
The entire run sold out in just two hours despite the $ 750-a-sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost quite as much as that , but it ’ s in the same ball-park , with two tasting menus plus wine setting you back £250 .
Lastra says he wants to bring authentic Mexican food to a world more accustomed to “ Tex-Mex ” , although at Kol there ’ s the additional twist that he ’ s recreating authentic Mexican flavours with British ingredients , resulting in a menu that ’ s both familiar and unique .
It ’ s safe to say Lastra does not lack vision .
His stamp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kol , from the chic dining room , which fuses free flowing Mexican design with Scandinavian minimalism , to the crockery , which is rustic and beautiful and , I ’ m sure , nerve-janglingly expensive .
And the food… that ’ s pretty great too .
You don ’ t so much order dinner as join Lastra on a theatrical tour of modern Mexican cooking .
You can have either the tasting menu or the other tasting menu , both of which are filled with endlessly inventive spins on traditional dishes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ team of fastidious , silent young chefs in a kitchen that isn ’ t just open , but is right in the middle of the dining room .
These are no sloppy , overflowing things , but daintily prepared morsels served with the head of a langoustine for you to squeeze over them .
Our main was an incredible confit pork cheek served in a central pot , tossed with shards of crackling and some hibiscus flowers .
Dessert was perhaps the most outre of them all , a mad squash sorbet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pregnant with a little pool of rattlesnake chilli and mezcal .
I ’ ve never tried anything quite like it .
You might expect an exciting and unusual wine list at Kol , but what you might not expect is one with such a strong Central and East European influence .
The head sommelier has travelled a lot around the region and despite its wines being “ much maligned ” in recent years – Kol ’ s words , not mine – it produces bottles that are “ grown and made respectfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overarching ethos of the restaurant .
Highlights included a Czech wine by Petr Kocarik called Hibernal , a Solvakian white called El Melon , and an amazing pinot noir from German producer Enderle & Moll .
Wash it down with a mezcal , which is the best way to end any meal .
In fact , next week Kol is opening Kol Mezcalaria , with bar manager Maxim Schulte mixing cocktails infused with wild , seasonal ingredients sourced from the British Isles , including homemade sloe mezcal .
It ’ s designed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – literally translated as ‘ little cravings ’ – showcasing Lastra ’ s interpretation of traditional Mexican street food and delicacies from indigenous communities throughout Mexico .

Kol restaurant review: An endlessly inventive tour through modern Mexico
Chris Leach and Aji Akokomi would both like to try new restaurant Kol
Restaurants have finally reopened this week and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in a tasting menu at Kol, designed by one of the world’s most highly-rated young chefs.
What is Kol?
Reopening on Wednesday, Kol is a Mexican fine dining restaurant that, after two years of meticulous planning, was open for just a month before lockdown 2 forced it to close again. I was able to get in during that short window and I can tell you that it’s worth the wait.
Kol is the brainchild of Santiago Lastra, who at just 30 years old is one of the leading lights of Mexican – and indeed any – cuisine. He was last in London during a hugely successful run at pop-up venue Carousel, although it’s his “jungle experiment” Noma Mexico that poped-up in the hippy-yoga retreat of Tulum that really cemented his name as one of the world’s top young chefs. The entire run sold out in just two hours despite the $750-a-sitting price tag.
Kol doesn’t cost quite as much as that, but it’s in the same ball-park, with two tasting menus plus wine setting you back £250.
Lastra says he wants to bring authentic Mexican food to a world more accustomed to “Tex-Mex”, although at Kol there’s the additional twist that he’s recreating authentic Mexican flavours with British ingredients, resulting in a menu that’s both familiar and unique.
What’s it like?
It’s safe to say Lastra does not lack vision. His stamp can be seen on every aspect of Kol, from the chic dining room, which fuses free flowing Mexican design with Scandinavian minimalism, to the crockery, which is rustic and beautiful and, I’m sure, nerve-janglingly expensive. And the food… that’s pretty great too.
Go on…
You don’t so much order dinner as join Lastra on a theatrical tour of modern Mexican cooking. You can have either the tasting menu or the other tasting menu, both of which are filled with endlessly inventive spins on traditional dishes.
Take the tostada, created by a team of fastidious, silent young chefs in a kitchen that isn’t just open, but is right in the middle of the dining room. These are no sloppy, overflowing things, but daintily prepared morsels served with the head of a langoustine for you to squeeze over them.
Our main was an incredible confit pork cheek served in a central pot, tossed with shards of crackling and some hibiscus flowers.
Dessert was perhaps the most outre of them all, a mad squash sorbet, smeared across one side of the bowl and pregnant with a little pool of rattlesnake chilli and mezcal. I’ve never tried anything quite like it.
What else?
You might expect an exciting and unusual wine list at Kol, but what you might not expect is one with such a strong Central and East European influence. The head sommelier has travelled a lot around the region and despite its wines being “much maligned” in recent years – Kol’s words, not mine – it produces bottles that are “grown and made respectfully”, which sits well with the overarching ethos of the restaurant. Highlights included a Czech wine by Petr Kocarik called Hibernal, a Solvakian white called El Melon, and an amazing pinot noir from German producer Enderle & Moll.
One last thing
Wash it down with a mezcal, which is the best way to end any meal. In fact, next week Kol is opening Kol Mezcalaria, with bar manager Maxim Schulte mixing cocktails infused with wild, seasonal ingredients sourced from the British Isles, including homemade sloe mezcal.
It’s designed to be accompanied by the new Antojitos menu – literally translated as ‘little cravings’ – showcasing Lastra’s interpretation of traditional Mexican street food and delicacies from indigenous communities throughout Mexico.
Book here.


cityam--2020-12-05--Meet M Threadneedle's newest member of staff: Marion the robot

This has been a year of surprises , few of them very pleasant – especially when it comes to the hospitality sector .
But being served a glass of Veuve Clicquot by a robot called Marion was an unexpected and welcome moment of levity , especially on the first day out of lockdown .
Read more : Restaurants and clubs that survive Covid may see a boom like never before Marion the champagne bot is the brainchild of M Restaurant owner Martin Williams , who wanted to inject a little fun into the dour world of Covid safety .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each customer , trundles around the bar and restaurant area on request taking orders for fizz .
Upon approaching your table with a pixelated smile she welcomes you to M , “ A Covid-secure gastro playground ” before asking you to enter your order on the tablet built into her chest .
The robot , which has a retro sci-fi aesthetic reminiscent of Buck Rogers ’ star Twiki , is able to crate an internal map of the room using a series of sensors , much like a Roomba , ensuring it doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After taking my order – a glass of Yellow Label , which she approved of , noting that “ yellow is my favourite colour ” – Marion performed a three-point turn and and scooted off , returning a few minutes later with the precious booze .
“ We introduced Champagne Robots to M to emphasise the fun and joy of returning to restaurants , ” says Williams .
“ Right now we need to celebrate hospitality and liberty , however limited .
We all need to smile after this year !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marion can be a little temperamental , and I did spot her standing in a corner politely asking a wall if it might possibly move out of her way .
But as a bit of light relief during these dark times , I heartily recommend a trip to M Threadneedle Street to meet its newest staff member .
M ’ s Restaurant Director Zack Charilaou admitted that the robot isn ’ t quite ready to replace his human staff , but said she has been a hit with customers .

Meet M Threadneedle’s newest member of staff: Marion the robot
M Restaurants’ Marion the champagne waitress
This has been a year of surprises, few of them very pleasant – especially when it comes to the hospitality sector. But being served a glass of Veuve Clicquot by a robot called Marion was an unexpected and welcome moment of levity, especially on the first day out of lockdown.
Marion the champagne bot is the brainchild of M Restaurant owner Martin Williams, who wanted to inject a little fun into the dour world of Covid safety. The robot, which is sanitised before serving each customer, trundles around the bar and restaurant area on request taking orders for fizz.
Upon approaching your table with a pixelated smile she welcomes you to M, “A Covid-secure gastro playground” before asking you to enter your order on the tablet built into her chest.
The robot, which has a retro sci-fi aesthetic reminiscent of Buck Rogers’ star Twiki, is able to crate an internal map of the room using a series of sensors, much like a Roomba, ensuring it doesn’t bash into walls and customers.
After taking my order – a glass of Yellow Label, which she approved of, noting that “yellow is my favourite colour” – Marion performed a three-point turn and and scooted off, returning a few minutes later with the precious booze.
“We introduced Champagne Robots to M to emphasise the fun and joy of returning to restaurants,” says Williams. “Right now we need to celebrate hospitality and liberty, however limited. We all need to smile after this year!”
Unlike M’s human staff, Marion can be a little temperamental, and I did spot her standing in a corner politely asking a wall if it might possibly move out of her way. But as a bit of light relief during these dark times, I heartily recommend a trip to M Threadneedle Street to meet its newest staff member.
M’s Restaurant Director Zack Charilaou admitted that the robot isn’t quite ready to replace his human staff, but said she has been a hit with customers.


cityam--2020-12-05--The Mandalorian season 2 episode 6: S2E6 sees a legend return

*** SPOILERS AHEAD : If you haven ’ t watched the most recent episodes of The Mandalorian Season 2 , look away now*** After a few episodic adventures , the larger picture of this season of The Mandalorian seems to be coming together .
Last episode we got a huge chunk of information about The Child – or Grogu , as he is revealed to be known – and they were directed to an ancient site where Grogu would hopefully make contact with a Jedi .
Refreshingly , the start of this week ’ s episode sees them arrive without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their tail .
The opening scene continues to prod at the gut-wrenching likelihood that The Mandalorian ( Pedro Pascal ) and Grogu will at some point have to part .
Onboard his ship , the Razor Crest , he tests Grogu ’ s abilities using his prized steel ball , and curses when it seems that his young companion still seems to have strong powers .
It ’ s a prime example of the show ’ s ability to say a lot by doing a little : behind that armour , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mando as the audience ’ s point of view also offers a fresh perspective on the Star Wars Universe .
Once they arrive on the planet Tython and reach the ancient site , he awkwardly asks Grogu “ does this look… Jedi to you ?
” In a franchise where lore is so important , it ’ s fun to find a character who is completely indifferent toward it all .
Grogu is placed upon The Seeing Stone where nothing much happens apart from the little guy being adorable .
However , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mysterious but oddly familiar looking ship comes into view .
It was teased earlier this season , but now we get the full return of Boba Fett ( Temuera Morrison ) .
He confronts Mando and wants his armour back , in exchange for the safety of Grogu .
Backing him up is Fennec Shand ( Ming-Na Wen ) , the mercenary who was left for dead in Episode 5 of Season One .
Clearly , the feet walking up to her body at the end of that episode were Fett ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
The confirmed existence of Boba Fett is huge for Star Wars fans .
It confirms that the character didn ’ t die in the sarlacc pit at the end of Return of The Jedi , and gives Morrison ( who played Jango Fett in the prequels ) a chance to come full circle and portray his own son/clone .
It ’ s a character that always seems to have captured the imagination of fans , and to have him back opens up some interesting opportunities .
Read more : Meet M @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Marion the robot Our hero isn ’ t so star-struck , however , as The Mandalorian is undecided whether this is truly the owner of the armour .
Just as they are negotiating , in comes two ships full of Stormtroopers , and the wary strangers have to become allies fast .
What follows is an elaborate game of Capture The Flag , if the flag were a squishy little alien .
Director Robert Rodriguez ( Sin City , Machete ) fits in some elaborate action set pieces without it becoming a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who maintain their reputation of being terrible shots , are outwitted by Mando , Boba and Fennec , who defend Grogu as he continues to commune with The Jedi .
We also see our main villain , Moff Gideon ( Giancarlo Esposito ) , calling the shots from a giant Imperial cruiser above the planet ’ s atmosphere .
It has to be said that Esposito is the season ’ s secret weapon , having the ability to make such an impact by simply standing still and looking evil .
Back on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fett is reunited with his armour , resulting in a glorious reveal mid-battle .
The Stormtroopers are beaten , but there ’ s a reason this episode ’ s subtitle is The Tragedy .
Gideon blows up Razor Crest , and sends a fleet of android Dark Troopers to snatch Grogu , now free from his connection .
Boba Fett chases the Dark Troopers , but can ’ t stop them without hurting The Child .
Morrison then give us a goosebump moment when he sees Gideon ’ s Imperial cruiser , proclaiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they ’ re back !
” How ?
That ’ s yet to be explained , but from Gideon ’ s final scene we see Grogu exhausted from using his Force powers on Stormtroopers , and put into tiny handcuffs onboard Gideon ’ s ship .
If you didn ’ t hate Esposito ’ s villain before , you will now .
Read more : Bask in Diego Maradona ’ s genius in this brilliant documentary With no ship and no child , The Mandalorian looks sadly at the two things that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : the Bescar staff from last episode… and Grogu ’ s metal ball .
No , you ’ re crying .
Happily , Boba Fett is a man of his word , and holds to his bargain of ensuring Grogu ’ s safety by helping Mando get him back .
A brief end scene suggests next episode will feature a prison break , and the return of criminal Migs Mayfield ( Bill Burr ) from Season One .
If you take out the pretty credits and the sixty second recap , this episode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot in .
We ’ ve now got a new gang and a mission that will presumably take us to the end of the season – get Grogu back .
While there ’ s probably going to be a lot more Stormtrooper death between now and then , consider us fully invested for the final two chapters .
New episodes of The Mandalorian Season 2 are available every Friday on Disney+

The Mandalorian season 2 episode 6: S2E6 sees a legend return
The Mandalorian Season 2 episode 6: S2E6 sets a course for series
*** SPOILERS AHEAD: If you haven’t watched the most recent episodes of The Mandalorian Season 2, look away now***
After a few episodic adventures, the larger picture of this season of The Mandalorian seems to be coming together. Last episode we got a huge chunk of information about The Child – or Grogu, as he is revealed to be known – and they were directed to an ancient site where Grogu would hopefully make contact with a Jedi. Refreshingly, the start of this week’s episode sees them arrive without getting distracted, although trouble is soon on their tail.
The opening scene continues to prod at the gut-wrenching likelihood that The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu will at some point have to part. Onboard his ship, the Razor Crest, he tests Grogu’s abilities using his prized steel ball, and curses when it seems that his young companion still seems to have strong powers. It’s a prime example of the show’s ability to say a lot by doing a little: behind that armour, we can feel a man conflicted.
Having Mando as the audience’s point of view also offers a fresh perspective on the Star Wars Universe. Once they arrive on the planet Tython and reach the ancient site, he awkwardly asks Grogu “does this look… Jedi to you?” In a franchise where lore is so important, it’s fun to find a character who is completely indifferent toward it all.
Grogu is placed upon The Seeing Stone where nothing much happens apart from the little guy being adorable. However, just as a connection is made, a mysterious but oddly familiar looking ship comes into view. It was teased earlier this season, but now we get the full return of Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison).
He confronts Mando and wants his armour back, in exchange for the safety of Grogu. Backing him up is Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen), the mercenary who was left for dead in Episode 5 of Season One. Clearly, the feet walking up to her body at the end of that episode were Fett’s, and he was able to save her.
The confirmed existence of Boba Fett is huge for Star Wars fans. It confirms that the character didn’t die in the sarlacc pit at the end of Return of The Jedi, and gives Morrison (who played Jango Fett in the prequels) a chance to come full circle and portray his own son/clone. It’s a character that always seems to have captured the imagination of fans, and to have him back opens up some interesting opportunities.
Our hero isn’t so star-struck, however, as The Mandalorian is undecided whether this is truly the owner of the armour. Just as they are negotiating, in comes two ships full of Stormtroopers, and the wary strangers have to become allies fast. What follows is an elaborate game of Capture The Flag, if the flag were a squishy little alien. Director Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Machete) fits in some elaborate action set pieces without it becoming a blur of special effects. The troopers, who maintain their reputation of being terrible shots, are outwitted by Mando, Boba and Fennec, who defend Grogu as he continues to commune with The Jedi.
We also see our main villain, Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito), calling the shots from a giant Imperial cruiser above the planet’s atmosphere. It has to be said that Esposito is the season’s secret weapon, having the ability to make such an impact by simply standing still and looking evil.
Back on Tython, the fight continues and Boba Fett is reunited with his armour, resulting in a glorious reveal mid-battle. The Stormtroopers are beaten, but there’s a reason this episode’s subtitle is The Tragedy. Gideon blows up Razor Crest, and sends a fleet of android Dark Troopers to snatch Grogu, now free from his connection.
Boba Fett chases the Dark Troopers, but can’t stop them without hurting The Child. Morrison then give us a goosebump moment when he sees Gideon’s Imperial cruiser, proclaiming “they’re back… The Empire, they’re back!” How? That’s yet to be explained, but from Gideon’s final scene we see Grogu exhausted from using his Force powers on Stormtroopers, and put into tiny handcuffs onboard Gideon’s ship. If you didn’t hate Esposito’s villain before, you will now.
With no ship and no child, The Mandalorian looks sadly at the two things that remains from Razor Crest’s ashes: the Bescar staff from last episode… and Grogu’s metal ball. No, you’re crying. Happily, Boba Fett is a man of his word, and holds to his bargain of ensuring Grogu’s safety by helping Mando get him back. A brief end scene suggests next episode will feature a prison break, and the return of criminal Migs Mayfield (Bill Burr) from Season One.
If you take out the pretty credits and the sixty second recap, this episode ran around twenty-five minutes but packed a lot in. We’ve now got a new gang and a mission that will presumably take us to the end of the season – get Grogu back. While there’s probably going to be a lot more Stormtrooper death between now and then, consider us fully invested for the final two chapters.
New episodes of The Mandalorian Season 2 are available every Friday on Disney+


cityam--2020-12-05--Lynette Yiadom-Boakye at Tate Britain review: A playful enigma

In an ideal world , you could write about the excellent Lynette Yiadom-Boakye exhibition at Tate Britain without mentioning race .
Her enigmatic portraits , which have a Hockney-esque knack of capturing not just an expression , but an entire personality , don ’ t seem particularly concerned with race , beyond the fact they feature black people – something that ’ s still sadly unusual in major galleries .
In fact , Yiadom-Boakye is the first black British woman to have a retrospective at the Tate Britain .
This , at least , is a great start .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newest member of staff : Marion the robot The curation comes from the “ chuck ‘ em in at the deep end ” school of thought , with no captions or artist biography to contextualise the dozens of portraits .
Further adding to the sense of playful mystery , the pieces themselves are titled things like “ Pale For the Rapture ” , “ Mystic Edifice ” , and , my personal favourite , “ Fiscal Playsuit ” .
They vary hugely in style , from ‘ all-hanging-out ’ portraits that skirt close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candid and quietly touching moments .
It would be fascinating to see this exhibition without knowing the premise behind it : that none of these people are real .
Rather than paint from sitters , which the portraits suggest , Yiadom-Boakye draws from classical paintings , memories , pure imagination .
They are characters in a drama that plays out in a single rectangle .
It ’ s a strange sensation , then , to study these paintings , which draw you in despite yourself .
I found myself speculating on these people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that man wearing a pink glove ?
” , “ What are these people taking a cigarette break from ?
” , “ Why are these lads standing around in their undies ?
” I get the impression Yiadom-Boakye has a wicked sense of humour , although that ’ s not to undermine the fact there ’ s a serious artist at work : to capture the essence of someone in front of you is one thing – to conjure it from thin air is another .
There ’ s a freshness to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving you from room to room , which may have been aided by the fact some of the works were made during lockdown , with the exhibition itself twice delayed .
What a strange time to be a working artist .
This show , at least , hints at an artistic landscape beyond the gloom of 2020 that might include representations of all kinds of faces – even if those faces never existed .

Lynette Yiadom-Boakye at Tate Britain review: A playful enigma
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye
In an ideal world, you could write about the excellent Lynette Yiadom-Boakye exhibition at Tate Britain without mentioning race. Her enigmatic portraits, which have a Hockney-esque knack of capturing not just an expression, but an entire personality, don’t seem particularly concerned with race, beyond the fact they feature black people – something that’s still sadly unusual in major galleries. In fact, Yiadom-Boakye is the first black British woman to have a retrospective at the Tate Britain. This, at least, is a great start.
The curation comes from the “chuck ‘em in at the deep end” school of thought, with no captions or artist biography to contextualise the dozens of portraits. Further adding to the sense of playful mystery, the pieces themselves are titled things like “Pale For the Rapture”, “Mystic Edifice”, and, my personal favourite, “Fiscal Playsuit”.
They vary hugely in style, from ‘all-hanging-out’ portraits that skirt close to abstraction to what appear to be candid and quietly touching moments.
It would be fascinating to see this exhibition without knowing the premise behind it: that none of these people are real. Rather than paint from sitters, which the portraits suggest, Yiadom-Boakye draws from classical paintings, memories, pure imagination. They are characters in a drama that plays out in a single rectangle.
It’s a strange sensation, then, to study these paintings, which draw you in despite yourself. I found myself speculating on these people’s lives: “Why is that man wearing a pink glove?”, “What are these people taking a cigarette break from?”, “Why are these lads standing around in their undies?”
I get the impression Yiadom-Boakye has a wicked sense of humour, although that’s not to undermine the fact there’s a serious artist at work: to capture the essence of someone in front of you is one thing – to conjure it from thin air is another.
There’s a freshness to the show, a sense of momentum driving you from room to room, which may have been aided by the fact some of the works were made during lockdown, with the exhibition itself twice delayed. What a strange time to be a working artist. This show, at least, hints at an artistic landscape beyond the gloom of 2020 that might include representations of all kinds of faces – even if those faces never existed.


cityam--2020-12-05--FTSE Russell drops eight Chinese companies after Trump order

Index provider FTSE Russell has said it will remove eight Chinese companies from some of its indices after President Trump banned US investors from holding stakes in the businesses .
FTSE Russell said the companies , which include China Railway Construction and video security firm Hikvision , would be removed from its FTSE global equity indices and the FTSE China A Inclusion index on 21 December .
Read more : Tory MPs urge PM to sanction UK banks in Hong Kong for China cooperation It shows how the White House ’ s bid to blacklist some Chinese companies could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
Last month President Trump signed an executive order preventing US citizens and companies from buying shares in firms connected to the Chinese military from January .
In another sign of a hardening stance against China , Congress this week passed legislation to require Chinese companies listed on American exchanges to comply with US accounting standards .
Other companies like China Mobile did not appear in the FTSE Russell ’ s list .
Read more : Chinese business group calls for ‘ new chapter ’ in UK relationship All eight companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a list of “ Communist Chinese Military Companies ” compiled by the Pentagon .
They include China Communications Construction , Dawning Information Industry and China National Chemical Engineering .
The index provider , which is wholly owned by the London Stock Exchange , said the removals had come after a consultation with subscribers but that it had not yet decided the effect the sanctions will have on its fixed income indices .

FTSE Russell drops eight Chinese companies after Trump order
Index provider FTSE Russell has said it will remove eight Chinese companies from some of its indices after President Trump banned US investors from holding stakes in the businesses.
FTSE Russell said the companies, which include China Railway Construction and video security firm Hikvision, would be removed from its FTSE global equity indices and the FTSE China A Inclusion index on 21 December.
It shows how the White House’s bid to blacklist some Chinese companies could have a significant effect on US investments in the country.
Last month President Trump signed an executive order preventing US citizens and companies from buying shares in firms connected to the Chinese military from January.
In another sign of a hardening stance against China, Congress this week passed legislation to require Chinese companies listed on American exchanges to comply with US accounting standards.
Other companies like China Mobile did not appear in the FTSE Russell’s list.
All eight companies that are set to be dropped feature on a list of “Communist Chinese Military Companies” compiled by the Pentagon. They include China Communications Construction, Dawning Information Industry and China National Chemical Engineering.
The index provider, which is wholly owned by the London Stock Exchange, said the removals had come after a consultation with subscribers but that it had not yet decided the effect the sanctions will have on its fixed income indices.


cityam--2020-12-05--Brexit talks back on: Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen agree to resume trade deal negotiations

Brexit talks between the UK and EU will restart , after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke over the phone today .
Post-Brexit trade negotiations will move from London to Brussels tomorrow .
Johnson and Von der Leyen will assess progress on Monday night .
On Friday both UK and EU citied “ significant divergences ” on the roadblocks stood in the way of a trade deal and said negotiations would pause .
Chief negotiators from both sides , David Frost and the EU ’ s Michel Barnier said late on Friday they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the talks .
Read more : O Come , Emmanuel : Hopes of Brexit trade deal run thin as Macron toughens stance The UK and the EU will exit the Withdrawal Agreement on 1 January , which had offered businesses continuity of rules .
If no new deal is agreed trade will default to World Trade Organization terms – significantly more expensive for businesses and consumers than the current Single Market .
Read more : Exclusive : Government offshoring customs jobs to prep UK firms for Brexit Months of negotiations have revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring fair competition guarantees and ways to solve future disputes .
But so far neither side has walked away from the talks , suggesting that both still hold out some hope of securing a deal .
A deal would govern almost $ 1 trillion of annual trade to avoid a disorderly Brexit .
“ After one week of intense negotiations in London , the two chief negotiators agreed today that the conditions for an agreement are not met , due to significant divergences on level playing field , governance and fisheries , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more : Don ’ t bid farewell to all the Brexit fish just yet “ They agreed to pause in order to brief their principals on the state of play of the negotiations .
( European Commission ) President ( Ursula ) von der Leyen and Prime Minister ( Boris ) Johnson will discuss the state of play tomorrow afternoon.
” Sterling sank by as much as half a cent against the U.S. dollar , weakening to $ 1.342 from $ 1.347 on Friday .
The pound was also lower against the euro @


cityam--2020-12-05--London pandemic update: How many Covid-19 infections are there in your local borough?

London recorded 2,349 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours , taking the total number of infections since the pandemic began to 173,484 .
The R rate , which measures the rate of spread of infection , has now dropped to between 0.8 and one , according to new government estimates .
New figures from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) showed cases in London , as well as the west Midlands , east of England , and the south are now decreasing .
Figures released by Public Health England show that Ealing remains the worst-affected borough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past 24 hours .
It has now recorded 8,311 confirmed Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic .
Read more : Coronavirus cases ‘ levelling off ’ across England ahead of three-tier system Redbridge has now become the second borough to report more than 8,000 cases in total .
In the last 24 hours it reported 127 new cases in the last 24 hours to climb to 8,146 in total .
Newham trails close behind with 7,712 confirmed cases , after recording a mammoth 110 new cases in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further 93 cases to climb to 7,390 in total .
Several other boroughs in East London to have a high rate of new cases , with Dagenham and Tower Hamlets also reporting spikes in infections .
However , the latest ONS figures showed that fewer than one per cent of London ’ s population tested positive for coronavirus in the week to 21 November .
ONS data also found that coronavirus cases are currently falling in 30 out of 32 of London boroughs .
Read more : Two-thirds of London boroughs launch their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the UK today recorded a further 15,539 coronavirus cases , with the total number of people who have tested positive since the start of the pandemic to over 1.7m .
The official UK death toll officially passed the 60,000 this week , with a further 397 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours .
England this week left its month-long lockdown in favour of a “ tougher ” tier system .
London joined Liverpool and Suffolk under Tier 2 , while Manchester , Birmingham and large swathes of the North entered Tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just three regions — the Isle of Wight , Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly — entered Tier 1 .
That means almost 99 per cent of the English population are currently living under the highest levels of restrictions , which include a man on mixing between households .
Listen to our daily City View podcast as we chart the economic fallout and business impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Data sourced from Public Health England , accurate as of 4pm on Saturday 5 December Before the Open newsletter : Start your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key market data

How many Covid-19 infections are there in your London borough?
London has seen a sharp drop in the number of recorded coronavirus cases over the past few days, after figures released on Friday showed the capital currently has the lowest R rate in the country.
A further 629 cases were recorded in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of positive tests in London since the start of the pandemic to 697,278.
It marks a significant drop since a record 19,871 daily cases were recorded on 29 December, as lockdown measures continue to drive down infections.
Several areas in the capital have seen case numbers drop threefold over the past fortnight, which in turn has pushed down the spread of infection.
Most boroughs in the capital now have a seven-day rate below 100 new cases per 100,000, but that figure is below 50 in some areas in central London.
Twenty-nine London borough areas, including the whole of east London which was hardest hit by the second wave, have a seven-day case rate below 100 new confirmed cases per 100,000.
Meanwhile, Southwark, Westminster, Camden, Kensington and Chelsea all recorded seven-day rates below 50. Lewisham saw the lowest case rate in the capital in the week to 24 February, with an average of 43 people infected per 100,000 population.
Meanwhile, Ealing currently has the highest case rate, with 123 cases per 100,000, followed by Hounslow at 115 and Hillingdon on 97.
Health chiefs have said all London boroughs need to get below a case rate of 100 before restrictions can begin to be lifted, starting with the reopening of schools on 8 March.
It comes after figures released last Friday showed London’s R rate remains at a best estimate of 0.6 to 0.8 — the lowest in the country, alongside the east of England and the South West.
The figure means infections may be falling anywhere between five and eight per cent each day.
However, separate figures released last week showed the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus in London remains the highest of any English region.
Data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed around 1 in 63 Londoners were infected with the virus last week.
That compares to an estimated 1 in 80 people who contracted the virus in England as a whole in the week to 6 February, according to ONS figures.
Listen to our daily City View podcast as we chart the economic fallout and business impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
London coronavirus cases by borough (in alphabetical order)
Data sourced from Public Health England, accurate as of 4pm on Tuesday 2 March
Boroughs Rate of infection per 100,000 people in last 7 days Total confirmed cases since start of pandemic Barking and Dagenham 86 22,925 Barnet 75 29,569 Bexley 58 21,812 Brent 91 27,577 Bromley 48 23,857 Camden 42 13,683 Croydon 73 30,213 Ealing 123 29,807 Enfield 48 29,217 Greenwich 55 21,769 Hackney and City of London 57 21,234 Hammersmith and Fulham 76 12,564 Haringey 58 20,345 Harrow 95 19,917 Havering 65 26,383 Hillingdon 97 25,287 Hounslow 115 23,817 Islington 43 14,574 Kensington and Chelsea 43 8,643 Kingston upon Thames 47 11,764 Lambeth 49 23,625 Lewisham 39 21,226 Merton 79 15,719 Newham 61 34,574 Redbridge 72 31,965 Richmond upon Thames 55 10,430 Southwark 42 21,947 Sutton 80 15,509 Tower Hamlets 53 28,074 Waltham Forest 52 24,325 Wandsworth 63 21,377 Westminster 41 13,577
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