cityam--2020-08-14--Lockdown extended in north-west regions of England

The government extended lockdown restrictions on regions of north-west England today , saying there was no evidence that the coronavirus infection rates in the areas had fallen .
“ The latest evidence does not show a decrease in the number of cases per 100,000 people in the area , and the health secretary , in collaboration with local leaders , has agreed that the rules must remain in place at present , ” a government statement said .
Read more : Coronavirus : Casinos , theatres and bowling alleys welcome lockdown easing The decision was taken following a two-week review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester , parts of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire , which prevent people from different households meeting indoors .
Data will be reviewed again next week , the government said .
Earlier today the government signalled another major easing of lockdown restrictions in England to allow casinos , theatres and more to reopen from tomorrow .
But those businesses must remain closed where lockdown restrictions have now been extended , the government said .
“ We will review the measures again next week as part of our ongoing surveillance and monitoring of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Argar said .
“ It is essential we all remain vigilant , and I urge everyone in these areas to follow the rules – wash your hands regularly , follow social distancing , get yourself a free test as soon as you get any symptoms , and isolate if NHS Test and Trace tells you to.
” Read more : What are the new lockdown rules as casinos and theatres prepare to reopen ?
The government also warned other areas of England remain at risk with escalating coronavirus rates .
Oldham and Pendle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” based on the latest available data .
And infections remain high in Blackburn with Darwen .
Local community leaders are now creating an “ enhanced incident team ” to battle the spike in coronavirus infections .
The government said it will monitor progress in these areas throughout the weekend and into next week .
What does the lockdown extension mean in north-west England ?
The extension of lockdown in the north-west of England means people can not mix with other households in private gardens or homes unless they are in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet other households in public places in groups of up to six people or two households .
Nail bars , pools , beauty salons and indoor gyms will remain closed in Bradford , Blackburn and Leicester .
Read more : Could London be put into a second coronavirus lockdown ?
The government said Leicester has made progress and has seen its infection rates fall .
A fresh review is underway into whether Leicester can ease its lcokdown restrictions .
Meanwhile , Public Health England added Newark and Sherwood to its coronavirus watch list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
Currently the following areas of England remain in lockdown :

Lockdown extended in north-west regions of England
Today the government extended lockdown in north-west areas of England
The government extended lockdown restrictions on regions of north-west England today, saying there was no evidence that the coronavirus infection rates in the areas had fallen.
“The latest evidence does not show a decrease in the number of cases per 100,000 people in the area, and the health secretary, in collaboration with local leaders, has agreed that the rules must remain in place at present,” a government statement said.
The decision was taken following a two-week review of restrictions imposed on Leicester, Greater Manchester, parts of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire, which prevent people from different households meeting indoors.
Data will be reviewed again next week, the government said.
Earlier today the government signalled another major easing of lockdown restrictions in England to allow casinos, theatres and more to reopen from tomorrow.
North-west England ‘must remain vigilant’
But those businesses must remain closed where lockdown restrictions have now been extended, the government said.
“We will review the measures again next week as part of our ongoing surveillance and monitoring of the latest data,” health minister Edward Argar said.
“It is essential we all remain vigilant, and I urge everyone in these areas to follow the rules – wash your hands regularly, follow social distancing, get yourself a free test as soon as you get any symptoms, and isolate if NHS Test and Trace tells you to.”
The government also warned other areas of England remain at risk with escalating coronavirus rates.
Oldham and Pendle exhibit a “continued rise in cases” based on the latest available data. And infections remain high in Blackburn with Darwen.
Local community leaders are now creating an “enhanced incident team” to battle the spike in coronavirus infections.
The government said it will monitor progress in these areas throughout the weekend and into next week.
What does the lockdown extension mean in north-west England?
Leicester has remained in lockdown since restrictions on England’s Midlands city were extended at the end of June after a spike in infections
The extension of lockdown in the north-west of England means people cannot mix with other households in private gardens or homes unless they are in the same support bubble.
However, they can meet other households in public places in groups of up to six people or two households.
Nail bars, pools, beauty salons and indoor gyms will remain closed in Bradford, Blackburn and Leicester.
The government said Leicester has made progress and has seen its infection rates fall. A fresh review is underway into whether Leicester can ease its lcokdown restrictions.
Meanwhile, Public Health England added Newark and Sherwood to its coronavirus watch list, meaning they risk a return to lockdown.
Currently the following areas of England remain in lockdown:


cityam--2020-08-14--US retail sales grow 1.2 per cent, missing July expectations

US retail sales for July undershot expectations with growth of 1.2 per cent , the US Commerce Department said today .
Retail sales were predicted to grow 2.1 per cent in July .
Read more : Markets live : Travel stocks drag down FTSE 100 as UK quarantine hits France Retail sales totalled $ 536bn in July , according to the preliminary figures .
Car sales fell 1.2 per cent , sporting goods and book sales were down five per cent , but electronics store sales jumped 22.9 per cent Coronavirus infections continue to spread across the US , causing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or shut down businesses again .
Tens of millions of unemployed people lost a $ 600 weekly jobless benefits supplement at the end of July .
President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending the supplement on Saturday , though he reduced the weekly payout to $ 400 .
Republicans and Democrats are bickering over new aid for the economy even as signs mount that activity is stalling .
Job growth slowed significantly in July and at least 31.3m people are on unemployment benefits .
Read more : US jobless claims fall below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The US economy , which entered recession in February , suffered its biggest blow since the Great Depression in the second quarter , with gross domestic product dropping at its steepest pace in at least 73 years .
Retail sales in June grew 8.4 per cent to $ 529.4bn ( £403.3bn ) according to revised figures released today .

US retail sales grow 1.2 per cent, missing July expectations
Fauci said the US could see its “general population” vaccinated from April
US retail sales for July undershot expectations with growth of 1.2 per cent, the US Commerce Department said today.
Retail sales were predicted to grow 2.1 per cent in July.
Retail sales totalled $536bn in July, according to the preliminary figures.
Car sales fell 1.2 per cent, sporting goods and book sales were down five per cent, but electronics store sales jumped 22.9 per cent
Coronavirus infections continue to spread across the US, causing authorities in affected areas to pause reopenings or shut down businesses again.
Tens of millions of unemployed people lost a $600 weekly jobless benefits supplement at the end of July. President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending the supplement on Saturday, though he reduced the weekly payout to $400.
Republicans and Democrats are bickering over new aid for the economy even as signs mount that activity is stalling.
Job growth slowed significantly in July and at least 31.3m people are on unemployment benefits.
The US economy, which entered recession in February, suffered its biggest blow since the Great Depression in the second quarter, with gross domestic product dropping at its steepest pace in at least 73 years.
Retail sales in June grew 8.4 per cent to $529.4bn (£403.3bn) according to revised figures released today.


cityam--2020-08-15--Back to Business – James Cochran on how the pandemic helped him launch a long-planed project

We talk to London ’ s top chefs about how they are dealing with the strange ‘ new normal ’ .
This week James Cochran speaks about launching a new venture and missing the theatre of service .
Who are you ?
James Cochran , co-owner and executive chef of 12:51 , a casual fine dining restaurant in Islington .
Around the Cluck is our lockdown baby , starting as a delivery service but now in residency at 12:51 ( as well as delivering ) until we reopen back to 12:51 .
How has coronavirus affected your business ?
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trade has been down 80-90 per cent , staff have been made redundant and there ’ s still so much uncertainty for us all .
We ’ ve tried to use this time constructively , researching and refining our menus and launching Around the Cluck .
We ’ ve been bowled over by the support the surrounding area has afforded us .
When were you able to open back up ?
Our signature restaurant 12:51 is still closed but we hope to open soon .
We ’ re back in some ways , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August and fully back as 12:51 from September .
In the meantime chicken fans can still make the most of Around the Cluck dining in with us Tues-Sunday , including with the Eat Out to Help Out scheme , and via takeaway and delivery .
When we fully open in September as 12:51 , we can take a step back and finally celebrate How are you managing the ongoing effects of the virus ?
Lockdown restrictions and social distancing basically meant we were unable to open as 12:51 as the margins once tables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with our business model .
With Around the Cluck we ’ ve had to deal with delivery and collection , which we ’ ve never done before , which has been challenging and alien to us .
Following the guidelines means we ’ ve had to change our venue set up and staffing rotas , and invest in PPE and sanitising stations .
Training our on how to work with all the restrictions is a priority , making sure we can still offer a service to be proud of .
How have you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Launching Around the Cluck has kept us very busy .
The research – eating lots of fried chicken – was a lot of fun .
It ’ s turned out to be a huge positive out of the lockdown , as it gave us the time to push something we ’ ve always had on the backburner What did you miss most when the dining scene was shut down ?
The comradery of service and the show you put on as a collective to make sure guests have an amazing evening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with deliveries only .
You don ’ t see the appreciation for the dish you ’ ve put together , so it ’ s nice to experience that again .
Where was the first place you went to eat/drink when lockdown was eased ?
The new opening Six by Nico in Fitrovia .
I thought it was a lot of fun .
They introduce you to fine dining in a way so unstuffy , and relaxed that no one should be intimidated by it .
That ’ s kind of my vibe at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I appreciated what those guys were doing .
It was also amazing to see the restaurant packed with people having a good time , a scene I ’ ve missed over the last few months .
I also went to one of my favourites , Lina Stores in Kings Cross , when the sun was blazing .
I love that place , the pasta is just incredible and it was great to enjoy it whilst soaking up them rays .
They also make a mean negroni – my favourite drink .
Do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to ‘ normal ’ ?
I ’ m not sure… I think we ’ ll see more cashless venues and restaurant ‘ at home ’ kits will become huge .
We have our own at home kit available for nationwide delivery with restaurantkits.com .
for people still nervous about dining out , it ’ s a good option for them to enjoy the restaurant scene from home Are there any silver linings to this awful few months ?
Having the space and time to launch ATC has been amazing and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venues as residencies or franchises if we can ’ t operate it at 12:51 .
Seeing how the whole hospitality business has adapted and brought through innovative new ideas has also been incredible .
Other than that it ’ s hard to see any silver linings .
There have been some really hard-to-take casualties , including some of my peers and friends who have lost everything .

Back to Business – James Cochran on how the pandemic helped him launch a long-planned project
James Cochran, co-owner and executive chef at Islington’s 12:51
We talk to London’s top chefs about how they are dealing with the strange ‘new normal’. This week James Cochran speaks about launching a new venture and missing the theatre of service.
Who are you?
James Cochran, co-owner and executive chef of 12:51, a casual fine dining restaurant in Islington. Around the Cluck is our lockdown baby, starting as a delivery service but now in residency at 12:51 (as well as delivering) until we reopen back to 12:51.
How has coronavirus affected your business?
It’s been a complete nightmare. Trade has been down 80-90 per cent, staff have been made redundant and there’s still so much uncertainty for us all. We’ve tried to use this time constructively, researching and refining our menus and launching Around the Cluck. We’ve been bowled over by the support the surrounding area has afforded us.
When were you able to open back up?
Our signature restaurant 12:51 is still closed but we hope to open soon. We’re back in some ways, with our signature roasts available from 16 August and fully back as 12:51 from September. In the meantime chicken fans can still make the most of Around the Cluck dining in with us Tues-Sunday, including with the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, and via takeaway and delivery. When we fully open in September as 12:51, we can take a step back and finally celebrate
How are you managing the ongoing effects of the virus?
Lockdown restrictions and social distancing basically meant we were unable to open as 12:51 as the margins once tables were removed just didn’t work with our business model.
With Around the Cluck we’ve had to deal with delivery and collection, which we’ve never done before, which has been challenging and alien to us. Following the guidelines means we’ve had to change our venue set up and staffing rotas, and invest in PPE and sanitising stations. Training our on how to work with all the restrictions is a priority, making sure we can still offer a service to be proud of.
How have you kept sane when the restaurant was closed?
Launching Around the Cluck has kept us very busy. The research – eating lots of fried chicken – was a lot of fun. It’s turned out to be a huge positive out of the lockdown, as it gave us the time to push something we’ve always had on the backburner
What did you miss most when the dining scene was shut down?
The comradery of service and the show you put on as a collective to make sure guests have an amazing evening. You just can’t achieve that with deliveries only. You don’t see the appreciation for the dish you’ve put together, so it’s nice to experience that again.
Where was the first place you went to eat/drink when lockdown was eased?
The new opening Six by Nico in Fitrovia. I thought it was a lot of fun. They introduce you to fine dining in a way so unstuffy, and relaxed that no one should be intimidated by it. That’s kind of my vibe at 12:51, albeit less conceptual, so I appreciated what those guys were doing. It was also amazing to see the restaurant packed with people having a good time, a scene I’ve missed over the last few months.
I also went to one of my favourites, Lina Stores in Kings Cross, when the sun was blazing. I love that place, the pasta is just incredible and it was great to enjoy it whilst soaking up them rays. They also make a mean negroni – my favourite drink.
Do you think things in the restaurant world will go back to ‘normal’?
I’m not sure… I think we’ll see more cashless venues and restaurant ‘at home’ kits will become huge. We have our own at home kit available for nationwide delivery with restaurantkits.com. for people still nervous about dining out, it’s a good option for them to enjoy the restaurant scene from home
Are there any silver linings to this awful few months?
Having the space and time to launch ATC has been amazing and now we hope to put it in other venues as residencies or franchises if we can’t operate it at 12:51. Seeing how the whole hospitality business has adapted and brought through innovative new ideas has also been incredible. Other than that it’s hard to see any silver linings. There have been some really hard-to-take casualties, including some of my peers and friends who have lost everything.


cityam--2020-08-15--Lotus Esprit Turbo driven by Mrs Thatcher to make a comeback

A Lotus Turbo Esprit that was driven by Margaret Thatcher , when she visited Norfolk in 1981 , is to be restored .
The metallic Silver Diamond Esprit was also the final ‘ company car ’ of Lotus founder Colin Chapman , giving the motor a special place in the hearts of both petrol-heads and free-marketeers .
The car will be the first recipient of Lotus ’ new Certificate of Provenance programme , and will eventually join the marque ’ s heritage collection .
First registered to Lotus on 1 August 1981 , the Esprit was allocated to Chapman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in December 1982 , it was sold by Lotus in July 1983 and has been privately owned ever since .
Today , the odometer shows just 11,000 miles .
Factory-fit options include an oh-so-80s red leather interior , air-conditioning and a Panasonic head unit built into the roof panel .
The latter was an idea borrowed from the limited edition Essex Turbo .
There are also several features added at Chapman ’ s request that make this car truly unique .
It was the first Esprit with power steering , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The brakes have also been upgraded , while the car wears dished BBS Mahle alloy wheels .
Chapman showed off the Esprit to Margaret Thatcher when she arrived at Norwich airport on 5 August 1981 .
Thatcher sat behind the wheel of the Esprit while the paparazzi snapped away , then drove it around the airport ’ s private roads .
Whether she got the 213hp four-cylinder engine fully on-boost isn ’ t recorded , but the Iron Lady was a sports car fan – she ’ d previously owned an MGB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thatcher said : “ I was tempted to drive away in it ” .
The Lotus Certificate of Provenance is a new scheme designed to authenticate – and potentially add value – to Lotus cars of any era .
The certificate itself summarises a car ’ s spec , including the build date , VIN code and paint colour .
An additional Build Specification Letter offers greater detail , such as the engine and transmission types , standard features and optional extras .
The Certificate of Provenance comes in a presentation box with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phil Popham .

Lotus Esprit Turbo driven by Mrs Thatcher to make a comeback
A Lotus Turbo Esprit that was driven by Margaret Thatcher, when she visited Norfolk in 1981, is to be restored. The metallic Silver Diamond Esprit was also the final ‘company car’ of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, giving the motor a special place in the hearts of both petrol-heads and free-marketeers.
The car will be the first recipient of Lotus’ new Certificate of Provenance programme, and will eventually join the marque’s heritage collection.
First registered to Lotus on 1 August 1981, the Esprit was allocated to Chapman for his exclusive use. After he died in December 1982, it was sold by Lotus in July 1983 and has been privately owned ever since. Today, the odometer shows just 11,000 miles.
Factory-fit options include an oh-so-80s red leather interior, air-conditioning and a Panasonic head unit built into the roof panel. The latter was an idea borrowed from the limited edition Essex Turbo.
There are also several features added at Chapman’s request that make this car truly unique. It was the first Esprit with power steering, for example, and rides on modified and lowered suspension. The brakes have also been upgraded, while the car wears dished BBS Mahle alloy wheels.
Chapman showed off the Esprit to Margaret Thatcher when she arrived at Norwich airport on 5 August 1981.
Thatcher sat behind the wheel of the Esprit while the paparazzi snapped away, then drove it around the airport’s private roads.
Whether she got the 213hp four-cylinder engine fully on-boost isn’t recorded, but the Iron Lady was a sports car fan – she’d previously owned an MGB GT. According to local newspapers, Thatcher said: “I was tempted to drive away in it”.
The Lotus Certificate of Provenance is a new scheme designed to authenticate – and potentially add value – to Lotus cars of any era. The certificate itself summarises a car’s spec, including the build date, VIN code and paint colour.
An additional Build Specification Letter offers greater detail, such as the engine and transmission types, standard features and optional extras. The Certificate of Provenance comes in a presentation box with a signed letter from Lotus CEO, Phil Popham.
Tim Pitt writes for Retro Motor.


cityam--2020-08-15--Mark Hix on how to make the perfect seasonal risotto

Risotto is a great comfort food , and I think it ’ s safe to say we could all use a little comfort right now .
It can be a base for all sorts of flavours , from seafood to seasonal vegetables , so it ’ s a favourite of mine all year round .
It ’ s important that before you start making your risotto you have a good base stock as this is what it ’ s going to end up tasting of .
As you all well know , I love making things from the stuff I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current batch of marrowfat peas , squash flowers and herbs , it makes an interesting array of colours , textures and flavours .
You can use normal peas or mange tout , courgettes , broad beans or any tender green vegetables to make your own variation .
• A few squash or courgette flowers , torn in half To make the risotto , take a thick-bottomed pan , heat the oil and fry the shallots slowly for a few minutes , without allowing them to colour .
Add the rice and stir well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stock a little at a time , stirring constantly and ensuring that each addition has been fully absorbed by the rice before adding the next .
When the rice is almost cooked , add the peas , flowers , herbs and the Parmesan , then add a little more stock and then finally add the butter and herbs , the risotto should be quite moist .
Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately .

Mark Hix on how to make the perfect seasonal risotto
Risotto is a great comfort food, and I think it’s safe to say we could all use a little comfort right now.
It can be a base for all sorts of flavours, from seafood to seasonal vegetables, so it’s a favourite of mine all year round. It’s important that before you start making your risotto you have a good base stock as this is what it’s going to end up tasting of.
As you all well know, I love making things from the stuff I grow in the garden, and my current batch of marrowfat peas, squash flowers and herbs, it makes an interesting array of colours, textures and flavours. You can use normal peas or mange tout, courgettes, broad beans or any tender green vegetables to make your own variation.
Ingredients (serves 4)
4 large shallots, peeled and finely chopped
1 tbs rapeseed oil
350g carnaroli rice
1.25ltrs vegetable stock
60g freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino
50-60g shelled and cooked marrowfat or normal peas
A few squash or courgette flowers, torn in half
90g butter
1tbsp chopped parsley, chives and chervil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
To make the risotto, take a thick-bottomed pan, heat the oil and fry the shallots slowly for a few minutes, without allowing them to colour. Add the rice and stir well with a wooden spoon.
Gradually add the stock a little at a time, stirring constantly and ensuring that each addition has been fully absorbed by the rice before adding the next.
When the rice is almost cooked, add the peas, flowers, herbs and the Parmesan, then add a little more stock and then finally add the butter and herbs, the risotto should be quite moist. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.


cityam--2020-08-15--London Concours 2020 preview: 10 cars not to miss

It ’ s billed as a ‘ luxurious automotive garden party ’ set in the heart of the City of London .
And this year , London Concours is the UK ’ s first major motoring event to take place since February , with the calendar wiped out due to the Coronavirus .
Guest numbers will be strictly limited , but here are our hand-picked highlights for the lucky few .
London Concours takes place at the Honourable Artillery Company from 19-20 August 2020 .
If you ’ re fortunate enough to be attending the London Concours event , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s most exotic cars lined up in the gardens of the Honourable Artillery Company .
There are a number of features and classes , including Great Marques .
Aston Martin is one such great marque , with a history dating back to 1913 .
This is the One-77 , one of the most extreme cars Aston Martin has ever built .
Its V12 engine produces 750hp , which is enough to propel the One-77 to 220mph .
London Concours is also celebrating the best cars to come out of Sant ’ Agata @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on show , such as the Countach and Miura , but it ’ s refreshing to see the event will also showcase the LM002 and the Silhouette .
We also know that Bugatti will be part of the Great Marques display , so expect to see a Veyron and Chiron parked on the manicured lawn of the Honourable Artillery Company as well .
The Pursuit of Speed is a celebration of go-faster cars .
From the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘ Gullwing ’ , widely considered to be one of the first supercars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is unashamedly all about speed .
There will also be a McLaren F1 on display , a car recently valued at £16 million in the latest Hagerty price guide .
The Era of the Hypercar : Pagani Zonda S The hypercar – when a supercar just isn ’ t enough .
But what is a hypercar ?
According to Gear Patrol , ‘ the term was coined to qualify the top one percent of supercars ’ .
They are the ‘ stick against which all cars are meant to be measured ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newcomers like Pagani and Koenigsegg , along with the established names such as Ferrari and Lamborghini .
According to recent research , there are fewer than 300 hypercars registered in the UK .
A fair proportion of these will be on display at London Cocnours .
You know you ’ re dealing with a respected marque when it has a class all to itself at London Concours .
Although Lancia is hanging on by a thread in its domestic market , the company has all but disappeared in the rest of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will ever die .
You can expect to see the likes of Henri Toivonen ’ s Lancia 037 Rally Evo 2 , a B24 Spider and a Flaminia Super Sport by Zagato .
From the Jaguar E-Type to the Ford Mustang , and the Lotus Elan to the AC Cobra , this is a celebration of the golden era of the convertible .
The 1960s was a decade of positivity and a chance to blow away the cobwebs of the post-war years and the 1950s .
The list of convertibles on the lawn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fiat Dino Spider , Porsche 356 Roadster and Lancia Flaminia Touring .
This will be one of the most interesting features at the London Concours event .
The Lost Marques display is a homage to the car manufacturers we loved and lost .
Names like Facel Vega , Bizzarrini , Jensen , Alvis , Unipower , Marcos and Talbot .
The Talbot Sunbeam Lotus was a formidable hot hatchback , not to mention a brilliant rally car .
It will provide a welcome tonic to the supercars on display in London .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-1949 American Hot Rods .
Andrew Evans , London Concours director , said : “ The Hot Rod scene is one of the most spectacular motoring sub-cultures ; rightly championed by the Ace Cafe , by the Vintage Hot Rod Association , and now , by us.
” Designer Ian Callum ’ s car collection will be under the spotlight at London Concours .
Nearly all of the cars owned by the former Ford and Jaguar Land Rover designer have been modified in some way .
The list includes a Jaguar XJC , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evans said : “ Having Ian Callum as The Collector at London Concours this year is a real honour for us.
” Not initially badged as a Ferrari , the Dino was developed to honour the memory of Enzo Ferrari ’ s late son Alfredino .
Eight examples of the Dino will be on display at the London Concours event , each one in a different factory-produced colour .
The event gets underway on the 19 August at the Honourable Artillery Company , a short walk from Moorgate .

London Concours 2020 preview: 10 cars not to miss
It’s billed as a ‘luxurious automotive garden party’ set in the heart of the City of London. And this year, London Concours is the UK’s first major motoring event to take place since February, with the calendar wiped out due to the Coronavirus.
Guest numbers will be strictly limited, but here are our hand-picked highlights for the lucky few. London Concours takes place at the Honourable Artillery Company from 19-20 August 2020.
Great Marques: Aston Martin
If you’re fortunate enough to be attending the London Concours event, you’ll see 80 of the world’s most exotic cars lined up in the gardens of the Honourable Artillery Company. There are a number of features and classes, including Great Marques.
Aston Martin is one such great marque, with a history dating back to 1913. This is the One-77, one of the most extreme cars Aston Martin has ever built. Its V12 engine produces 750hp, which is enough to propel the One-77 to 220mph.
Great Marques: Lamborghini
London Concours is also celebrating the best cars to come out of Sant’Agata. The obvious Lamborghini models will be on show, such as the Countach and Miura, but it’s refreshing to see the event will also showcase the LM002 and the Silhouette.
We also know that Bugatti will be part of the Great Marques display, so expect to see a Veyron and Chiron parked on the manicured lawn of the Honourable Artillery Company as well.
The Pursuit of Speed: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
The Pursuit of Speed is a celebration of go-faster cars. From the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’, widely considered to be one of the first supercars, to the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, this is unashamedly all about speed.
There will also be a McLaren F1 on display, a car recently valued at £16 million in the latest Hagerty price guide.
The Era of the Hypercar: Pagani Zonda S
The hypercar – when a supercar just isn’t enough. But what is a hypercar? According to Gear Patrol, ‘the term was coined to qualify the top one percent of supercars’. They are the ‘stick against which all cars are meant to be measured’.
The world of the hypercar features newcomers like Pagani and Koenigsegg, along with the established names such as Ferrari and Lamborghini. According to recent research, there are fewer than 300 hypercars registered in the UK. A fair proportion of these will be on display at London Cocnours.
Lancia Legends: Lancia 037
You know you’re dealing with a respected marque when it has a class all to itself at London Concours. Although Lancia is hanging on by a thread in its domestic market, the company has all but disappeared in the rest of the world. Not that our love for Lancia will ever die.
You can expect to see the likes of Henri Toivonen’s Lancia 037 Rally Evo 2, a B24 Spider and a Flaminia Super Sport by Zagato.
Convertibles: The Golden Era
From the Jaguar E-Type to the Ford Mustang, and the Lotus Elan to the AC Cobra, this is a celebration of the golden era of the convertible. The 1960s was a decade of positivity and a chance to blow away the cobwebs of the post-war years and the 1950s.
The list of convertibles on the lawn will include a Ferrari 330 GTS, Fiat Dino Spider, Porsche 356 Roadster and Lancia Flaminia Touring.
The Lost Marques: Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
This will be one of the most interesting features at the London Concours event. The Lost Marques display is a homage to the car manufacturers we loved and lost. Names like Facel Vega, Bizzarrini, Jensen, Alvis, Unipower, Marcos and Talbot.
The Talbot Sunbeam Lotus was a formidable hot hatchback, not to mention a brilliant rally car. It will provide a welcome tonic to the supercars on display in London.
Speed of Sand: Ford Model T Roadster
This unique pays homage to the world of pre-1949 American Hot Rods. Andrew Evans, London Concours director, said: “The Hot Rod scene is one of the most spectacular motoring sub-cultures; rightly championed by the Ace Cafe, by the Vintage Hot Rod Association, and now, by us.”
The Collector: Ian Callum
Designer Ian Callum’s car collection will be under the spotlight at London Concours. Nearly all of the cars owned by the former Ford and Jaguar Land Rover designer have been modified in some way.
The list includes a Jaguar XJC, Porsche 911 and Ford Model B. Andrew Evans said: “Having Ian Callum as The Collector at London Concours this year is a real honour for us.”
Ferrari Dino collection
Not initially badged as a Ferrari, the Dino was developed to honour the memory of Enzo Ferrari’s late son Alfredino. Eight examples of the Dino will be on display at the London Concours event, each one in a different factory-produced colour.
The event gets underway on the 19 August at the Honourable Artillery Company, a short walk from Moorgate.
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith writes for Retro Motor.


cityam--2020-08-15--Fitness advice: How to get your head back in the game after being on furlough

The last few months have completely changed the daily routine of just about every person in the country , especially those who have been on furlough .
With gyms having been closed for four months , fitness has been a major aspect of this .
There are millions of gym-bros and -bunnies desperate to get their post-workout endorphin high .
A few lucky people managed to grab a pair of dumbbells before they all sold out or got price-gouged by cynical online retailers , but most of us haven ’ t lifted anything heavier than a Magnum icecream since March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the yard or a quick run around the block once a day .
We are now entering a period where routines will be changing again as we creep towards September , with people starting to slowly return to the City .
So this is a perfect opportunity to reset your attitude to fitness and focus on new goals .
It will also help those of us who were furloughed to get back into a more rigid structure : a morning run can do wonders for your mood and concentration throughout the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily habit .
Getting started is always the hardest part – “ a journey starts with a single step ” after all .
Here are some ideas to get you back off to a flying start .
Come up with a specific goal and give yourself a date to work towards .
After months where time felt fluid and there weren ’ t enough Netflix documentaries to fill the day , it ’ s important to reintroduce some structure to your life .
Think about what you would like to achieve in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change would you expect to see in that time ?
Go beyond visuals : how would you feel .
Accomplishment , energised , stronger , healthier , happier , sexier , more confident .
Attaching an emotion will help make your new stick .
Now it ’ s time to make a commitment to yourself to stick it through the first 90 days .
When you are going through the weeks , understand that you are going to experience doubt and even fear .
At times it may seem easier just to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the commitment you made to get you through .
This is not your end point , but a checkpoint to see how you ’ re getting on .
Sometimes I feel like a stuck record , saying the same thing in every column , but measuring your progress is so important I ’ m going to say it again .
When you can see that all the hard work is leading to positive changes , it ’ s so much easier to keep pushing Find a number of ways to measure progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gym , number of runs ) , steps , calories eaten and/or burned , and sleep .
Document your results and notice how improvements will appear after just a couple of days .
The more mindful and present you are for your fitness routine , the easier it will be to change As you go on , start to take down more measurements , including photos , clothes size , inches ( waist , bum ) , weights lifted , running time and distance .
The more the better .
Look out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is important in every aspect of your life .
Having a plan to work towards will make life far easier and success will come .
Get out your diary and take a look at the next month .
Block out all of the events that you have coming up like birthdays , nights out and holidays .
Next , book in the days you will train .
If it ’ s the diary , you are more likely to get it done .
Be specific on the type of training too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , personal training , stretching and anything else that will help you reach your goals .
The more of the plan you can see , the more you will be connected to the process .
I encourage our clients to use this as a checklist , which is another success that can be measured .
Highlighting a finished session in green gives you a little dopamine hit , like getting a like on Instagram .
If you miss a session , highlight it in red : people only want to see greens in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gym even if they are not feeling it .
Do you struggle with motivation ?
Do you have friends who want to kickstart their fitness routine ?
Do it together .
Working with someone who has similar goals will really help Now lockdown if ( pretty much ) over , it ’ s also a great way to see those friends you haven ’ t been able to catch up with while the world was locked down .
If you don ’ t have a friend to go on this journey with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal trainer or getting involved with community or group classes .
If the last few months have taught us anything it ’ s the importance of looking out for one another , so why not bring that into the most important aspect of your life : your health .

Fitness advice: How to get your head back in the game after being on furlough
Getty
The last few months have completely changed the daily routine of just about every person in the country, especially those who have been on furlough.
With gyms having been closed for four months, fitness has been a major aspect of this. There are millions of gym-bros and -bunnies desperate to get their post-workout endorphin high.
A few lucky people managed to grab a pair of dumbbells before they all sold out or got price-gouged by cynical online retailers, but most of us haven’t lifted anything heavier than a Magnum icecream since March, having to settle for prison-style walks around the yard or a quick run around the block once a day.
We are now entering a period where routines will be changing again as we creep towards September, with people starting to slowly return to the City. So this is a perfect opportunity to reset your attitude to fitness and focus on new goals.
It will also help those of us who were furloughed to get back into a more rigid structure: a morning run can do wonders for your mood and concentration throughout the day, as well as introducing a positive daily habit.
Getting started is always the hardest part – “a journey starts with a single step” after all. Here are some ideas to get you back off to a flying start.
Commitment
Come up with a specific goal and give yourself a date to work towards. After months where time felt fluid and there weren’t enough Netflix documentaries to fill the day, it’s important to reintroduce some structure to your life.
Think about what you would like to achieve in the next 90 days. What type of change would you expect to see in that time? Go beyond visuals: how would you feel. Accomplishment, energised, stronger, healthier, happier, sexier, more confident. Attaching an emotion will help make your new stick.
Now it’s time to make a commitment to yourself to stick it through the first 90 days. When you are going through the weeks, understand that you are going to experience doubt and even fear. At times it may seem easier just to give up and pack it in. Focus on the commitment you made to get you through.
This is not your end point, but a checkpoint to see how you’re getting on.
Measuring Progress
Sometimes I feel like a stuck record, saying the same thing in every column, but measuring your progress is so important I’m going to say it again. When you can see that all the hard work is leading to positive changes, it’s so much easier to keep pushing
Find a number of ways to measure progress. Start with attendance (times at the gym, number of runs), steps, calories eaten and/or burned, and sleep. Document your results and notice how improvements will appear after just a couple of days. The more mindful and present you are for your fitness routine, the easier it will be to change
As you go on, start to take down more measurements, including photos, clothes size, inches (waist, bum), weights lifted, running time and distance. The more the better. Look out for all the successes week after week.
Scheduling
This is important in every aspect of your life. Having a plan to work towards will make life far easier and success will come.
Get out your diary and take a look at the next month. Block out all of the events that you have coming up like birthdays, nights out and holidays.
Next, book in the days you will train. If it’s the diary, you are more likely to get it done. Be specific on the type of training too: book in weights sessions, cardio, personal training, stretching and anything else that will help you reach your goals.
The more of the plan you can see, the more you will be connected to the process. I encourage our clients to use this as a checklist, which is another success that can be measured. Highlighting a finished session in green gives you a little dopamine hit, like getting a like on Instagram. If you miss a session, highlight it in red: people only want to see greens in their calendar, so they go to the gym even if they are not feeling it.
Teamwork
Do you struggle with motivation? Do you have friends who want to kickstart their fitness routine? Do it together. Working with someone who has similar goals will really help Now lockdown if (pretty much) over, it’s also a great way to see those friends you haven’t been able to catch up with while the world was locked down.
If you don’t have a friend to go on this journey with, I recommend investing in a good personal trainer or getting involved with community or group classes. If the last few months have taught us anything it’s the importance of looking out for one another, so why not bring that into the most important aspect of your life: your health.


cityam--2020-08-16--Tesco introduces free delivery as it prepares to confront Amazon

Tesco will introduce free delivery in its latest bid to head off Amazon ’ s attempt to muscle in on the British grocery market .
Tesco boss Dave Lewis today told the Sunday Telegraph that the supermarket will add free delivery to its Clubcard Plus loyalty scheme .
It comes after the technology giant announced last month it would offer free delivery to its 15m members in the UK , as it expands its Fresh food network .
It allows customers to buy cheese , baked foods , fresh meat , fruit and vegetables with no delivery fee if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service .
“ I understand the move [ from Amazon ] , ” he said .
“ The idea of Prime is very similar to where we are in Clubcard Plus , in terms of bringing a whole bunch of benefits together .
So an opportunity into the future for us is to think about how we put delivery into Clubcard Plus .
That ’ s always been the direction of travel.
” Amazon ’ s intervention was seen as a huge signal it was capitalising on increased demand for online groceries after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ habits .
Last November , Tesco introduced a new loyalty scheme , Clubcard Plus , which works in tandem with its old membership programme through which customers can earn points .
Read more : Amazon to pass on UK digital tax to sellers in fees hike Customers currently pay a subscription fee of £7.99 per month and get 10 per cent off their bills twice a month , up to a maximum of £20 for each shop .
All supermarkets currently charge for delivery as the fees are considered crucial for funding online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to “ make sure that we can manage capacity with that [ online ] demand ” before it introduces it .

Tesco introduces free delivery as it prepares to confront Amazon
Tesco online delivery
Tesco will introduce free delivery in its latest bid to head off Amazon’s attempt to muscle in on the British grocery market.
Tesco boss Dave Lewis today told the Sunday Telegraph that the supermarket will add free delivery to its Clubcard Plus loyalty scheme.
It comes after the technology giant announced last month it would offer free delivery to its 15m members in the UK, as it expands its Fresh food network.
It allows customers to buy cheese, baked foods, fresh meat, fruit and vegetables with no delivery fee if they subscribe to its £7.99 a month Prime service.
“I understand the move [from Amazon],” he said. “The idea of Prime is very similar to where we are in Clubcard Plus, in terms of bringing a whole bunch of benefits together. So an opportunity into the future for us is to think about how we put delivery into Clubcard Plus. That’s always been the direction of travel.”
Amazon’s intervention was seen as a huge signal it was capitalising on increased demand for online groceries after lockdown restrictions triggered a change in consumer habits.
Last November, Tesco introduced a new loyalty scheme, Clubcard Plus, which works in tandem with its old membership programme through which customers can earn points.
Customers currently pay a subscription fee of £7.99 per month and get 10 per cent off their bills twice a month, up to a maximum of £20 for each shop.
All supermarkets currently charge for delivery as the fees are considered crucial for funding online sales. Lewis warned that the supermarket has to “make sure that we can manage capacity with that [online] demand” before it introduces it.


cityam--2020-08-16--Matt Hancock set to scrap Public Health England

Public Health England ( PHE ) will be axed and replaced by a new body as early as next month .
The new body – to be called the National Institute for Health Protection – will be responsible for protecting the UK against pandemics , and will be created through the merger of NHS Test and Trace and elements of PHE working on the coronavirus .
The Telegraph reports that the merger will be announced by health secretary Matt Hancock next week , with the aim of having it ready for a potential surge in Covid-19 cases through the autumn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after heavy criticism from within government for its role in the UK ’ s coronavirus respone .
It has been accused of failing to have the capacity to properly track the virus and administer tests when the outbreak began .
A senior minister said : “ We want to bring together the science and the scale in one new body so we can do all we can to stop a second coronavirus spike this autumn .
“ The National Institute for Health Protection ’ s goal will be simple : to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries in the world to fight the pandemic.
” Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data The National Institute for Health Protection will have tens of thousands of staff and will be based on the Robert Koch Institute in Germany , which led the country ’ s coronavirus response .
Hancock is reportedly looking for someone with private sector and health policy experience to run the new body , with Test and Trace chief Baroness Dido Harding tipped for the top role .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers at the Department of Health and chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty .
Read more : Coronavirus : Casinos , theatres and bowling alleys welcome lockdown easing Test and Trace call centres will be wound up starting next month and will instead be replaced by council-run operations .
PHE ’ s work on obesity will also be handed over to local councils .

Matt Hancock set to scrap Public Health England
The merger will be announced by health secretary Matt Hancock next week, with the aim of having it ready for a potential surge in Covid-19 cases through the autumn.
Public Health England (PHE) will be axed and replaced by a new body as early as next month.
The new body – to be called the National Institute for Health Protection – will be responsible for protecting the UK against pandemics, and will be created through the merger of NHS Test and Trace and elements of PHE working on the coronavirus.
The Telegraph reports that the merger will be announced by health secretary Matt Hancock next week, with the aim of having it ready for a potential surge in Covid-19 cases through the autumn.
The decision to scrap PHE comes after heavy criticism from within government for its role in the UK’s coronavirus respone.
It has been accused of failing to have the capacity to properly track the virus and administer tests when the outbreak began.
A senior minister said: “We want to bring together the science and the scale in one new body so we can do all we can to stop a second coronavirus spike this autumn.
“The National Institute for Health Protection’s goal will be simple: to ensure that Britain is one of the best equipped countries in the world to fight the pandemic.”
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
The National Institute for Health Protection will have tens of thousands of staff and will be based on the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, which led the country’s coronavirus response.
Hancock is reportedly looking for someone with private sector and health policy experience to run the new body, with Test and Trace chief Baroness Dido Harding tipped for the top role.
The new institute will report directly to ministers at the Department of Health and chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty.
Test and Trace call centres will be wound up starting next month and will instead be replaced by council-run operations.
PHE’s work on obesity will also be handed over to local councils.


cityam--2020-08-16--Debenhams draws up contingency plans for liquidation

Debenhams ’ owners have begun drawing up plans for the liquidation of the department store , which could threaten thousands of jobs .
The retailer is understood to have appointed Hilco Capital , which specialises in restructuring and refinancing firms , as a contingency plan .
Read more : Debenhams axes 2,500 jobs in bid to cut costs after coronavirus lockdown Hilco ’ s appointment was first reported by Sky News and was described over the weekend as “ contingency planning ” as it looks to secure its future ahead of the crucial pre-Christmas period .
A failure to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest job cuts amid the pandemic , with 14,000 jobs at risk .
Debenhams was taken over by its lenders 16 months ago and collapsed into administration in April after the coronavirus outbreak forced it to shutter shops .
Just last week , the department store chain axed 2,500 jobs in a bid to reduce costs .
This month the firm and its hedge fund backers – including Silver Point Capital and GoldenTree Asset Management – launched an auction through investment bank Lazard in a bid to secure new investors .
Debenhams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long way from returning to normal ” after lockdown restrictions were eased .
The latest round of cuts are in addition to the 4,000 redundancies announced since May .
A spokesperson for Debenhams told City A.M. : “ Debenhams is trading strongly , with 124 stores reopened and a healthy cash position .
As a result , and as previously stated , the administrators of Debenhams Retail have initiated a process to assess ways for the business to exit its protective administration.
” Read more : Three more Debenhams stores to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing total to 20 “ The administrators have appointed advisors to help them assess the full range of possible outcomes which include the current owners retaining the business , potential new joint venture arrangements ( with existing and potential new investors ) or a sale to a third party.
” Hilco Capital , which briefly acquired Oasis and Warehouse before their collapse into administration , worked with Debenhams on the closure of 18 stores earlier this year .

Debenhams draws up contingency plans for liquidation
Debenhams’ owners have begun drawing up plans for the liquidation of the department store, which could threaten thousands of jobs.
The retailer is understood to have appointed Hilco Capital, which specialises in restructuring and refinancing firms, as a contingency plan.
Hilco’s appointment was first reported by Sky News and was described over the weekend as “contingency planning” as it looks to secure its future ahead of the crucial pre-Christmas period.
A failure to find a buyer could result in one of the biggest job cuts amid the pandemic, with 14,000 jobs at risk.
Debenhams was taken over by its lenders 16 months ago and collapsed into administration in April after the coronavirus outbreak forced it to shutter shops. Just last week, the department store chain axed 2,500 jobs in a bid to reduce costs.
This month the firm and its hedge fund backers – including Silver Point Capital and GoldenTree Asset Management – launched an auction through investment bank Lazard in a bid to secure new investors.
Debenhams said the trading environment is “clearly a long way from returning to normal” after lockdown restrictions were eased. The latest round of cuts are in addition to the 4,000 redundancies announced since May.
A spokesperson for Debenhams told City A.M.: “Debenhams is trading strongly, with 124 stores reopened and a healthy cash position. As a result, and as previously stated, the administrators of Debenhams Retail have initiated a process to assess ways for the business to exit its protective administration.”
“The administrators have appointed advisors to help them assess the full range of possible outcomes which include the current owners retaining the business, potential new joint venture arrangements (with existing and potential new investors) or a sale to a third party.”
Hilco Capital, which briefly acquired Oasis and Warehouse before their collapse into administration, worked with Debenhams on the closure of 18 stores earlier this year.


cityam--2020-08-16--Schroders becomes first major City firm to make home working permanent

Fund manager Schroders will allow thousands of its employees to continue working from home even after the pandemic , marking a huge shift in the way the City works .
The FTSE-100 listed firm is the first major City institution to tell staff they will not be required to return to the office five days a week .
Read more : PwC boss Kevin Ellis : returning to work like ‘ crossing the Rubicon for some people…you have got to make them feel safe ’ Its plan to overhaul working patterns was revealed in an internal memo , seen by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new approach to flexible working ” , allowing workers to choose when they want to be in the office .
Before the outbreak of coronavirus , staff had to be in the office at least four days a week .
There will now be reportedly no expectations on how often employees will need to be at their desk , with staff reportedly free to agree working patterns with their respective managers .
In a recent interview , Schroders ’ chief executive Peter Harrison said the pandemic had “ changed society irrevocably ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has changed forever , ” he said .
“ The office will become a convening place where you get teams together , but the work will be done in people ’ s homes.
” This is likely to raise fresh fears among government figures that the shift in working patterns triggered by coronavirus will be permanent .
British office workers have been much slower to return to offices than counterparts in France , Germany and Italy according to analysis from Morgan Stanley ’ s research unit Alphawise .
Just over one-third of UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown , compared to almost three-quarters of staff in Europe .
Before news broke of Schroders ’ shift to remote working , the mayor of London warned that empty offices in the capital are causing a “ big problem ” for the economy .
Sadiq Khan urged big firms to reconsider decisions to stay away in a dramatic change of tact .
Read more : The return to work : Here ’ s when City firms are going back to the office “ The key thing I think we need to understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home working it ’ s a big problem for central London , ” Khan told LBC .
“ Many small businesses rely on your workers going to work , the café bars , the dry cleaners , the shoe repair shops and others .
”

Schroders becomes first major City firm to make home working permanent
Schroders notched net new business of £5.7bn in the first six months
Fund manager Schroders will allow thousands of its employees to continue working from home even after the pandemic, marking a huge shift in the way the City works.
The FTSE-100 listed firm is the first major City institution to tell staff they will not be required to return to the office five days a week.
Its plan to overhaul working patterns was revealed in an internal memo, seen by the Telegraph. Schroders declared a “new approach to flexible working”, allowing workers to choose when they want to be in the office.
Before the outbreak of coronavirus, staff had to be in the office at least four days a week. There will now be reportedly no expectations on how often employees will need to be at their desk, with staff reportedly free to agree working patterns with their respective managers.
In a recent interview, Schroders’ chief executive Peter Harrison said the pandemic had “changed society irrevocably”.
“The contract between society and business has changed forever,” he said. “The office will become a convening place where you get teams together, but the work will be done in people’s homes.”
This is likely to raise fresh fears among government figures that the shift in working patterns triggered by coronavirus will be permanent.
British office workers have been much slower to return to offices than counterparts in France, Germany and Italy according to analysis from Morgan Stanley’s research unit Alphawise.
Just over one-third of UK white-collar employees have returned to work since the lockdown, compared to almost three-quarters of staff in Europe.
Before news broke of Schroders’ shift to remote working, the mayor of London warned that empty offices in the capital are causing a “big problem” for the economy. Sadiq Khan urged big firms to reconsider decisions to stay away in a dramatic change of tact.
“The key thing I think we need to understand is that if we all stay at home working it’s a big problem for central London,” Khan told LBC.
“Many small businesses rely on your workers going to work, the café bars, the dry cleaners, the shoe repair shops and others.”


cityam--2020-08-16--Mike Ashley's Frasers Group bids for DW Sports

Mike Ashley ’ s Frasers Group has reportedly made a bid for DW Sports , the sports retail empire of his old rival Dave Whelan which collapsed earlier this month .
DW Sports announced it had appointed BDO as its administrator at the start of August .
It said it would be winding down its retail business , with its website ceasing trading with immediate effect .
Read more : Gym chain DW Sports collapses into administration , putting 1,700 jobs at risk The group ’ s sister company , Fitness First , will continue to trade as a separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be unaffected .
Frasers , formerly Sports Direct , has offered administrators more than £30m for the collapsed retailer , according to the Sunday Times .
BDO are said to have been asking for around £20m .
It follows a series of deals Ashley has made during a crisis in the British high street , including for Evans Cycles and House of Fraser .
There has been some speculation that Whelan ’ s family could buy back the business but an insider told the Sunday Times : “ If they thought they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they won ’ t now , because they ’ ve got competition.
” Retail and leisure businesses , which have already battled the shift to online , were hit hard by coronavirus lockdown restrictions in March .
DW Sports was forced to shut its 73 gyms and 75 sports stores due to the pandemic .
Just 42 of ts gyms and 44 of its stores are currently open .
Following the announcement , chief executive Martin Long said : “ Like many other retail businesses , the consequences of this extremely challenging operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DW Sports.
” The rivalry between Ashley and Whelan spans more than two decades .
In 2000 , the former Wigan Athletic owner Whelan told Ashley : “ There is a club in the north , son , and you ’ re not part of it.
” The Sports Direct owner retaliated by exposing the scam to fix the price of football shirts , which led to multimillion-pound fines from the Office of Fair Trading to those involved , including Whelan ’ s JJB .

Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group bids for DW Sports
Mike Ashley
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has reportedly made a bid for DW Sports, the sports retail empire of his old rival Dave Whelan which collapsed earlier this month.
DW Sports announced it had appointed BDO as its administrator at the start of August. It said it would be winding down its retail business, with its website ceasing trading with immediate effect.
The group’s sister company, Fitness First, will continue to trade as a separate company. Its 43 sports clubs will be unaffected.
Frasers, formerly Sports Direct, has offered administrators more than £30m for the collapsed retailer, according to the Sunday Times. BDO are said to have been asking for around £20m.
It follows a series of deals Ashley has made during a crisis in the British high street, including for Evans Cycles and House of Fraser. There has been some speculation that Whelan’s family could buy back the business but an insider told the Sunday Times: “If they thought they were going to get an easy deal, they won’t now, because they’ve got competition.”
Retail and leisure businesses, which have already battled the shift to online, were hit hard by coronavirus lockdown restrictions in March. DW Sports was forced to shut its 73 gyms and 75 sports stores due to the pandemic. Just 42 of ts gyms and 44 of its stores are currently open.
Following the announcement, chief executive Martin Long said: “Like many other retail businesses, the consequences of this extremely challenging operating market have created inevitable profitability issues for DW Sports.”
The rivalry between Ashley and Whelan spans more than two decades. In 2000, the former Wigan Athletic owner Whelan told Ashley: “There is a club in the north, son, and you’re not part of it.”
The Sports Direct owner retaliated by exposing the scam to fix the price of football shirts, which led to multimillion-pound fines from the Office of Fair Trading to those involved, including Whelan’s JJB.
BDO was contacted for comment.


cityam--2020-08-16--The City View: City A.M. co-founder Lawson Muncaster on returning the newspaper to print

In this episode Christian is joined by Lawson Muncaster , co-founder and managing director of City A.M. , to discuss the challenges posed by the last five months and the decision to return to print for Monday 7 September .
Lawson discusses how the company adapted to survive ; what life could look like in the Square Mile come the autumn ; and how City A.M. ’ s agility helped it navigate unprecedented challenges .
Also in this episode , Christian looks at the plans for London ’ s latest multi-million pound film studio ; Tesco ’ s response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic has brought an end to a centuries-old tradition at a Soho pub .
The episode also ends with a brief cameo appearance from Christian ’ s three year old son , Chaplin .
Read more : The City View : Euan Blair on why apprenticeships are key to unlocking talent ETX Capital is one of the UK ’ s leading spread betting and CFD trading providers , offering services to retail , institutional , professional and high net worth customers via an award-winning trading platform .
With over 50 years of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and service are always put first at ETX , and the company prides itself in offering a tailor-made trading experience to every customer .
The multi-device TraderPro platform delivers a fully customisable , award-winning trading technology with customisable charts , instant execution and over 5,000 markets to trade .
Disclaimer : Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage .
76 % of retail investor accounts lose money when spread betting or trading CFDs with ETX .
You should consider whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money .
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with Financial Services register number 124721 .
ETX Capital provides an execution-only service and therefore any market analysis , opinion , commentary or other information provided during this webinar is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a personal recommendation or construed as advice .
ETX Capital and the presenter are not financial or investment advisors and do not recommend any instrument of any kind .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cited only for illustrative and educational purposes .

The City View: City A.M. co-founder Lawson Muncaster on returning the newspaper to print
Subscribe to The City View Podcast: Apple / Google / Spotify / RSS
In this episode Christian is joined by Lawson Muncaster, co-founder and managing director of City A.M., to discuss the challenges posed by the last five months and the decision to return to print for Monday 7 September. Lawson discusses how the company adapted to survive; what life could look like in the Square Mile come the autumn; and how City A.M.’s agility helped it navigate unprecedented challenges.
Also in this episode, Christian looks at the plans for London’s latest multi-million pound film studio; Tesco’s response to the threat from Amazon; and how the pandemic has brought an end to a centuries-old tradition at a Soho pub. The episode also ends with a brief cameo appearance from Christian’s three year old son, Chaplin.
In association with ETX Capital
ETX Capital is one of the UK’s leading spread betting and CFD trading providers, offering services to retail, institutional, professional and high net worth customers via an award-winning trading platform. With over 50 years of experience in the financial markets, customers and service are always put first at ETX, and the company prides itself in offering a tailor-made trading experience to every customer. The multi-device TraderPro platform delivers a fully customisable, award-winning trading technology with customisable charts, instant execution and over 5,000 markets to trade.
Disclaimer: Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when spread betting or trading CFDs with ETX. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets or CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with Financial Services register number 124721. ETX Capital provides an execution-only service and therefore any market analysis, opinion, commentary or other information provided during this webinar is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a personal recommendation or construed as advice. ETX Capital and the presenter are not financial or investment advisors and do not recommend any instrument of any kind. Any instruments that are mentioned throughout are cited only for illustrative and educational purposes.


cityam--2020-08-16--Housing market 'mini-boom' accelerates as buying substitutes summer holidays

Brits have turned to home-buying to fill the summer holiday void post-lockdown as the “ mini-boom ” continues to accelerate .
There is usually a seasonal slowdown in market activity over summer , as buyers and sellers focus on summer holidays .
But given the current coronavirus restrictions , movers are placing more property on the market and have agreed more sales than for over a decade .
Read more : UK house prices move out of negative territory for first time since March Rightmove ’ s latest house price index released today reveals the highest number of monthly sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is up by 20 per cent on the previous high , and with a record total value of over £37bn .
The latest figures also show the highest number of properties coming to market in a month since March 2008 .
Prices also usually fall in this period but there have been monthly price increases in ten out of twelve regions , with a record high in new seller asking prices in seven of the regions .
However London is dragging down the national average to a 0.2 per cent decline due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasonal monthly fall .
Evidence of a “ mini-boom ” emerged in July ’ s figures which showed the average asking price of property coming to market was up 2.4 per cent compared to March , before lockdown measures were announced .
The government opened the English property market on 13 May , and has since announced a stamp duty holiday to reignite the housing market .
Rightmove housing market analyst Miles Shipside said : “ Rather than just a release of existing pent-up demand due to the suspension of the housing market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added layer of additional demand due to people ’ s changed housing priorities after the experience of lockdown .
This is also keeping up the momentum of the unexpected mini-boom , which is now going longer and faster.
” Additionally the figures show the increase in activity is not just a result of the stamp duty holiday , as sales agreed are up across all sectors of the market .
In the first-time buyer sector they are up 29 per cent , 38 per cent in the second stepper sector and 59 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , property expert at MovingHomeAdvice.com says : “ This explosion of activity is not just a consequence of the fuel of stamp-duty-respite but a market that has proven time and again that it is robust even in the most challenging of circumstances.
” “ You can apparently throw Brexit , political turmoil , a couple of general elections and a once in a century pandemic at it yet it still marches on .
Like the proverbial cockroach , no matter what you do to kill it , it simply will not die ” @

UK housing market surges in busiest month in 10 years
Brits have turned to home-buying to fill the summer holiday void post-lockdown as the UK housing market’s “mini-boom” accelerated in August.
Rightmove’s latest house price index released today reveals the highest number of monthly sales in more than 10 years in August. It is up by 20 per cent on the previous high, and with a record total value of over £37bn.
There is usually a seasonal slowdown in UK housing market activity over summer, as buyers and sellers focus on summer holidays.
But given the current coronavirus restrictions, movers are placing more property on the market and have agreed more sales than in over a decade.
The latest figures also show the highest number of UK properties coming to the housing market in a month since March 2008.
House prices also usually fall in this period but there have been monthly price increases in 10 out of 12 regions, with a record high in new seller asking prices in seven of the regions.
London house prices dent UK housing market ‘mini-boom’
However, London dragged down the national average to a 0.2 per cent decline due to its more typical two per cent seasonal monthly fall.
Evidence of a “mini-boom” first emerged in July’s figures, which showed the average asking price of property coming to market was up 2.4 per cent compared to March, before lockdown measures were announced.
The government reopened the UK housing market on 13 May after lockdown, and has since announced a stamp duty holiday to reignite the housing market.
Rightmove housing market analyst Miles Shipside said: “Rather than just a release of existing pent-up demand due to the suspension of the housing market during lockdown, there’s an added layer of additional demand due to people’s changed housing priorities after the experience of lockdown.
“This is also keeping up the momentum of the unexpected mini-boom, which is now going longer and faster.”
Additionally the figures show the increase in activity is not just a result of the stamp duty holiday. Instead, sales agreed are up across all sectors of the market. In the first-time buyer sector they are up 29 per cent, 38 per cent in the second stepper sector and 59 per cent for larger homes.
Russell Quirk, property expert at MovingHomeAdvice.com, said: “This explosion of activity is not just a consequence of the fuel of stamp-duty-respite but a market that has proven time and again that it is robust even in the most challenging of circumstances.
“You can apparently throw Brexit, political turmoil, a couple of general elections and a once in a century pandemic at it yet it still marches on. Like the proverbial cockroach, no matter what you do to kill it, it simply will not die.”
More stimulus to come?
Tomer Aboody, director of property lender MT Finance, said the summer shift in housebuyers’ attitudes is no surprise with popular holiday destinations subject to UK quarantine rules.
“The vast majority are staying in the UK and getting on with buying and selling,” he said.
“This buoyant surge in sales and properties coming to market underlines the shift in priorities in terms of buyers’ attitude to moving and their requirements.
“Outside London, the housing market has been busy with workers looking for commuter belt homes which are cheaper than the capital but also bigger for working from home and with outside space for the children.
Aboody said the stamp duty cut does not benefit London buyers nearly as much, with the new threshold set at £500,000.
Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman, added that pent-up demand over lockdown is adding the UK housing market’s bounce back.
“Despite some suggestions the momentum may fizzle out, there is not yet any sign of bad economic news raining on the parade,” he added.
“On the contrary, a more broad-based sustainable recovery may be underway with increased activity in most price ranges. If anything, the market is more likely to be restrained by lender delays in mortgage underwriting than a drop in buyer enthusiasm.”


cityam--2020-08-16--Fund managers back scheme to tackle underrepresentation of Black people in the City

The fund management industry has come together to tackle the chronic underrepresentation of Black talent in the City .
The # 100blackinterns initiative , which launches today , will bring together many of the industry ’ s leading names to give opportunities to university educated Black people trying to establish a career in the City .
Read more : Goldman Sachs sets new diversity goals for employing vice presidents Eighty leading firms , including Legal & General , Schroders and Goldman Sachs , are joining the initiative as the industry reflects on the chronic underrepresentation of Black people in British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be no more than 12 black portfolio managers in the entire UK investment management industry , according to a 2018 study by New Financial .
The firms will offer a minimum of 100 paid internships , in front line investment roles , next summer to university-educated youths of Black origin .
The programme has firms participating from all parts of the investment management industry including long only and hedge funds , private equity , credit and real estate managers , together with consultants and pension funds .
The initiative is led by Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Dawid Konotey-Ahulu , cofounder of Redington and Mallowstreet .
Michael Barrington-Hibbert , founder and managing partner of Barrington Hibbert Associates and Wol Kolade , managing partner of Livingbridge , are also helping to coordinate the scheme .
Sorrell said : “ We felt we wanted to do something really tangible to build a bench of compelling Black talent in our industry for the long-term .
By providing such a special entry point into portfolio management , we hope to attract great Black students to a career path they may not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ‘ at least double ’ black employees in its upper ranks Like fund managers , leading banks have in recent weeks set new diversity goals , reflecting a growing acknowledgment that most top roles are held by white men .
HSBC told staff last month that it will “ at least double ” the number of black employees in its upper ranks .
Boss Noel Quinn admitted in an internal memo that the bank ’ s failure to publish data on ethnicity had created a “ feeling of mistrust among black colleagues.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2025 it wants seven per cent of its vice presidents to be Black and nine per cent to be Latino.Chief executive David Solomon also said the bank was aiming for 40 per cent of its employees with the vice president title to be female .
Gender diversity in UK banks is starting to improve , albeit gradually , but it has started to overtake European and US rivals at board level .
Figures from New Street Group released today reveal 37 per cent of board members at UK banks are now women , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent in Europe and the US respectively .
The figures also show investment banks have started to shed their heavily male image , with the percentage of women on the boards having grown from 25 per cent in 2015 to 31 per cent in 2020 .
American multinational Citi has the highest proportion of women on its board at 44 per cent , followed by Lazards at 36 per cent .
Managing director of New Street Group , Andrew McIntee said : “ Some investment banks have had a reputation for being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level but there has been real progress on that front in recent years .
More women have moved into senior roles in investment banking , both as executives and non-execs .
”

Fund managers back scheme to tackle underrepresentation of Black people in the City
The fund management industry has come together to tackle the chronic underrepresentation of Black talent in the City.
The #100blackinterns initiative, which launches today, will bring together many of the industry’s leading names to give opportunities to university educated Black people trying to establish a career in the City.
Eighty leading firms, including Legal & General, Schroders and Goldman Sachs, are joining the initiative as the industry reflects on the chronic underrepresentation of Black people in British financial institutions.
There are believed to be no more than 12 black portfolio managers in the entire UK investment management industry, according to a 2018 study by New Financial.
The firms will offer a minimum of 100 paid internships, in front line investment roles, next summer to university-educated youths of Black origin.
The programme has firms participating from all parts of the investment management industry including long only and hedge funds, private equity, credit and real estate managers, together with consultants and pension funds.
The initiative is led by Jonathan Sorrell, president of Capstone Investment Advisors, and Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, cofounder of Redington and Mallowstreet. Michael Barrington-Hibbert, founder and managing partner of Barrington Hibbert Associates and Wol Kolade, managing partner of Livingbridge, are also helping to coordinate the scheme.
Sorrell said: “We felt we wanted to do something really tangible to build a bench of compelling Black talent in our industry for the long-term. By providing such a special entry point into portfolio management, we hope to attract great Black students to a career path they may not have otherwise contemplated.”
Financial institutions attempt to improve diversity
Like fund managers, leading banks have in recent weeks set new diversity goals, reflecting a growing acknowledgment that most top roles are held by white men.
HSBC told staff last month that it will “at least double” the number of black employees in its upper ranks. Boss Noel Quinn admitted in an internal memo that the bank’s failure to publish data on ethnicity had created a “feeling of mistrust among black colleagues.”
Goldman Sachs recently said that by 2025 it wants seven per cent of its vice presidents to be Black and nine per cent to be Latino.Chief executive David Solomon also said the bank was aiming for 40 per cent of its employees with the vice president title to be female.
Gender diversity in UK banks is starting to improve, albeit gradually, but it has started to overtake European and US rivals at board level.
Figures from New Street Group released today reveal 37 per cent of board members at UK banks are now women, compared to 35 per cent and 33 per cent in Europe and the US respectively.
The figures also show investment banks have started to shed their heavily male image, with the percentage of women on the boards having grown from 25 per cent in 2015 to 31 per cent in 2020.
American multinational Citi has the highest proportion of women on its board at 44 per cent, followed by Lazards at 36 per cent.
Managing director of New Street Group, Andrew McIntee said: “Some investment banks have had a reputation for being an ‘all-boys club’ at board level but there has been real progress on that front in recent years. More women have moved into senior roles in investment banking, both as executives and non-execs.”


cityam--2020-08-16--UK tradespeople remain optimistic despite pandemic uncertainty

Tradespeople in the UK continue to remain optimistic for near-term workloads despite the economic havoc triggered by the pandemic .
A survey of over 1,300 tradespeople conducted by builders ’ merchant Travis Perkins , found half of the respondents believe their workloads will increase and will have to buy new materials over the next two months .
Read more : UK construction sector slashes more jobs despite post-lockdown boom The first publication of the Repair , Maintenance and Improvement ( RMI ) Index reveals a confidence score for upcoming workload of 52 .
This is higher than it was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago – 45 – and significantly higher than when it slumped to minus 7 during the financial crisis .
Chief executive of Travis Perkins , Nick Roberts said : “ I am reassured to see the nation ’ s tradespeople are feeling upbeat about the outlook for their businesses over the next two months.
” “ Despite the economic challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic , the majority of tradespeople told us that they are , on the whole , looking towards increased workloads , greater requirements for materials and a resurgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perkins ’ poll of the nation ’ s builders , electricians , plumbers and other tradespeople found 72 per cent think work will come from domestic repairs and maintenance .
This compares to 16 per cent from new build housing , 15 per cent from commercial and industrial activity and 15 per cent from public sector work .
Just two per cent of respondents believe work will come from infrastructure projects , despite the Prime Minister ’ s election promise to “ level up ” .
Read more : Construction sector rebounds sharply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation ’ s tradespeople about the upcoming Brexit deadline .
Over a third of respondents believe a “ no deal ” outcome to the negotiations will have no impact on their business .
While some are still clearly concerned , almost all – 97 per cent – of those surveyed are taking no measures to prepare for this outcome .
Roberts added : “ The nation ’ s army of tradespeople already significantly contribute to our economy , but we are also acutely aware of the hugely important role they have played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Their confidence in the near-term outlook and resilience in the face of such challenging market conditions is something that should give us all cause for optimism at this time .
”

UK tradespeople remain optimistic despite pandemic uncertainty
Tradespeople in the UK continue to remain optimistic for near-term workloads despite the economic havoc triggered by the pandemic.
A survey of over 1,300 tradespeople conducted by builders’ merchant Travis Perkins, found half of the respondents believe their workloads will increase and will have to buy new materials over the next two months.
The first publication of the Repair, Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) Index reveals a confidence score for upcoming workload of 52.
This is higher than it was in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum four years ago – 45 – and significantly higher than when it slumped to minus 7 during the financial crisis.
Chief executive of Travis Perkins, Nick Roberts said: “I am reassured to see the nation’s tradespeople are feeling upbeat about the outlook for their businesses over the next two months.”
“Despite the economic challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, the majority of tradespeople told us that they are, on the whole, looking towards increased workloads, greater requirements for materials and a resurgent domestic repair and improvement market.”
Travis Perkins’ poll of the nation’s builders, electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople found 72 per cent think work will come from domestic repairs and maintenance.
This compares to 16 per cent from new build housing, 15 per cent from commercial and industrial activity and 15 per cent from public sector work. Just two per cent of respondents believe work will come from infrastructure projects, despite the Prime Minister’s election promise to “level up”.
The report also asked the nation’s tradespeople about the upcoming Brexit deadline. Over a third of respondents believe a “no deal” outcome to the negotiations will have no impact on their business. While some are still clearly concerned, almost all – 97 per cent – of those surveyed are taking no measures to prepare for this outcome.
Roberts added: “The nation’s army of tradespeople already significantly contribute to our economy, but we are also acutely aware of the hugely important role they have played in supporting their communities during the pandemic. Their confidence in the near-term outlook and resilience in the face of such challenging market conditions is something that should give us all cause for optimism at this time.”


cityam--2020-08-16--Belarus protests continue as Lukashenko claims Nato tanks are on the border

Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Minsk again today to protest against the allegedly fixed election result that returned Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to power .
The “ March for Freedom ” has seen Belarusian opponents of Lukashenko clash with police , after Lukashenko won last week ’ s electoin with 80 per cent of the vote .
At least two protesters have died in the demonstrations and Lukashenko ’ s opponent in the election , Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya , has been forced to flee to Lithuania for her own safety .
Lukashenko held his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller affair than the protests contesting his 26-year reign as head of Belarus .
The President – often described as Europe ’ s last dictator – called his opponents “ rats ” at the rally and also claimed that Nato countries were stationing military personnel close to the Belarus border .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data Lukashenko also said Lithuania , Latvia , Poland and Ukraine had urged him to run the election again , advice which he has flatly rebuffed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will go into a tailspin , ” he said .
Protests began last week shortly after Belarusian authorities declared Lukashenko had won another term by a landslide result .
There has been widespread evidence of poll rigging that has come to light since , including pictures of people stealing ballot papers from polling stations .
Tikhanovskaya claims that if the election had been conducted fairly then she would have won with more than 60 per cent of the vote .
Read more : Russia names new vaccine after iconic satellite Sputnik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ally Russian President Vladimir Putin for military help if need be .
Putin has told his Belarusian counterpart that he was prepared to help Lukashenko “ in accordance with the collective military pact if necessary ” .

Belarus protests continue as Lukashenko claims Nato tanks are on the border
Protesters during a demonstration in support of the government on August 16, 2020 in Minsk, Belarus
Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Minsk again today to protest against the allegedly fixed election result that returned Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to power.
The “March for Freedom” has seen Belarusian opponents of Lukashenko clash with police, after Lukashenko won last week’s electoin with 80 per cent of the vote.
At least two protesters have died in the demonstrations and Lukashenko’s opponent in the election, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has been forced to flee to Lithuania for her own safety.
Lukashenko held his own rally today, which was a much smaller affair than the protests contesting his 26-year reign as head of Belarus.
The President – often described as Europe’s last dictator – called his opponents “rats” at the rally and also claimed that Nato countries were stationing military personnel close to the Belarus border.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Lukashenko also said Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Ukraine had urged him to run the election again, advice which he has flatly rebuffed.
“If we kowtow to them, we will go into a tailspin,” he said.
Protests began last week shortly after Belarusian authorities declared Lukashenko had won another term by a landslide result.
There has been widespread evidence of poll rigging that has come to light since, including pictures of people stealing ballot papers from polling stations.
Tikhanovskaya claims that if the election had been conducted fairly then she would have won with more than 60 per cent of the vote.
Lukasehnko has made a plea to close ally Russian President Vladimir Putin for military help if need be.
Putin has told his Belarusian counterpart that he was prepared to help Lukashenko “in accordance with the collective military pact if necessary”.


cityam--2020-08-16--Trade groups threaten legal action over post-Brexit customs system

The government ’ s new post-Brexit customs system may face a legal challenge , after trade bodies have complained it will distort competition .
The Sunday Telegraph reports that trade bodies clashed with HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) at a meeting of its customs experts panel .
Read more : Lords urge government to protect UK creative industries in post-Brexit trade deal Trade bodies expressed their concern that the new Trader Support Service , which will see the government act as a customs agent on behalf of traders , will ruin firms that offer customs brokerage services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a legal challenge to the system in order to protect firms they represent .
The British International Freight Association told The Telegraph that its members “ were fuming ” that there would be no compensation for losing customs brokerage revenues .
The Trader Support Service will be operational from next month and will be free at the point of use .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said it would help protect post-Brexit trade flows between Great Britain and Northern Ireland when the UK leaves the EU ’ s customs union on 1 January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM : ‘ Landing zone ’ for a Brexit trade deal in sight An HMRM spokesperson said : ” “ The TSS will provide unprecedented support to all businesses engaging in new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol and its announcement has been warmly received by them .
“ We are running a transparent and open procurement process to identify a bidder capable of delivering this and will ensure a service that is fully compliant with the law .
We are engaging actively with stakeholders as part of this process .
”

Trade groups threaten legal action over post-Brexit customs system
Freight lorries prepare to leave the Port of Dover after disembarking from a cross-channel ferry, in Dover on the south coast of England on June 12, 2020. – Britain will apply “light-touch” border checks on goods from the European Union when the Brexit transition period ends this year so as to help firms hit by the coronavirus crisis, reports said Friday. Ministers have ditched plans to introduce a more rigorous regime following pressure from businesses struggling with the fallout from the pandemic, according to the Financial Times and the BBC. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
The government’s new post-Brexit customs system may face a legal challenge, after trade bodies have complained it will distort competition.
The Sunday Telegraph reports that trade bodies clashed with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at a meeting of its customs experts panel.
Trade bodies expressed their concern that the new Trader Support Service, which will see the government act as a customs agent on behalf of traders, will ruin firms that offer customs brokerage services.
Trade groups are now reportedly weighing up a legal challenge to the system in order to protect firms they represent.
The British International Freight Association told The Telegraph that its members “were fuming” that there would be no compensation for losing customs brokerage revenues.
The Trader Support Service will be operational from next month and will be free at the point of use.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said it would help protect post-Brexit trade flows between Great Britain and Northern Ireland when the UK leaves the EU’s customs union on 1 January next year.
An HMRM spokesperson said: ” “The TSS will provide unprecedented support to all businesses engaging in new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol and its announcement has been warmly received by them.
“We are running a transparent and open procurement process to identify a bidder capable of delivering this and will ensure a service that is fully compliant with the law. We are engaging actively with stakeholders as part of this process.”


cityam--2020-08-16--Sadiq Khan allies claim Number 10 is trying to weaken City Hall

Allies of Sadiq Khan are worried the government is making a concerted attempt to transfer power away from City Hall .
The mayor of London has had a series of conflicts with the government , beginning with a set of conditions placed on a £1.6bn TfL bailout from the government .
Read more : Sadiq Khan says coronavirus app delay has ‘ cost valuable time ’ The terms of the bailout saw Boris Johnson put people on the board of TfL and effectively strip away some of Khan ’ s powers as the head of the transport body .
Khan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public services , after City Hall suffered a blow to its revenues due to coronavirus , unless the government provides financial assistance .
The budget black hole also led Khan to announce he would be moving City Hall away from its Southwark location to Newham in East London to save £11m a year .
People close to Khan told The Observer that Johnson ’ s staff in Number 10 – some of whom worked at City Hall when he was mayor – are trying to transfer power away from the mayor of London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Observer : “ They are taking funding away from London and restricting the power of the mayoralty at every possible opportunity.
” Several of the Prime Minister ’ s senior staff worked at City Hall when Johnson was mayor between 2008 and 2016 .
This includes chief of staff Eddie Lister , Policy Unit chief Munira Mizra and transport adviser Andrew Gilligan .
A City Hall Tory source denied there was any power grab directed at Khan .
Read more : Sadiq Khan admits empty offices are a ‘ big problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Observer : “ You ’ ve got a situation where , most of the time , you ’ re going to get a Labour mayor .
“ That means having to be prepared to work with a Conservative government , but he hasn ’ t shown the slightest inkling of wanting to do that .
”

Sadiq Khan allies claim Number 10 is trying to weaken City Hall
London mayor Sadiq Khan (C) and Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson take part in a vigil at the Guildhall in central London to pay tribute to the victims of the London Bridge terror attack on December 2, 2019. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)
Allies of Sadiq Khan are worried the government is making a concerted attempt to transfer power away from City Hall.
The mayor of London has had a series of conflicts with the government, beginning with a set of conditions placed on a £1.6bn TfL bailout from the government.
The terms of the bailout saw Boris Johnson put people on the board of TfL and effectively strip away some of Khan’s powers as the head of the transport body.
Khan has also threatened to cut funding to public services, after City Hall suffered a blow to its revenues due to coronavirus, unless the government provides financial assistance.
The budget black hole also led Khan to announce he would be moving City Hall away from its Southwark location to Newham in East London to save £11m a year.
People close to Khan told The Observer that Johnson’s staff in Number 10 – some of whom worked at City Hall when he was mayor – are trying to transfer power away from the mayor of London to Whitehall.
One senior Labour source told The Observer: “They are taking funding away from London and restricting the power of the mayoralty at every possible opportunity.”
Several of the Prime Minister’s senior staff worked at City Hall when Johnson was mayor between 2008 and 2016.
This includes chief of staff Eddie Lister, Policy Unit chief Munira Mizra and transport adviser Andrew Gilligan.
A City Hall Tory source denied there was any power grab directed at Khan.
They told the Observer: “You’ve got a situation where, most of the time, you’re going to get a Labour mayor.
“That means having to be prepared to work with a Conservative government, but he hasn’t shown the slightest inkling of wanting to do that.”