cityam--2020-12-07--Jacob Rees-Mogg tells Rishi Sunak that raising taxes will cost Tories next election

Jacob Rees-Mogg has warned Rishi Sunak that he will cost the Tories the next election if he raises taxes next year in what could be the start of a cabinet row .
The Leader of the House of Commons said on his Moggcast podcast last night that raising taxes would damage the UK ’ s economic recovery and lead to a breakdown of trust with the electorate .
Read more : Rishi Sunak set to raise taxes in spring to pay off Covid debt bill Rees-Mogg cited the case of George H.W .
Bush who was defeated by Bill Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a promise to not raise taxes during his first presidential term .
“ ‘ Read my lips – no new taxes ’ — George Bush Sr said this again and again and again , ” Rees-Mogg said .
“ And then when it came to the Gulf War and the economic downturn , he broke his promise and he lost the ensuing election .
“ No sensible party or government ever breaks manifesto commitments willy nilly – it needs extraordinary circumstances and it also needs public consent.
” Before the Open newsletter : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast and key market data Rees-Mogg added : “ I think most people would agree that at the point at which an economy is coming out of an extraordinarily deep slump , that is not the time when you want to slap the economy down with higher taxes.
” Sunak has spent more than £200bn during the Covid crisis and this year ’ s budget deficit is expect to hit to historic highs .
The chancellor has signalled on multiple occasions that he will likely have to raise taxes next year , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his crosshairs .
Boris Johnson went to the 2019 election promising not to raise VAT , income tax or National Insurance in what he called a triple tax lock .
Treasury Select Committee chair , and Tory MP , Mel Stride told City A.M. earlier this year that Sunak would have to break the triple tax lock to balance the nation ’ s finances .
“ Given where we are , tax is going to have to play a significant role in getting us through and dealing with the deficit in the longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s hard to believe that you can ’ t do anything around those – that you can avoid doing anything around those [ three ] taxes…you have to look at the broad-based taxes to do the heavy lifting .
”

Jacob Rees-Mogg tells Rishi Sunak that raising taxes will cost Tories next election
Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, arrives at Downing Street on November 10, 2020
Jacob Rees-Mogg has warned Rishi Sunak that he will cost the Tories the next election if he raises taxes next year in what could be the start of a cabinet row.
The Leader of the House of Commons said on his Moggcast podcast last night that raising taxes would damage the UK’s economic recovery and lead to a breakdown of trust with the electorate.
Rees-Mogg cited the case of George H.W. Bush who was defeated by Bill Clinton in the 1992 election, after breaking a promise to not raise taxes during his first presidential term.
“‘Read my lips – no new taxes’ — George Bush Sr said this again and again and again,” Rees-Mogg said.
“And then when it came to the Gulf War and the economic downturn, he broke his promise and he lost the ensuing election.
“No sensible party or government ever breaks manifesto commitments willy nilly – it needs extraordinary circumstances and it also needs public consent.”
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Rees-Mogg added: “I think most people would agree that at the point at which an economy is coming out of an extraordinarily deep slump, that is not the time when you want to slap the economy down with higher taxes.”
Sunak has spent more than £200bn during the Covid crisis and this year’s budget deficit is expect to hit to historic highs.
The chancellor has signalled on multiple occasions that he will likely have to raise taxes next year, with capital gains tax thought to be in his crosshairs.
Boris Johnson went to the 2019 election promising not to raise VAT, income tax or National Insurance in what he called a triple tax lock.
Treasury Select Committee chair, and Tory MP, Mel Stride told City A.M. earlier this year that Sunak would have to break the triple tax lock to balance the nation’s finances.
“Given where we are, tax is going to have to play a significant role in getting us through and dealing with the deficit in the longer term,” Stride said.
“It’s hard to believe that you can’t do anything around those – that you can avoid doing anything around those [three] taxes…you have to look at the broad-based taxes to do the heavy lifting.”


cityam--2020-12-08--Consumer spending rises ahead of Christmas but retailers still feeling the pinch

Early Christmas shopping helped boost consumer spending last month but lockdown restrictions continued to hit retailers .
Spending dropped 1.9 per cent last month as restrictions took effect but spending on essential items climbed 4.9 per cent , according to the latest data from Barclaycard .
Read more : Londoners rush back to the shops as lockdown ends Supermarkets enjoyed a 17.9 per cent rise in sales with a staggering 97.4 per cent jump in online shopping ahead of Christmas .
Physical stores experienced an inevitable dip amid lockdown , with data from the British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales of non-food items declined 18.6 per cent over the three months to November .
But Barclaycard ’ s data shows that general retailers and clothing enjoyed online rises of 73.9 per cent and 35.6 per cent respectively .
Early Christmas shopping also helped to boost online spend at specialist retailers – 85.8 per cent – a category which includes toy shops , jewellers and gift shops .
“ Extended discount periods helped spread demand and offered customers great deals on gifts including the latest gaming consoles , other electronics and home accessories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive of the BRC .
“ However , the disparity between online and in-store non-food sales widened , with the highest online penetration rate since May.
” The rise in spending is in part because of steep discounting but also because people have been boosted by news of a vaccine rollout .
Barclaycard ’ s data reveals a third of Brits say they are feeling more upbeat about their finances and job security as a result .
Read more : Little ‘ Christmas cheer ’ as UK consumer confidence falls Similarly , confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent , up slightly on the previous month at 67 per cent .
Raheel Ahmed , head of Consumer Products at Barclaycard , said : “ Despite the restrictions in November , Brits are feeling more positive about their household finances as they start to prepare for the festive season .
Christmas trees are going up just that bit earlier , and many are planning to spend more treating their loved ones after such a testing year .
”

Consumer spending rises ahead of Christmas but retailers still feeling the pinch
(Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)
Early Christmas shopping helped boost consumer spending last month but lockdown restrictions continued to hit retailers.
Spending dropped 1.9 per cent last month as restrictions took effect but spending on essential items climbed 4.9 per cent, according to the latest data from Barclaycard.
Supermarkets enjoyed a 17.9 per cent rise in sales with a staggering 97.4 per cent jump in online shopping ahead of Christmas.
Physical stores experienced an inevitable dip amid lockdown, with data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG also released today showing in-store sales of non-food items declined 18.6 per cent over the three months to November.
But Barclaycard’s data shows that general retailers and clothing enjoyed online rises of 73.9 per cent and 35.6 per cent respectively.
Early Christmas shopping also helped to boost online spend at specialist retailers – 85.8 per cent – a category which includes toy shops, jewellers and gift shops.
“Extended discount periods helped spread demand and offered customers great deals on gifts including the latest gaming consoles, other electronics and home accessories,” said Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC. “However, the disparity between online and in-store non-food sales widened, with the highest online penetration rate since May.”
The rise in spending is in part because of steep discounting but also because people have been boosted by news of a vaccine rollout. Barclaycard’s data reveals a third of Brits say they are feeling more upbeat about their finances and job security as a result.
Similarly, confidence in household finances remained steady at 69 per cent, up slightly on the previous month at 67 per cent.
Raheel Ahmed, head of Consumer Products at Barclaycard, said: “Despite the restrictions in November, Brits are feeling more positive about their household finances as they start to prepare for the festive season. Christmas trees are going up just that bit earlier, and many are planning to spend more treating their loved ones after such a testing year.”


cityam--2020-12-08--Normal People and Killing Eve are iPlayer's biggest successes of the year

The BBC adaptation of Normal people , Sally Rooney ’ s romantic novel has been iPlayer ’ s biggest success of the year so far , closely followed by Killing Eve .
Between the 1 January and the end of November there were 62 million views of Normal people on iPlayer .
The romantic drama tops a record-breaking year for iPlayer , with the BBC ’ s streaming service seeing more than 5 billion annual requests .
The increase in viewers follows a surge in demand for streaming services since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic , with many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more : Boom or bust : Radio veterans take on BBC with new baby boomer station Killing Eve ’ s third series is the second most popular series of the year , with 39m requests .
The Killing Eve series saw the biggest single episode of the year so far on iPlayer , with 7.4m requests to stream the first episode .
Normal People ’ s debut episode took the second spot , with over 6.3m .
Dan McGolpin , controller of BBC iPlayer , said : “ It ’ s been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but through two national lockdowns and many difficult months BBC iPlayer has been there to keep us entertained and well informed wherever you are throughout the UK , seeing 5 billion requests for the first time ever .
It ’ s pleasing to see the sensational adaptation of Sally Rooney ’ s Normal People take top slot as the biggest series of the year ” .
Other popular shows this year with viewers include : The Secrets She Keeps , Mike Bartlett ’ s Life , I May Destroy You , and The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could return as on-air channel after Normal People and Fleabag success

Normal People and Killing Eve are iPlayer’s biggest successes of the year
The BBC adaptation of Normal people, Sally Rooney’s romantic novel has been iPlayer’s biggest success of the year so far, closely followed by Killing Eve.
Between the 1 January and the end of November there were 62 million views of Normal people on iPlayer.
The romantic drama tops a record-breaking year for iPlayer, with the BBC’s streaming service seeing more than 5 billion annual requests.
The increase in viewers follows a surge in demand for streaming services since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many people spending more time at home.
Killing Eve’s third series is the second most popular series of the year, with 39m requests.
The Killing Eve series saw the biggest single episode of the year so far on iPlayer, with 7.4m requests to stream the first episode.
Normal People’s debut episode took the second spot, with over 6.3m.
Dan McGolpin, controller of BBC iPlayer, said: “It’s been a tough year for so many of us but through two national lockdowns and many difficult months BBC iPlayer has been there to keep us entertained and well informed wherever you are throughout the UK, seeing 5 billion requests for the first time ever. It’s pleasing to see the sensational adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People take top slot as the biggest series of the year”.
Other popular shows this year with viewers include: The Secrets She Keeps, Mike Bartlett’s Life, I May Destroy You, and The Nest.


cityam--2020-12-07--Uber pulls plug on own self-driving car programme

Uber has abandoned plans to create its own self-driving car , and will instead take a minority stake in Aurora , a driverless vehicle start-up backed by Amazon and Sequoia , an American venture capital firm .
Uber will transfer its 1,200-employee self-driving unit to Aurora , which at present has 600 staff , and will invest $ 400m into the project , the Financial Times reported .
Read more : Uber ’ s back and its rivals will just have to deal with it According to the FT , Eric Meyhofer , the head of the self-driving unit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave Uber .
Uber ’ s self-driving car project was marred by tragedy in 2018 when one of its self-driving cars struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona .
Read more : Uber touts safety updates in second day of London court battle The car hit and killed 49-year old Elaine Herzberg while it was in autonomous mode with a human monitor behind the wheel .
Uber avoided criminal liability following the incident , however its self-driving car testing programme was suspended and remained drastically scaled back in the two years that followed @

Uber pulls plug on own self-driving car programme
Uber has put permanent breaks on its own self-driving car project.
Uber has abandoned plans to create its own self-driving car, and will instead take a minority stake in Aurora, a driverless vehicle start-up backed by Amazon and Sequoia, an American venture capital firm.
Uber will transfer its 1,200-employee self-driving unit to Aurora, which at present has 600 staff, and will invest $400m into the project, the Financial Times reported.
According to the FT, Eric Meyhofer, the head of the self-driving unit, will not be joining Aurora and will leave Uber.
Uber’s self-driving car project was marred by tragedy in 2018 when one of its self-driving cars struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona.
The car hit and killed 49-year old Elaine Herzberg while it was in autonomous mode with a human monitor behind the wheel.
Uber avoided criminal liability following the incident, however its self-driving car testing programme was suspended and remained drastically scaled back in the two years that followed.


cityam--2020-12-07--Nasdaq hits record high as Apple and Facebook enjoy bounce

The tech-heavy Nasdaq has hit a record high today rising 0.4 per cent , as several of its largest constituents rose in value .
Apple stock jumped 1.56 per cent and Facebook rose 2.05 per cent , but a decline in names such as Alphabet and Microsoft kept major averages in check .
Large cap growth stocks , which had underperformed value stock names in recent weeks as investors looked to names likely to benefit from a reopened economy , edged up 0.21 per cent while value fell 0.80 per cent .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 209.4 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30,008.86 , the S & P 500 lost 14.6 points , or 0.39 per cent , to 3,684.52 and the Nasdaq Composite added 36.96 points , or 0.3 per cent , to 12,501.19 .
Weighing heavily on value names were energy stocks , as the S & P 500 energy index fell 0.21 per cent – the worst performing among the 11 major sectors as oil prices slipped .
The sector has been the best performer this quarter , climbing nearly 30 per cent .
Read more : No-deal Brexit could force the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Promising vaccine updates from major drugmakers have raised investor hopes for an economic recovery next year and eased worries over a surge in U.S. infections , powering Wall Street ’ s main indexes to record highs recently .
Meanwhile Brexit uncertainty paradoxically helped the FTSE 100 outperform European markets , as a tumbling pound boosted the index .
The FTSE was 0.4 per cent higher shortly after midday , trading at around 6,577 points .
Sterling was down 1.2 per cent to $ 1.328 , having touched a two-year high on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress in Brexit talks .
Yet the pound ’ s fall helped the FTSE 100 by making the overseas earnings of the index ’ s multinationals worth more in relative terms .
Read more : Brexit : UK and EU to resume talks after reported breakthrough on fishing In Europe , Germany ’ s Dax slipped 0.3 per cent and France ’ s CAC 40 was down 0.7 per cent as investors were pulled in different directions by coronavirus worries and vaccine hopes .
The Europe-wide Stoxx 600 was down 0.3 per cent @

Nasdaq hits record high as Apple and Facebook enjoy bounce
The tech-heavy Nasdaq has hit a record high today rising 0.4 per cent, as several of its largest constituents rose in value.
Apple stock jumped 1.56 per cent and Facebook rose 2.05 per cent, but a decline in names such as Alphabet and Microsoft kept major averages in check.
Large cap growth stocks, which had underperformed value stock names in recent weeks as investors looked to names likely to benefit from a reopened economy, edged up 0.21 per cent while value fell 0.80 per cent.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 209.4 points, or 0.69 per cent, to 30,008.86, the S&P 500 lost 14.6 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 3,684.52 and the Nasdaq Composite added 36.96 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 12,501.19.
Weighing heavily on value names were energy stocks, as the S&P 500 energy index fell 0.21 per cent – the worst performing among the 11 major sectors as oil prices slipped. The sector has been the best performer this quarter, climbing nearly 30 per cent.
Promising vaccine updates from major drugmakers have raised investor hopes for an economic recovery next year and eased worries over a surge in U.S. infections, powering Wall Street’s main indexes to record highs recently.
Meanwhile Brexit uncertainty paradoxically helped the FTSE 100 outperform European markets, as a tumbling pound boosted the index.
The FTSE was 0.4 per cent higher shortly after midday, trading at around 6,577 points.
Sterling was down 1.2 per cent to $1.328, having touched a two-year high on Friday, as investors worried about the lack of progress in Brexit talks.
Yet the pound’s fall helped the FTSE 100 by making the overseas earnings of the index’s multinationals worth more in relative terms.
In Europe, Germany’s Dax slipped 0.3 per cent and France’s CAC 40 was down 0.7 per cent as investors were pulled in different directions by coronavirus worries and vaccine hopes. The Europe-wide Stoxx 600 was down 0.3 per cent.


cityam--2020-12-07--Most UK university students think fees must be refunded after Covid-19 disruption

The majority of UK university students believe their tuition fees should be refunded after Covid disrupted learning .
86 per cent of university students believe they should receive a ‘ full or partial refund ’ on their tuition fees as Covid restrictions limit their university experience , a survey by digital learning platform Quizlet found .
Read more : Is going to university actually worth it — and who should decide ?
Many universities had moved the majority of teaching online during the pandemic , with face-to-face teaching continuing only when necessary .
Students feel that this has had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health .
According to Quizlet ’ s survey , 53 per cent of students say blended learning has been ‘ ineffective ’ to ‘ very ineffective ’ .
UK students , who pay up to £9,250 per year , do not feel that they are getting value for their money .
Not only are contact hours limited , but access to university resources such as libraries and study rooms are also severely reduced .
An online petition called for the government to require UK universities to partially refund tuition fees while online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rahim Hiriji , UK Country Manager at Quizlet , said the pandemic was “ rocking the education system to its core ” , adding that young people are “ feeling incredibly weary , demoralized and somewhat lost ” as a result .
Students have struggled with mental health issues , often feeling isolated , away from home for the first time and with social interaction vastly limited .
Quizlet reports that 77 per cent said that restrictions have had a ‘ negative effect ’ on their mental health .
However , the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last autumn to 5,500 according to the Student Loans Company as students have limited opportunities for travel or for jobs .
Read more : Our university sector was broken long before Covid-19

Most UK university students think fees must be refunded after Covid-19 disruption
The majority of UK university students believe their tuition fees should be refunded after Covid disrupted learning.
86 per cent of university students believe they should receive a ‘full or partial refund’ on their tuition fees as Covid restrictions limit their university experience, a survey by digital learning platform Quizlet found.
Many universities had moved the majority of teaching online during the pandemic, with face-to-face teaching continuing only when necessary.
Students feel that this has had a negative impact on both their learning and mental health.
According to Quizlet’s survey, 53 per cent of students say blended learning has been ‘ineffective’ to ‘very ineffective’.
UK students, who pay up to £9,250 per year, do not feel that they are getting value for their money. Not only are contact hours limited, but access to university resources such as libraries and study rooms are also severely reduced.
An online petition called for the government to require UK universities to partially refund tuition fees while online teaching is implemented garnered 221,971 signatures.
Rahim Hirji, UK Country Manager at Quizlet, said the pandemic was “rocking the education system to its core”, adding that young people are “feeling incredibly weary, demoralized and somewhat lost” as a result.
Students have struggled with mental health issues, often feeling isolated, away from home for the first time and with social interaction vastly limited. Quizlet reports that 77 per cent said that restrictions have had a ‘negative effect’ on their mental health.
However, the number of drop outs has fallen from 6,100 last autumn to 5,500 according to the Student Loans Company as students have limited opportunities for travel or for jobs.


cityam--2020-12-07--Brexit: UK and EU to resume talks after reported breakthrough on fishing

The UK and EU will continue Brexit talks this week in Brussels after Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to give negotiations a final shot today .
Johnson and von der Leyen are believed to have spoken for two hours this evening to discus if a deal can be finally agreed before the 31 Deccember deadline .
Earlier today multiple reports suggest there has been a major breakthrough on fishing rights – one of the key sticking points – although this has been denied by Number 10 .
Read more : Brexit : Controversial Internal Market Bill to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s chief negotiator , David Frost continued talks with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier today .
Both sides had all but finalised terms on the level of access for EU boats to seas within the UK ’ s economic zone , with a transition period of between five and seven years , according to The Guardian .
The talks are coming down to the wire with the UK due to leave the transition period on 31 December .
If the two sides can not agree a deal Britain will crash out on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sticking point in talks is now a so-called “ ratchet clause ” under which the UK would have to follow EU environmental , social and labour standards or face tariffs on exports .
The two sides are also thrashing out an agreement on the so-called level playing field , which would see the UK adhere to the EU on issues like state aid and workers ’ rights .
The deal will still need to be ratified by the UK Parliament , as well as the European Parliament and EU leaders .
French President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veto any deal and has indicated Barnier may be conceding too much to achieve a deal .
Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin described negotiations as being “ on a knife edge ” .
“ My gut instinct is that it is 50-50 right now .
I don ’ t think one can be overly optimistic about a resolution emerging , ” he told Ireland ’ s RTE broadcaster .

Brexit: UK and EU to resume talks after reported breakthrough on fishing
The UK and EU will continue Brexit talks this week in Brussels after Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to give negotiations a final shot today.
Johnson and von der Leyen are believed to have spoken for two hours this evening to discus if a deal can be finally agreed before the 31 Deccember deadline.
Earlier today multiple reports suggest there has been a major breakthrough on fishing rights – one of the key sticking points – although this has been denied by Number 10.
The UK’s chief negotiator, David Frost continued talks with his EU counterpart Michel Barnier today.
Both sides had all but finalised terms on the level of access for EU boats to seas within the UK’s economic zone, with a transition period of between five and seven years, according to The Guardian.
The talks are coming down to the wire with the UK due to leave the transition period on 31 December. If the two sides cannot agree a deal Britain will crash out on the World Trade Organisation rules.
The main sticking point in talks is now a so-called “ratchet clause” under which the UK would have to follow EU environmental, social and labour standards or face tariffs on exports.
The two sides are also thrashing out an agreement on the so-called level playing field, which would see the UK adhere to the EU on issues like state aid and workers’ rights.
The deal will still need to be ratified by the UK Parliament, as well as the European Parliament and EU leaders.
French President Emmanuel Macron has already warned he will veto any deal and has indicated Barnier may be conceding too much to achieve a deal.
Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin described negotiations as being “on a knife edge”.
“My gut instinct is that it is 50-50 right now. I don’t think one can be overly optimistic about a resolution emerging,” he told Ireland’s RTE broadcaster.


cityam--2020-12-07--Brexit talks to continue this week after Boris Johnson and von der Leyen call

Brexit talks will continue this week in Brussels after Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to give negotiations a final shot today .
Johnson and von der Leyen are believed to have spoken for about an hour this evening to discuss if a deal can be finally agreed before the 31 Deccember deadline .
Read more : Brexit : Michel Barnier tells MEPs that Wednesday is final deadline for deal They will now meet in Brussels in the coming days to try to salvage a last minute deal .
In a joint statement , the pair said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took stock today of the ongoing negotiations .
“ We agreed that the conditions for finalising an agreement are not there due to the remaining significant differences on three critical issues – level playing field , governance and fisheries .
“ We asked our chief negotiators and their teams to prepare an overview of the remaining differences to be discussed in a physical meeting in Brussels in the coming days.
” Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier told MEPs today that Wednesday was the absolute final Brexit deadline and that time was running out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ratify any trade deal .
Environment secretary George Eustice told the BBC yesterday that Wednesday would be a final deadline , but it could be extended if a deal is more or less agreed .
“ The European Union came forward with lots of new additional request again so we stated again last week as hopeful and there ’ s no denying things have gone backwards later last week , ” he said .
“ Of course if the ambience warms up again and great progress is made and it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could always find more time , you could always extend.
” Fears grew over the weekend that the UK was hurtling toward a no-deal Brexit , with one source close to Number 10 telling the Sunday Times the prospect was a “ 50-50 ” chance .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data The three biggest areas to be resolved are future EU fishing access to UK waters , business subsidy regulations as a part of level playing field talks and the overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief UK neogitator Lord David Frost have been wrangling over how much access it retains to the UK ’ s fishing waters next year .
It has been rumoured that the UK only want the EU to keep about 20 per cent of the fish it was allocated pre-Brexit , while the EU want closer to 80 per cent .
Read more : Brexit : UK ‘ prepared ’ to axe controversial Internal Market Bill clauses that break international law A Downing Street spokesperson today said : “ Time is in very short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stages , but we are prepared to negotiate for as long as we have time available if we think an agreement is still possible .
“ We are now clear that time is very short .
”

Brexit talks to continue today after Boris Johnson and von der Leyen call
Brexit talks will continue this week in Brussels after Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen agreed to give negotiations a final shot.
Johnson and von der Leyen are believed to have spoken for about an hour last night to discuss if a deal can be finally agreed before the 31 December deadline.
They will now meet in Brussels in the coming days to try to salvage a last minute deal.
In a joint statement, the pair said: “As agreed on Saturday, we took stock today of the ongoing negotiations.
“We agreed that the conditions for finalising an agreement are not there due to the remaining significant differences on three critical issues – level playing field, governance and fisheries.
“We asked our chief negotiators and their teams to prepare an overview of the remaining differences to be discussed in a physical meeting in Brussels in the coming days.”
Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier told MEPs today that Wednesday was the absolute final Brexit deadline and that time was running out to give the European Parliament a chance to ratify any trade deal.
Environment secretary George Eustice told the BBC yesterday that Wednesday would be a final deadline, but it could be extended if a deal is more or less agreed.
“The European Union came forward with lots of new additional request again so we stated again last week as hopeful and there’s no denying things have gone backwards later last week,” he said.
“Of course if the ambience warms up again and great progress is made and it’s just sorting out the detail then you could always find more time, you could always extend.”
Fears grew over the weekend that the UK was hurtling toward a no-deal Brexit, with one source close to Number 10 telling the Sunday Times the prospect was a “50-50” chance.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
The three biggest areas to be resolved are future EU fishing access to UK waters, business subsidy regulations as a part of level playing field talks and the overall governance of the deal.
Barnier and chief UK neogitator Lord David Frost have been wrangling over how much access it retains to the UK’s fishing waters next year.
It has been rumoured that the UK only want the EU to keep about 20 per cent of the fish it was allocated pre-Brexit, while the EU want closer to 80 per cent.
A Downing Street spokesperson today said: “Time is in very short supply and we are in the final stages, but we are prepared to negotiate for as long as we have time available if we think an agreement is still possible.
“We are now clear that time is very short.”


cityam--2020-12-07--Christmas is cancelled: Five festive traditions scuppered by Covid

Coronavirus has a lot to answer for , and while being able to enjoy a few frivolities over Christmas isn ’ t at the top of the list , it ’ s still likely to put a downer on December .
Here are some of the popular Christmas activities that have been curtailed by the pandemic , and some suggestions on how to enjoy some virus-friendly alternatives .
We all know Santa doesn ’ t really slog out to Milton Keynes every year to hang out in a shopping centre before circumnavigating a hundred roundabouts on his way back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real Santa goes to the Christmas grotto at Harrods .
Alas this year the event is cancelled , not because putting your child onto the lap of a disguised stranger is a deeply strange ritual , but because it ’ s hard to social distance while literally sitting on another person .
Harrods has instead created an “ immersive exploration ” with children ’ s author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers .
“ While we can ’ t bring the Harrods Christmas Grotto to you , we ’ re delivering you festive moments through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us in-store for our exciting event or tune in from your sofa with our at-home activities , this Christmas , we ’ re bringing creativity to you.
” While the thought of socially distanced ice skating sounds rather romantic , in practice even those with the best of intentions may struggle to avoid human contact while gliding across a plane of ice .
Somerset House says it “ regrets ” the annual tradition will not be able to go ahead this winter .
“ Although we are disappointed we can not present this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we are determined to ensure that Somerset House ’ s beautiful courtyard can still provide a unique gathering space this winter which , after this prolonged period of being apart , feels more important than ever.
” This one may actually be a blessing in disguise for parents who secretly dread the thought of being crammed into a Christmas-themed Glastonbury while their offspring demand access to expensive rides and even more expensive snacks .
Still , nothing quite gets you in the Christmas spirit like emptying your wallet at breakneck speed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The City is the star performer in Gen Z spin on Wall Street “ Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has always been about bringing friends and family together in a fun , safe and interactive environment to celebrate the festive season , ” say the organisers of Winter Wonderland .
“ Our team has worked tirelessly , exploring every possible option in the hopes of being able to move forward with the event in a responsible manner and provide London with some much-needed festive cheer .
“ However , in light of ongoing health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considering the size and scale of this event , we just couldn ’ t find a way to do that without compromising the magical attractions , shows , rides , bars and experience that makes Hyde Park Winter Wonderland so special.
” Another favourite tradition over the festive period is the good old-fashioned knees up on Christmas eve , ensuring your wake up on the big day with a raging hangover that can only be mitigated by imbibing some 10am buck ’ s fizz .
This year you can wake up headache free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses of running a pub utterly untenable .
While Boris ’ special “ Christmas Bubble ” – a membrane that Covid is officially unable to breach – allows three households to mix from 23-27 December , they can only meet in private homes , not bars or restaurants .
In Tier 2 – which London is currently in – pubs and bars must close unless they serve a “ substantial meal ” alongside the alcohol , and you can only meet up with friends and family indoors if you either live with them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , business meetings are still technically allowed ; do as you see fit with that information .
The good news is that the government has been extremely clear that scotch eggs are both substantial and a meal , so your favourite spherical snack will be on the menu across the country .
Disgrace yourself at the work Christmas do This is really the same as not being able to meet your mates on Christmas eve , but it comes with the added bonus that you can ’ t drunkenly offend your boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your decision to attend in the first place .
The good news is that with a vaccine on the way , you ’ ll almost certainly be able to disgrace yourself next year .
Merry Christmas !

Christmas is cancelled: Five festive traditions scuppered by Covid
Santa greets children from the safety of a socially-distanced bubble
Coronavirus has a lot to answer for, and while being able to enjoy a few frivolities over Christmas isn’t at the top of the list, it’s still likely to put a downer on December. Here are some of the popular Christmas activities that have been curtailed by the pandemic, and some suggestions on how to enjoy some virus-friendly alternatives.
Sit on Santa’s knee
We all know Santa doesn’t really slog out to Milton Keynes every year to hang out in a shopping centre before circumnavigating a hundred roundabouts on his way back to Lapland. That’s because the real Santa goes to the Christmas grotto at Harrods. Alas this year the event is cancelled, not because putting your child onto the lap of a disguised stranger is a deeply strange ritual, but because it’s hard to social distance while literally sitting on another person.
Harrods has instead created an “immersive exploration” with children’s author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers. “While we can’t bring the Harrods Christmas Grotto to you, we’re delivering you festive moments through the magic of storytelling… Whether you join us in-store for our exciting event or tune in from your sofa with our at-home activities, this Christmas, we’re bringing creativity to you.”
Go ice skating at Somerset House
While the thought of socially distanced ice skating sounds rather romantic, in practice even those with the best of intentions may struggle to avoid human contact while gliding across a plane of ice.
Somerset House says it “regrets” the annual tradition will not be able to go ahead this winter. “Although we are disappointed we cannot present this highlight of London’s winter season, we are determined to ensure that Somerset House’s beautiful courtyard can still provide a unique gathering space this winter which, after this prolonged period of being apart, feels more important than ever.”
Visit Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
This one may actually be a blessing in disguise for parents who secretly dread the thought of being crammed into a Christmas-themed Glastonbury while their offspring demand access to expensive rides and even more expensive snacks. Still, nothing quite gets you in the Christmas spirit like emptying your wallet at breakneck speed.
“Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has always been about bringing friends and family together in a fun, safe and interactive environment to celebrate the festive season,” say the organisers of Winter Wonderland.
“Our team has worked tirelessly, exploring every possible option in the hopes of being able to move forward with the event in a responsible manner and provide London with some much-needed festive cheer.
“However, in light of ongoing health concerns and uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, and considering the size and scale of this event, we just couldn’t find a way to do that without compromising the magical attractions, shows, rides, bars and experience that makes Hyde Park Winter Wonderland so special.”
Meet old friends on Christmas Eve
Another favourite tradition over the festive period is the good old-fashioned knees up on Christmas eve, ensuring your wake up on the big day with a raging hangover that can only be mitigated by imbibing some 10am buck’s fizz.
This year you can wake up headache free thanks to Covid restrictions that make the businesses of running a pub utterly untenable. While Boris’ special “Christmas Bubble” – a membrane that Covid is officially unable to breach – allows three households to mix from 23-27 December, they can only meet in private homes, not bars or restaurants.
In Tier 2 – which London is currently in – pubs and bars must close unless they serve a “substantial meal” alongside the alcohol, and you can only meet up with friends and family indoors if you either live with them or have formed a support bubble. However, business meetings are still technically allowed; do as you see fit with that information.
The good news is that the government has been extremely clear that scotch eggs are both substantial and a meal, so your favourite spherical snack will be on the menu across the country.
Disgrace yourself at the work Christmas do
This is really the same as not being able to meet your mates on Christmas eve, but it comes with the added bonus that you can’t drunkenly offend your boss and spend the next 11 months regretting your decision to attend in the first place. The good news is that with a vaccine on the way, you’ll almost certainly be able to disgrace yourself next year. Merry Christmas!


cityam--2020-12-07--Airbus sells no new planes in November as demand sticks at rock bottom

Airbus sold no new planes in November , the fourth month in which the aerospace giant has failed to do so this year .
New data from the French giant published today showed that gross orders for 2020 had reached 381 as of the end of November .
However , with the coronavirus pandemic still hammering the aviation industry across the world , demand for new planes has slowed to a glacial pace .
As a result , Airbus has focused instead on the delivery of its planes .
Currently , it has a backlog of 7,302 , equivalent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current depressed rates .
The planemaker delivered 64 aircraft to 31 customers in November , bringing the total so far this year to 477 , it added .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data The figure is a slight fall from the previous month , where it delivered 72 planes in total .
Rival manufacturer Boeing is set to share its delivery and order figures for November tomorrow .
It will do so buoyed by last week ’ s order of 75 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first such order since the plane was cleared to fly again by US regulators .
The 737 Max had been grounded for 20 months after two fatal crashes killed a combined 346 people .
Read more : Paris Air Show cancelled in blow to aviation industry The new order means that Ryanair will buy 210 of the planes in total , with a value of over $ 22bn .

Airbus sells no new planes in November as demand sticks at rock bottom
Airbus sold no new planes in November, the fourth month in which the aerospace giant has failed to do so this year.
New data from the French giant published today showed that gross orders for 2020 had reached 381 as of the end of November.
However, with the coronavirus pandemic still hammering the aviation industry across the world, demand for new planes has slowed to a glacial pace.
As a result, Airbus has focused instead on the delivery of its planes. Currently, it has a backlog of 7,302, equivalent to more than a decade of production at current depressed rates.
The planemaker delivered 64 aircraft to 31 customers in November, bringing the total so far this year to 477, it added.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
The figure is a slight fall from the previous month, where it delivered 72 planes in total.
Rival manufacturer Boeing is set to share its delivery and order figures for November tomorrow.
It will do so buoyed by last week’s order of 75 more 737 Max planes by Ryanair, the first such order since the plane was cleared to fly again by US regulators.
The 737 Max had been grounded for 20 months after two fatal crashes killed a combined 346 people.
The new order means that Ryanair will buy 210 of the planes in total, with a value of over $22bn.


cityam--2020-12-07--Norwegian Air granted creditor protection by Irish court

Norwegian Air has today been granted protection from its creditors by an Irish court , giving the embattled carrier some breathing space as it seeks to restructure its whopping debt pile .
Under the process , which is called “ examinership ” , the Scandinavian flier now has until 26 February before its creditors can seek to claim their money .
Read more : Norwegian Air plans share sale in bid to survive The judge said that he had agreed to the protection of Norwegian as well as its Irish subsidiaries as their respective survivals rely on each other .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded in this case that it is appropriate to appoint an examiner both in relation to the five petitioner companies and also in relation to the related company Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.
” The decision comes as a relief to the carrier , which has been among the worst effected by the coronavirus pandemic .
Last month it sought legal protection after the Norwegian government decline to extend a second round of state support to the carrier .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six of its 140 planes are currently flying , with a number rival low-cost carriers poised to swoop into the market .
For the third quarter , passenger numbers were down 91 per cent , forcing the carrier to furlough even more of its employees .
More pressingly , its debt pile – which analysts had flagged as a cause for concern even before the pandemic – currently stands at $ 7.7bn .
Last week Norwegian said that it was looking to raise £340m in a package of debt conversion , aircraft divestment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to recapitalise the firm .
Read more : Norwegian Air files for bankruptcy protection to save fleet in a bid to survive “ The company asks for the continued support of its shareholders to prepare for future capital increases in parallel with the restructuring of its balance sheet through the above legal proceedings ” , Norwegian said in a statement .

Norwegian Air granted creditor protection by Irish court
There was fresh hope for Norwegian this morning as the government said it would back its recovery plan.
Norwegian Air has today been granted protection from its creditors by an Irish court, giving the embattled carrier some breathing space as it seeks to restructure its whopping debt pile.
Under the process, which is called “examinership”, the Scandinavian flier now has until 26 February before its creditors can seek to claim their money.
The judge said that he had agreed to the protection of Norwegian as well as its Irish subsidiaries as their respective survivals rely on each other.
Michael Quinn ruled: “I have concluded in this case that it is appropriate to appoint an examiner both in relation to the five petitioner companies and also in relation to the related company Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.”
The decision comes as a relief to the carrier, which has been among the worst effected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Last month it sought legal protection after the Norwegian government decline to extend a second round of state support to the carrier.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
At the moment, just six of its 140 planes are currently flying, with a number rival low-cost carriers poised to swoop into the market.
For the third quarter, passenger numbers were down 91 per cent, forcing the carrier to furlough even more of its employees.
More pressingly, its debt pile – which analysts had flagged as a cause for concern even before the pandemic – currently stands at $7.7bn.
Last week Norwegian said that it was looking to raise £340m in a package of debt conversion, aircraft divestment and sale of new equity in order to recapitalise the firm.
“The company asks for the continued support of its shareholders to prepare for future capital increases in parallel with the restructuring of its balance sheet through the above legal proceedings”, Norwegian said in a statement.


cityam--2020-12-08--'Go for it,' says grandmother who got world's first Pfizer COVID vaccine in Britain

LONDON ( Reuters ) – Margaret Keenan , the 90-year-old grandmother who became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine outside of a trial in Britain on Tuesday , has a message for others : “ go for it ” to beat the devastating disease .
An early riser , Keenan , from Northern Ireland , received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot at her local hospital in Coventry , central England , at 0631 GMT , a week before she turns 91 .
A video showed her being wheeled out of the ward while nursing staff clad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applaud and cheer , an echo of moving video clips released through the year when COVID-19 survivors left hospital .
“ I say go for it , go for it because it ’ s free and it ’ s the best thing that has ever happened , ” Keenan told reporters as cameras flashed and television reporters asked questions .
“ If I can do it , well , so can you , ” she told any doubters .
Known as Maggie to her friends , Keenan said she had stuck by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her own as the “ devastating ” pandemic took hold .
The vaccine means she can start to look forward to spending time with her family and friends again .
Britain is the first Western country to start immunising its population in what has been hailed as a turning point in the battle to defeat the disease .
It is the worst-hit country in Europe with more than 61,000 deaths .
“ I wasn ’ t nervous at all , ” Keenan said , before discussing plans for her birthday .
Video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a light blue mask , a grey cardigan and a blue T-shirt with a penguin in snow and the message “ Merry Christmas ” .
She received the shot in her left arm from nurse May Parsons , who has worked in Britain ’ s National Health Service ( NHS ) for 24 years .
The mass inoculation will fuel hope that the world may be turning a corner in the fight against a pandemic that has crushed economies and killed more than 1.5 million .
Parsons said the last few months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was now light at the end of the tunnel .
“ I ’ m just glad that I ’ m able to play a part in this historic day , ” said Parsons , originally from the Philippines .
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Stephen Powis , medical director for NHS England , said they had both found it emotional watching the vaccine programme rollout .
Hancock wiped away tears on live television .
An 86-year-old British woman who will also receive the shot on Tuesday was choked with emotion as she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to grieve for her husband alone after he died with the disease .
She is looking forward to going to the shops and taking the bus again .
Britain has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech shot .
As each person requires two doses , that is enough to vaccinate 20 million people in the country of 67 million .
About 800,000 doses are expected to be available within the first week , with care home residents and carers , the over-80s and some health service workers the top priority to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t made history before but was very proud to have played her part .
For now , though , she said she planned to have a little rest .

‘Go for it,’ says grandmother who got world’s first Pfizer COVID vaccine in Britain
By Kate Holton
LONDON (Reuters) – Margaret Keenan, the 90-year-old grandmother who became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine outside of a trial in Britain on Tuesday, has a message for others: “go for it” to beat the devastating disease.
An early riser, Keenan, from Northern Ireland, received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot at her local hospital in Coventry, central England, at 0631 GMT, a week before she turns 91.
A video showed her being wheeled out of the ward while nursing staff clad in protective gear lined the corridor to applaud and cheer, an echo of moving video clips released through the year when COVID-19 survivors left hospital.
“I say go for it, go for it because it’s free and it’s the best thing that has ever happened,” Keenan told reporters as cameras flashed and television reporters asked questions.
“If I can do it, well, so can you,” she told any doubters.
Known as Maggie to her friends, Keenan said she had stuck by the rules and spent most of the year on her own as the “devastating” pandemic took hold.
The vaccine means she can start to look forward to spending time with her family and friends again.
Britain is the first Western country to start immunising its population in what has been hailed as a turning point in the battle to defeat the disease. It is the worst-hit country in Europe with more than 61,000 deaths.
“I wasn’t nervous at all,” Keenan said, before discussing plans for her birthday.
Video footage showed the former jewellery shop assistant wearing a light blue mask, a grey cardigan and a blue T-shirt with a penguin in snow and the message “Merry Christmas”.
She received the shot in her left arm from nurse May Parsons, who has worked in Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) for 24 years.
“WE WILL BEAT THIS TOGETHER”
The mass inoculation will fuel hope that the world may be turning a corner in the fight against a pandemic that has crushed economies and killed more than 1.5 million.
Parsons said the last few months had been tough, but that there was now light at the end of the tunnel.
“I’m just glad that I’m able to play a part in this historic day,” said Parsons, originally from the Philippines.
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Stephen Powis, medical director for NHS England, said they had both found it emotional watching the vaccine programme rollout. Hancock wiped away tears on live television.
An 86-year-old British woman who will also receive the shot on Tuesday was choked with emotion as she recounted on the radio how she had had to grieve for her husband alone after he died with the disease.
She is looking forward to going to the shops and taking the bus again.
Britain has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech shot. As each person requires two doses, that is enough to vaccinate 20 million people in the country of 67 million.
About 800,000 doses are expected to be available within the first week, with care home residents and carers, the over-80s and some health service workers the top priority to get them.
Keenan said she hadn’t made history before but was very proud to have played her part. For now, though, she said she planned to have a little rest.
(Editing by Estelle Shirbon, Guy Faulconbridge and Janet Lawrence)


cityam--2020-12-08--Hong Kong Racing Tips: Royal Racer the one for the King of the Valley

YOU CAN guarantee that trainer Caspar Fownes eyes would have lit up when he heard there was a £20,000 prize up for grabs for gaining the most points in the International Jockeys Challenge on Wednesday .
53-year-old Fownes , the current runaway leader in the trainers ’ title race with 31 winners – nine clear of his nearest pursuer Frankie Lor – sends nine runners to Happy Valley , including a handful of contenders in the four IJC contests .
It ’ s worth mentioning that the former three-time champion trainer has a staggering record at the city track already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win and place strike-rate from just 81 runners .
Progressive galloper Fast Pace will be fancied to follow up his recent victory in the France Handicap ( 11.30am ) over the extended mile , while the likes of the improving Lucky Quality in the third IJC leg ( 2.10pm ) and the useful Green Luck in the United Kingdom Handicap ( 2.50pm ) also have leading chances .
However , his best chance looks to be last start winner ROYAL RACER who lines-up in the second IJC leg ( 12.40pm ) over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his work cut out trying to keep this talented five-year-old fit and healthy , after a catalogue of health issues early in his career , but has finally got him in the peak condition .
It was hard not to be impressed by his recent runaway success against similar opposition over the course and distance a fortnight ago , and with Joao Moreira back in the saddle , he can overcome a penalty and outside draw to win again .

Hong Kong Racing Tips: Royal Racer the one for the King of the Valley
Caspar Fownes leads the trainers’ title race in Hong Kong.
YOU CAN guarantee that trainer Caspar Fownes eyes would have lit up when he heard there was a £20,000 prize up for grabs for gaining the most points in the International Jockeys Challenge on Wednesday.
53-year-old Fownes, the current runaway leader in the trainers’ title race with 31 winners – nine clear of his nearest pursuer Frankie Lor – sends nine runners to Happy Valley, including a handful of contenders in the four IJC contests.
It’s worth mentioning that the former three-time champion trainer has a staggering record at the city track already this season, with a 42% win and place strike-rate from just 81 runners.
Progressive galloper Fast Pace will be fancied to follow up his recent victory in the France Handicap (11.30am) over the extended mile, while the likes of the improving Lucky Quality in the third IJC leg (2.10pm) and the useful Green Luck in the United Kingdom Handicap (2.50pm) also have leading chances.
However, his best chance looks to be last start winner ROYAL RACER who lines-up in the second IJC leg (12.40pm) over the extended mile trip.
Fownes has had his work cut out trying to keep this talented five-year-old fit and healthy, after a catalogue of health issues early in his career, but has finally got him in the peak condition.
It was hard not to be impressed by his recent runaway success against similar opposition over the course and distance a fortnight ago, and with Joao Moreira back in the saddle, he can overcome a penalty and outside draw to win again.
POINTERS
Royal Racer 12.40pm Happy Valley


cityam--2020-12-08--Hong Kong Racing Tips: Doyle can end 2020 Smiling

ENGLISH pilot Hollie Doyle is having a season which must have exceeded even her wildest expectations .
The trailblazing jockey has enjoyed an unbelievable season , which has included a Royal Ascot winner , two Group 1 winners on British Champions Day and finishing fourth in the British Jockeys ’ Championship .
If that wasn ’ t enough , she won the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year award last month and has now been short-listed for the 2020 BBC Sports Personality of the Year .
She now finds herself in Hong Kong for the first time in her life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jockeys in the world and seeking to end 2020 in a blaze of glory .
Her four rides in the International Jockeys ’ Championship can all be given chances , including the improving Happily Friends in the IJC first leg ( 12.10pm ) , the well-handicapped Universal Go Go in the second leg ( 12.40pm ) and Harmony N Blessed in the fourth leg ( 2.10pm ) .
Her most interesting ride however , is when she teams up with legendary trainer Tony Cruz on the fast improving light-weight SUNNY LAD in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended mile .
This son of top class sire Sepoy won with plenty in hand when stepping up to a mile for the first time at the Valley last month and can be rated much better than his penalty .
Principle threat and worth a savour is the Joao Moreira-ridden SMILING CITY who has suffered wide transits in his last three races when heavily backed .
With a good draw in his favour , there can be no excuse this time .

Hong Kong Racing Tips: Doyle can end 2020 Smiling
Hollie Doyle has enjoyed a stellar season in the UK.
ENGLISH pilot Hollie Doyle is having a season which must have exceeded even her wildest expectations.
The trailblazing jockey has enjoyed an unbelievable season, which has included a Royal Ascot winner, two Group 1 winners on British Champions Day and finishing fourth in the British Jockeys’ Championship.
If that wasn’t enough, she won the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year award last month and has now been short-listed for the 2020 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
She now finds herself in Hong Kong for the first time in her life, competing against some of the best jockeys in the world and seeking to end 2020 in a blaze of glory.
Her four rides in the International Jockeys’ Championship can all be given chances, including the improving Happily Friends in the IJC first leg (12.10pm), the well-handicapped Universal Go Go in the second leg (12.40pm) and Harmony N Blessed in the fourth leg (2.10pm).
Her most interesting ride however, is when she teams up with legendary trainer Tony Cruz on the fast improving light-weight SUNNY LAD in the third leg (1.40pm) over the extended mile.
This son of top class sire Sepoy won with plenty in hand when stepping up to a mile for the first time at the Valley last month and can be rated much better than his penalty.
Principle threat and worth a saver is the Joao Moreira-ridden SMILING CITY who has suffered wide transits in his last three races when heavily backed.
With a good draw in his favour, there can be no excuse this time.
POINTERS
Sunny Lad (e/w) 1.40pm Happy Valley
Smiling City 1.40pm Happy Valley


cityam--2020-12-08--Hong Kong Racing Tips: Valley punters will be Grateful Moore is back

IT ’ S showtime at Happy Valley on Wednesday when the inner-city track hosts the International Jockeys ’ Championship , a four-race format with £50,000 and trophy to the winning jockey .
With a galaxy of star jockeys from around the world , including English contingent Tom Marquand , Hollie Doyle , Ryan Moore and William Buick , as well as local favourites Joao Moreira and Zac Purton , the competition will be fast and furious .
The local jockeys will start with an obvious advantage having already ridden around the tight turning circuit , often described as one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get used to in the world .
Moore and Doyle are the early market leaders with the odds-compilers , having drawn good rides in all four races – 12.10pm , 12.40pm , 1.40pm and 2.10pm – with points allocated to the first three places .
Both jockeys feature strongly in the fourth and final leg of the competition ( 2.10pm ) , a Class 3 six-furlong handicap sprint .
Doyle is aboard the exciting David Hayes-trained prospect Harmony N Blessed , who blew away his opposition when winning in a canter on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is likely to be one of the most popular favourites of the day , but an upgrade in class and a nine-pound penalty tempers enthusiasm somewhat .
A more attractive proposition looks to be the Moore-ridden and hat-trick seeking GRATEFUL HEART , who has the all-important inside draw .
He produced an impressive win last three weeks ago , which , time-wise , was up to Class 2 standard .

Hong Kong Racing Tips: Valley punters will be Grateful Moore is back
Ryan Moore is one of four UK-based jockeys competing in the IJC.
IT’S showtime at Happy Valley on Wednesday when the inner-city track hosts the International Jockeys’ Championship, a four-race format with £50,000 and trophy to the winning jockey.
With a galaxy of star jockeys from around the world, including English contingent Tom Marquand, Hollie Doyle, Ryan Moore and William Buick, as well as local favourites Joao Moreira and Zac Purton, the competition will be fast and furious.
The local jockeys will start with an obvious advantage having already ridden around the tight turning circuit, often described as one of the most difficult race-tracks to adapt and get used to in the world.
Moore and Doyle are the early market leaders with the odds-compilers, having drawn good rides in all four races – 12.10pm, 12.40pm, 1.40pm and 2.10pm – with points allocated to the first three places.
Both jockeys feature strongly in the fourth and final leg of the competition (2.10pm), a Class 3 six-furlong handicap sprint.
Doyle is aboard the exciting David Hayes-trained prospect Harmony N Blessed, who blew away his opposition when winning in a canter on his debut at Sha Tin late last month.
He is likely to be one of the most popular favourites of the day, but an upgrade in class and a nine-pound penalty tempers enthusiasm somewhat.
A more attractive proposition looks to be the Moore-ridden and hat-trick seeking GRATEFUL HEART, who has the all-important inside draw.
He produced an impressive win last three weeks ago, which, time-wise, was up to Class 2 standard.
POINTERS
Grateful Heart 2.10pm Happy Valley


cityam--2020-12-08--FTSE 100 falls along with pound amid Brexit impasse

The FTSE 100 fell and the pound slipped again as Brexit talks continued , with Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to fly to Brussels for last-ditch talks .
The London stock index was down 0.5 per cent , hitting 6,521 points .
The FTSE 250 – made up of smaller firms – was also down 0.5 per cent .
Read more : Brexit talks to continue today after Boris Johnson and von der Leyen call Yesterday , a falling pound helped the FTSE outperform its European rivals .
A lower pound makes the overseas earnings of the index ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sterling slipped less dramatically today after recovering overnight .
It was last 0.4 per cent lower against the dollar at $ 1.332 .
It was down 0.5 per cent versus the euro at €1.099 .
On the continent , Germany ’ s Dax index was 0.5 per cent lower .
France ’ s CAC 40 was down 0.9 per cent and the Europe-wide Stoxx 600 was off by 0.5 per cent .
With time fast running out for a Brexit deal to be reached , Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after one-on-one talks .
Johnson will now travel to Brussels to try to help thrash out a UK-EU trade deal .
FTSE 100 and sterling investors are anxiously awaiting news from talks , amid warnings that they could break down altogether .
“ We expect the pound to remain sensitive to headlines and developments surrounding this landscape , ” said Charalambos Pissouros , senior market analyst at JFD Group .
“ Anything suggesting that the differences-gap is narrowing is likely to prove positive for the currency .
While reports pointing to more stalemates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are focused on Brexit , the UK ’ s NHS today gave the first dose of the Pfizer/Biontech coronavirus vaccine .
Stocks rallied sharply in November amid hopes that normal life would return next year .
Supply problems have limited the number of vaccines available , but markets remain optimistic about 2021 .
In the US , stocks were set to open lower , according to futures prices .
Bloomberg reported that US lawmakers are set to postpone a Friday night deadline for passing a $ 908bn ( £681bn ) stimulus bill .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US in the last few weeks , causing states to bring back restrictions .
Europe is also battling the second wave .
France was set to miss a target set by President Emmanuel Macron that would let it lift restrictions , as cases remain high .
On the FTSE 100 , travel firms and lenders were among the biggest fallers .
The declines highlighted investors ’ residual worries about the global economy .
Read more : UK borrowing to hit record £394bn as economy shrinks 11.3 per cent “ A host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ globe are stretched to the upside , and probably vulnerable to a near-term correction , ” said Chris Beauchamp , chief market analyst at IG .
“ But for now sellers do not seem to be able to summon up the necessary momentum to provide the spark for a big drop .
”

FTSE 100 falls along with pound amid Brexit impasse
The FTSE 100 fell and the pound slipped again as Brexit talks continued, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to fly to Brussels for last-ditch talks.
The London stock index was down 0.5 per cent, hitting 6,521 points. The FTSE 250 – made up of smaller firms – was also down 0.5 per cent.
Read more: Brexit talks to continue today after Boris Johnson and von der Leyen call
Yesterday, a falling pound helped the FTSE outperform its European rivals. A lower pound makes the overseas earnings of the index’s constituents worth more in relative terms.
Sterling slipped less dramatically today after recovering overnight. It was last 0.4 per cent lower against the dollar at $1.332. It was down 0.5 per cent versus the euro at €1.099.
On the continent, Germany’s Dax index was 0.5 per cent lower. France’s CAC 40 was down 0.9 per cent and the Europe-wide Stoxx 600 was off by 0.5 per cent.
FTSE 100 on edge amid Brexit talks
With time fast running out for a Brexit deal to be reached, Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen yesterday failed to reach an agreement after one-on-one talks.
Johnson will now travel to Brussels to try to help thrash out a UK-EU trade deal. FTSE 100 and sterling investors are anxiously awaiting news from talks, amid warnings that they could break down altogether.
“We expect the pound to remain sensitive to headlines and developments surrounding this landscape,” said Charalambos Pissouros, senior market analyst at JFD Group.
“Anything suggesting that the differences-gap is narrowing is likely to prove positive for the currency. While reports pointing to more stalemates could push it lower.”
As investors are focused on Brexit, the UK’s NHS today gave the first dose of the Pfizer/Biontech coronavirus vaccine.
Read more: Brexit: France reiterates veto threat over fishing rights
Stocks rallied sharply in November amid hopes that normal life would return next year. Supply problems have limited the number of vaccines available, but markets remain optimistic about 2021.
Stocks subdued as infections rise
In the US, stocks were set to open lower, according to futures prices. Bloomberg reported that US lawmakers are set to postpone a Friday night deadline for passing a $908bn (£681bn) stimulus bill.
Infections have consistently hit new record highs in the US in the last few weeks, causing states to bring back restrictions.
Europe is also battling the second wave. France was set to miss a target set by President Emmanuel Macron that would let it lift restrictions, as cases remain high.
On the FTSE 100, travel firms and lenders were among the biggest fallers. The declines highlighted investors’ residual worries about the global economy.
“A host of indicators suggest stock markets around the globe are stretched to the upside, and probably vulnerable to a near-term correction,” said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG.
“But for now sellers do not seem to be able to summon up the necessary momentum to provide the spark for a big drop.”


cityam--2020-12-08--47 per cent of UK exports flow to EU while a mere four per cent of bloc's goods end up in Britain: s

47 per cent of UK exports flow to EU while a mere four per cent of bloc's goods end up in Britain: study

Brexit will have a far greater impact on UK trade than it will on EU businesses , primarily because the UK relies more heavily on the EU for its imports and exports than vice versa .
According to a new study by the ifo Center for International Economics , the UK relied on the EU for 50 per cent of its imports last year , whereas the EU was the final destination for 47 per cent of all UK export , making it the UK ’ s single largest market .
Comparatively , only 4 per cent of all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services ended up in the UK last year , while a mere 6 per cent of its imports came from Britain , according to the ifo findings .
“ Brexit means both sides lose , but the United Kingdom loses considerably more , ” said Lisandra Flach , director of the ifo Centre for International Economics .
“ In all European countries , only a few goods are highly dependent on imports from the United Kingdom .
This means the increase in trading costs due to Brexit will have a much smaller impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected for their UK counterparts , ” Munich-based Flach added .
The ifo research found that Germany sources only nine goods exclusively from the UK , which altogether accounted for less than 0.001 per cent of the value of the country ’ s total exports .
The nine goods that Germany is wholly dependent on the UK for are organic chemical products , animal and vegetable fats and oils , photographic or cinematographic equipment , nuclear reactors , boilers , machinery , apparatus , and mechanical appliances .
Conversely , the UK imports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such dependence on a one country could signal more adverse shocks for the UK after Brexit , Flach warned .
However , there is still hope that a trade agreement between the UK and the EU will soon be reached , but the two-sides still differ on a number of critical issues .
Read more : FTSE 100 falls as PM plans Brussels trip to break Brexit impasse

47 per cent of UK exports flow to EU while a mere four per cent of bloc’s goods end up in Britain: study
Brexit will have a far greater impact on UK trade than it will on EU businesses, primarily because the UK relies more heavily on the EU for its imports and exports than vice versa.
According to a new study by the ifo Center for International Economics, the UK relied on the EU for 50 per cent of its imports last year, whereas the EU was the final destination for 47 per cent of all UK export, making it the UK’s single largest market.
Comparatively, only 4 per cent of all of the EU’s exported goods and services ended up in the UK last year, while a mere 6 per cent of its imports came from Britain, according to the ifo findings.
“Brexit means both sides lose, but the United Kingdom loses considerably more,” said Lisandra Flach, director of the ifo Centre for International Economics.
“In all European countries, only a few goods are highly dependent on imports from the United Kingdom. This means the increase in trading costs due to Brexit will have a much smaller impact on companies in the EU27 than is expected for their UK counterparts,” Munich-based Flach added.
UK trade with Germany
The ifo research found that Germany sources only nine goods exclusively from the UK, which altogether accounted for less than 0.001 per cent of the value of the country’s total exports.
The nine goods that Germany is wholly dependent on the UK for are organic chemical products, animal and vegetable fats and oils, photographic or cinematographic equipment, nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, apparatus, and mechanical appliances.
Conversely, the UK imports 53 products exclusively from Germany. Having such dependence on a one country could signal more adverse shocks for the UK after Brexit, Flach warned.
However, there is still hope that a trade agreement between the UK and the EU will soon be reached, but the two-sides still differ on a number of critical issues.


cityam--2020-12-08--Market Finance to make £5,000 grants available to UK SMEs

Market Finance has announced an SME fund that will make grants available to businesses struggling amid the pandemic .
The fintech lender has launched the Business Booster Fund which will make grants of £5,000 available to the UK ’ s small firms in a bid to help them “ kickstart ” 2021 .
Read more : Barclays issues scam warning to SMEs ahead of Brexit The initiative is broad brush – any business can apply in any sector so long as it ’ s been trading for at least two years and “ is showing positive growth ” .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will help the successful businesses pivot , scale or grow in 2021 .
It ’ s been a difficult year for most , but we can ’ t forget that a lot of businesses were good , strong and viable in 2019 , ” chief executive Anil Stocker said .
The grants will be somewhat of a lifeline for some of the country ’ s smallest businesses who have been unable to access the government ’ s support schemes .
The loan schemes have come under scrutiny following reports by City A.M. that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of applying for the loans despite being eligible for funding .
Market Finance became an accredited lender under the British Business Bank in June .
Read more : ‘ A horror story ’ : Brexit and Covid halt international trade for UK SMEs Business owners have until the 31 December to express their interest in Market Finance ’ s grant .
In the first round , three firms will be selected with timings of subsequent rounds confirmed in the new year .
“ In addition to the grant , we will offer the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help their leadership teams , ” Stocker added .
“ Whether they need tech , marketing , finance or communications support , we will provide the resources to help them get to where they want to go .
”

Market Finance to make £5,000 grants available to UK SMEs
Market Finance has announced an SME fund that will make grants available to businesses struggling amid the pandemic.
The fintech lender has launched the Business Booster Fund which will make grants of £5,000 available to the UK’s small firms in a bid to help them “kickstart” 2021.
The initiative is broad brush – any business can apply in any sector so long as it’s been trading for at least two years and “is showing positive growth”.
“These grants represent a small boost that will help the successful businesses pivot, scale or grow in 2021. It’s been a difficult year for most, but we can’t forget that a lot of businesses were good, strong and viable in 2019,” chief executive Anil Stocker said.
The grants will be somewhat of a lifeline for some of the country’s smallest businesses who have been unable to access the government’s support schemes.
The loan schemes have come under scrutiny following reports by City A.M. that SMEs were being “locked out” of applying for the loans despite being eligible for funding.
Market Finance became an accredited lender under the British Business Bank in June.
Business owners have until the 31 December to express their interest in Market Finance’s grant. In the first round, three firms will be selected with timings of subsequent rounds confirmed in the new year.
“In addition to the grant, we will offer the time and skills of our expert staff to help their leadership teams,” Stocker added. “Whether they need tech, marketing, finance or communications support, we will provide the resources to help them get to where they want to go.”


Liquid

Bitcoin traded steady around the $ 19,000 level as the aggregate futures open interest remained just shy of $ 7bn .
The growing use of derivatives is evident across most platforms with the exception of Bitmex which continues to languish following its spat with regulators .
Liquidity begets liquidity and it will take a lot more than operational restructuring to recover the venue ’ s tarnished reputation .
In addition , Bitmex ’ s Bitcoin margined products , similar to those offered by other venues , is also gradually losing its market share against stablecoin margined products .
Similarly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels even as the spot languished just below $ 600 .
Technically , $ 620 zone has proven to be a strong area of resistance .
Looking elsewhere and it is worth highlighting the persistently high OI for XRP and other tokens .
To note , XRP ’ s OI is just above $ 450mln , whereas back in September it was a mere fraction of that at $ 110mln .
LTC is also aggressively higher with OI at $ 250mln , that ’ s against $ 90mln in September .
Of note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge premium of 3000 % .
G7 Finance Ministers on Monday stressed they see a need to regulate digital currencies , according to a US Treasury Department statement .
As per CoinDesk , US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin hosted a virtual discussion Monday morning with finance ministers and central bank governors from Canada , France , Germany , Italy , Japan , the U.K , the European Commission and the finance ministers from the eurozone .
The attendees talked about responses to the ever-changing landscape of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use for illegal purposes , according to the statement .
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Liquid
Futures Flying
Bitcoin traded steady around the $19,000 level as the aggregate futures open interest remained just shy of $7bn. The growing use of derivatives is evident across most platforms with the exception of Bitmex which continues to languish following its spat with regulators. Liquidity begets liquidity and it will take a lot more than operational restructuring to recover the venue’s tarnished reputation.
In addition, Bitmex’s Bitcoin margined products, similar to those offered by other venues, is also gradually losing its market share against stablecoin margined products. Similarly, Ethereum’s OI held onto recent levels even as the spot languished just below $600. Technically, $620 zone has proven to be a strong area of resistance. Looking elsewhere and it is worth highlighting the persistently high OI for XRP and other tokens.
In the Markets
Open Interest
To note, XRP’s OI is just above $450mln, whereas back in September it was a mere fraction of that at $110mln. LTC is also aggressively higher with OI at $250mln, that’s against $90mln in September.
Of note, Grayscale Litecoin Trust still trades at a huge premium of 3000%. G7 Finance Ministers on Monday stressed they see a need to regulate digital currencies, according to a US Treasury Department statement. As per CoinDesk, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin hosted a virtual discussion Monday morning with finance ministers and central bank governors from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.K, the European Commission and the finance ministers from the eurozone.
The attendees talked about responses to the ever-changing landscape of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets as well as government efforts to prevent their use for illegal purposes, according to the statement.
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cityam--2020-12-08--Joules sales hit by lockdowns and country show cancellations, sending shares lower

Joules , the UK country-wear and lifestyle brand , reported a six per cent loss in revenue compared to 2019 , sending shares lower .
The retailer put the drop down to lockdown , closures of stores , cancellation of country shows and shoppers staying at home during the Covid-19 pandemic .
The company ’ s store trading hours were only 60 per cent of their typical trading time .
Read more : Consumer spending rises ahead of Christmas but retailers still feeling the pinch Wholesale revenue in the half year to 29 November fell 44 per cent year-on-year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.75 per cent to 167p .
However , the lifestyle brand reported positive trading during the Black Friday which has continued into Christmas .
An increased digital marketing campaign pushed revenues from their e-commerce channels up 45 per cent .
The company launched its Friends of Joules digital marketplace where customers can access products from third-party sellers .
Nick Jones , the chief exec of Joules , said the company “ is well positioned to be one of the long-term winners against this challenging backdrop ” .
Read more : MPs call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ for high street Joules also faced an 82 per cent drop in profit before tax at the end of 2019 .

Joules sales hit by lockdowns and country show cancellations, sending shares lower
Joules, the UK country-wear and lifestyle brand, reported a six per cent loss in revenue compared to 2019, sending shares lower.
The retailer put the drop down to lockdown, closures of stores, cancellation of country shows and shoppers staying at home during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The company’s store trading hours were only 60 per cent of their typical trading time.
Wholesale revenue in the half year to 29 November fell 44 per cent year-on-year.
Shares in Joules are currently trading down 1.75 per cent to 167p.
However, the lifestyle brand reported positive trading during the Black Friday which has continued into Christmas.
An increased digital marketing campaign pushed revenues from their e-commerce channels up 45 per cent.
The company launched its Friends of Joules digital marketplace where customers can access products from third-party sellers.
Nick Jones, the chief exec of Joules, said the company “is well positioned to be one of the long-term winners against this challenging backdrop”.
Joules also faced an 82 per cent drop in profit before tax at the end of 2019.


cityam--2020-12-08--Oligarch’s son embroiled in divorce case lost $50m in ‘risky’ trades

The son of a Russian oligarch at the centre of a huge divorce case said he did not conceal assets and instead lost the money while trading at university .
London oil trader Temur Akhmedov said $ 50m in funds from his father , Farkhad , did not disappear because he was hiding the assets from his mother Tatiana .
Read more : Burford Capital faces setback in bitter battle over £350m mega-yacht Instead he said he lost the money on “ risky ” trades while he was studying at London School of Economics , according to Bloomberg .
Tatiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concealing millions in assets after she was awarded £450m at the High Court after their divorce .
In 2017 a High Court judge found Farkhad to be in contempt of court for failing to pay up .
His ex-wife has now turned her attention to Temur and is suing him for more than £70m .
Temur said his mother was well aware of his trading activities and “ even consoled him about the loss ” .
“ That the sums were astronomical is nothing to the point , ” Temur ’ s attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a legal filing .
“ Some of the extremely rich lavish their children with unimaginable sums .
That is what Farkhad and Tatiana did during their marriage.
” Read more : Burford Capital gets green light for dual listing in New York The claim came during a London court case where Tatiana has accused her son of “ wholeheartedly ” helping her ex-husband Farkhad , who has refused to pay out the £450m sum , leaving her to pursue cases in at least six countries .
At one point Tatiana ’ s legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force Farkhad to hand over his £350m yacht , built for Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich .
Litigation funder Burford Capital has funded Tatiana ’ s fight to secure the divorce settlement granted in 2016 .

Oligarch’s son embroiled in divorce case lost $50m in ‘risky’ trades
High Court
The son of a Russian oligarch at the centre of a huge divorce case said he did not conceal assets and instead lost the money while trading at university.
London oil trader Temur Akhmedov said $50m in funds from his father, Farkhad, did not disappear because he was hiding the assets from his mother Tatiana.
Instead he said he lost the money on “risky” trades while he was studying at London School of Economics, according to Bloomberg.
Tatiana has accused her son and ex-husband of concealing millions in assets after she was awarded £450m at the High Court after their divorce.
In 2017 a High Court judge found Farkhad to be in contempt of court for failing to pay up. His ex-wife has now turned her attention to Temur and is suing him for more than £70m.
Temur said his mother was well aware of his trading activities and “even consoled him about the loss”.
“That the sums were astronomical is nothing to the point,” Temur’s attorney, Robert Levy, reportedly said in a legal filing. “Some of the extremely rich lavish their children with unimaginable sums. That is what Farkhad and Tatiana did during their marriage.”
The claim came during a London court case where Tatiana has accused her son of “wholeheartedly” helping her ex-husband Farkhad, who has refused to pay out the £450m sum, leaving her to pursue cases in at least six countries.
At one point Tatiana’s legal team, Burford Capital, tried to force Farkhad to hand over his £350m yacht, built for Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich.
Litigation funder Burford Capital has funded Tatiana’s fight to secure the divorce settlement granted in 2016.


cityam--2020-12-09--UK firms worry about readiness as Brexit deadline approaches

UK firms are increasingly anxious about Brexit , with more than half of those affected saying their ability to adequately prepare hinges on the ongoing trade talks , according to a new survey .
The Institute of Directors ( IoD ) business lobby group which carried out the survey called on the government to “ pull out the stops to land a deal ” .
Brexit trade discussions have been held up this week , with key issues such as fishing still separating the two sides , but only weeks to go until the transition period ends .
If a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will fall out of the bloc on to World Trade Organization terms .
That will mean a new set of rules for businesses to get their heads round and higher tariffs for some sectors such as carmakers .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to travel to Brussels to speak with EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen this week to try to help reach an agreement .
The IoD survey highlighted how firms are finding it hard to plan without a solid understanding of the future trading arrangements .
Among those affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their ability to be ready was dependent on the outcome of the negotiations .
“ Right now , Brexit is a moving target for directors .
Trying to prepare , while dealing with the impacts of the pandemic , is a tall order , ” said IoD director general Jonathan Geldart .
“ As the PM heads to Brussels , getting a deal is still crucial .
It will put organisations on both sides on much better footing , for the short-term and the long-term .
Read more : FTSE 100 falls along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal would hamper the recovery business leaders want to fuel in the new year.
” The survey showed that 74 per cent of firms thought avoiding tariffs on trade between the UK and EU was an important priority .

UK firms worry about readiness as Brexit deadline approaches
UK firms are increasingly anxious about Brexit, with more than half of those affected saying their ability to adequately prepare hinges on the ongoing trade talks, according to a new survey.
The Institute of Directors (IoD) business lobby group which carried out the survey called on the government to “pull out the stops to land a deal”.
Brexit trade discussions have been held up this week, with key issues such as fishing still separating the two sides, but only weeks to go until the transition period ends.
If a deal is not reached, the UK will fall out of the bloc on to World Trade Organization terms. That will mean a new set of rules for businesses to get their heads round and higher tariffs for some sectors such as carmakers.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to travel to Brussels to speak with EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen this week to try to help reach an agreement.
The IoD survey highlighted how firms are finding it hard to plan without a solid understanding of the future trading arrangements.
Among those affected by Brexit, 57 per cent said their ability to be ready was dependent on the outcome of the negotiations.
“Right now, Brexit is a moving target for directors. Trying to prepare, while dealing with the impacts of the pandemic, is a tall order,” said IoD director general Jonathan Geldart.
“As the PM heads to Brussels, getting a deal is still crucial. It will put organisations on both sides on much better footing, for the short-term and the long-term.
“No deal would hamper the recovery business leaders want to fuel in the new year.”
The survey showed that 74 per cent of firms thought avoiding tariffs on trade between the UK and EU was an important priority.


cityam--2020-12-09--Stephan Shakespeare: Could Mike Ashley bring in customers to save Debenhams?

Customers of Mike Ashley ’ s Fraser ’ s Group are typically more likely to consider buying from struggling department store Debenhams , YouGov research has revealed .
It has been a tough year for retail but Debenhams has been hit particularly hard , with several of its stores closing their doors in May .
Now , liquidators have been brought in to start clearing stock with plans to close all remaining stores for good by next March .
However , Mike Ashley ’ s Fraser ’ s Group has announced it is working on a last-minute stay of execution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashley is a former shareholder in Debenhams and has bought out other struggling high street businesses in the past .
YouGov data lets us explore how some of Mike Ashley ’ s existing customer base , which includes rival department store House of Fraser , could keep Debenhams afloat .
Looking at its YouGov BrandIndex Consideration Score ( which measures whether someone would consider purchasing from the brand in future ) among current and former House of Fraser customers shows a notable uptick in the later part of this year .
Among these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Debenhams hit a peak score of 40.7 on November 29th ( up 13.4 points from early October ) and currently stands at 37.6 .
This is 15.2 points higher than the Consideration score among the general public .
The Consideration score among the general public has also remained fairly constant since September , with only a slight drop-off this month However , this is not to say that Brits who have shopped with House of Fraser are not aware of Debenhams ’ predicament .
In fact , our data suggests quite the opposite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures whether people have heard anything positive or negative about the brand in the past two weeks – is lower among House of Fraser customers than among the population as a whole .
Among House of Fraser customers , Debenhams ’ Buzz score has fallen by 10.2 points since the start of the December , compared to a drop of 6.4 points among the general public .
This suggests that , for now at least , shoppers may not be put off by the negative press coverage surrounding the brand , and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their Christmas shopping , there could still be a light at the end of the tunnel for Debenhams .

Stephan Shakespeare: Could Mike Ashley bring in customers to save Debenhams?
Debenhams could return to the high street in a much smaller capacity.
Customers of Mike Ashley’s Fraser’s Group are typically more likely to consider buying from struggling department store Debenhams, YouGov research has revealed.
It has been a tough year for retail but Debenhams has been hit particularly hard, with several of its stores closing their doors in May. Now, liquidators have been brought in to start clearing stock with plans to close all remaining stores for good by next March.
However, Mike Ashley’s Fraser’s Group has announced it is working on a last-minute stay of execution for the troubled department store chain. Ashley is a former shareholder in Debenhams and has bought out other struggling high street businesses in the past.
YouGov data lets us explore how some of Mike Ashley’s existing customer base, which includes rival department store House of Fraser, could keep Debenhams afloat.
Looking at its YouGov BrandIndex Consideration Score (which measures whether someone would consider purchasing from the brand in future) among current and former House of Fraser customers shows a notable uptick in the later part of this year.
Source: Yougov
Among these House of Fraser shoppers, consideration for Debenhams hit a peak score of 40.7 on November 29th (up 13.4 points from early October) and currently stands at 37.6. This is 15.2 points higher than the Consideration score among the general public. The Consideration score among the general public has also remained fairly constant since September, with only a slight drop-off this month
However, this is not to say that Brits who have shopped with House of Fraser are not aware of Debenhams’ predicament. In fact, our data suggests quite the opposite as Debenhams’ Buzz score – which measures whether people have heard anything positive or negative about the brand in the past two weeks – is lower among House of Fraser customers than among the population as a whole.
Source: Yougov
Among House of Fraser customers, Debenhams’ Buzz score has fallen by 10.2 points since the start of the December, compared to a drop of 6.4 points among the general public.
This suggests that, for now at least, shoppers may not be put off by the negative press coverage surrounding the brand, and, with many Brits still yet to complete their Christmas shopping, there could still be a light at the end of the tunnel for Debenhams.