Business

The European Commission has published its guidance over what countries, businesses and individuals should do to prepare for a no deal ahead of Brexit day next March. As revealed by City A.M. yesterday, the Commission is calling on all parties to step up preparations on the back of what was agreed at the European Council last month. It has today published a seven-step fact sheet, highlighting the impact to supply chain; customs, VAT and excise; rules of origin and restrictions on imports and exports among others. In a statement, the Commission said: "While the EU is working day and night for a deal ensuring an orderly withdrawal, the UK's withdrawal will undoubtedly cause disruption – for example in business supply chains – whether or not there is a deal. "As there is still no certainty that there will be a ratified withdrawal agreement in place on that date, or what it will entail, preparations have been ongoing to try to ensure that the EU institutions, Member States and … [Read more...] about EU publishes its no Brexit deal guidelines

The music group behind Mercury Prize-winning soul pianist Sampha on Thursday sounded a Brexit warning. Beggars Group, which houses labels including 4AD and Rough Trade, said it was worried over “restrictions on passage for staff and artists”, tariffs costs, duties and withholding taxes on royalties and the cost of board regulations. Its directors said: “Revenues from the EU are a critical element of the business. Therefore, it is of some concern that the arrival of Brexit may hold back further growth.”  The group is also concerned about rights. “Beggars Group has always maintained strong community links with fellow EU-based independents, and we value the effectiveness of collective European regulatory influence over powerful US technology companies.  “We are concerned with the uncertainty around post-Brexit plans for adopting EU Directives and Regulations that currently serve to protect out IP rights.”  The music industry’s … [Read more...] about Music label Beggars sounds alert over Brexit

0 Have your say Scotland is lagging behind in the build-to-rent sector, despite rising demand and favourable conditions for growth, according to research. A report released yesterday highlighted the continuing gulf between planned build-to-rent (BTR) homes north and south of the Border, showing Scotland plans to create some 4,000 homes compared with England’s 124,000.This latest research indicates a continuing trend, as the Scottish Property Federation published figures at the end of the first quarter this year showing that for every BTR home in Scotland, the north-west of England had almost ten.BTR homes are purpose built residential properties designed for rent rather than sale, and the sector has gained government support in recent years to help combat the housing crisis.Hazel Sharp Webb, head of private rented sector and BTR at property firm Rettie & Co, which conducted the research, said: “The numbers show that Scotland is not punching its … [Read more...] about Build-to-rent gap persists in Scotland

PUBLISHED: 11:40 19 July 2018 | UPDATED: 11:40 19 July 2018 Photo caption: White Stuff Southwold celebrates its opening with a special four-day launch event (12th-15th July). Picture: Philip Panting/White Stuff Philip Panting White Stuff has opened in Southwold with storming success, thanks to their four day beach event which saw hundreds visit the shop/ The four day event took place from July 12 to 15, and saw 200 branded beach balls handed out, as well as buckets and spades, and 150 ice creams from Beaches and Cream given away. The team also build a giant lobster in the sand of the beach, and helped customers write White Stuff postcards to their family and friends. Two Magpies bakery were also brought in to supply visitors with cupcakes adorned with bikini-wearing lobsters. A company spokesman has said, “We are excited to be opening a shop in Southwold offering our unique range of clothing, footwear, accessories and homeware to the local community. The picturesque … [Read more...] about White Stuff opens in Southwold ready for scorching summer

Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct on Thursday flew in the face of corporate governance again, as it set aside a £5 million cheque for his future son-in-law despite a plunge in profits.  Michael Murray, who is engaged to Ashley’s daughter Anna, was brought in to look after the retailer’s sprawling property portfolio in 2016.  Today he was promised the cash if the deals that he strikes are lucrative and handed the title of “head of elevation”. Murray is not directly employed by the company and still works as a consultant.  He waived a chunk of its fees, from 25% to 20% of the total value drawn from buying and selling stores and negotiating rents.  However, Sports Direct’s three non-executive directors will have the final say on whether MM Prop Consultancy gets the £5 million, paid out on September 30 at the earliest.   The move is likely to attract criticism from shareholders and corporate governance advisory groups.  … [Read more...] about Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley set to pay £5m to his future son-in-law