New restrictions put recovery under threat

Linda J. Dodson

“The Government might have no choice but to resort to ordering businesses to close across the UK again,” says Samuel Tombs at Pantheon Macro. He says shops were not shown to be “major incubators for the virus”, but notes cases only started to rise when pubs, restaurants and other consumer […]

Legal threat over ‘unfair’ Brexit deal on customs

Linda J. Dodson

Trade bodies have threatened legal action against the Government’s new Brexit customs system, claiming it will unfairly distort competition. In a heated meeting of HM Revenue and Customs’s expert customs panel, industry groups said the new Trader Support Service, which will enable the Government effectively to act as a customs agent […]

Travelodge sites under threat from rival operator

Linda J. Dodson

Up to 40 Travelodges could shut as landlords plot to replace them with a serviced apartment firm after being forced to accept rent cuts. The sites’ owners are in talks with Room2, part of family-owned property firm Lamington Group, which is seeking to launch a low-cost version of its “hometel” concept that combines […]

Nepal ruling party split over US aid threat to China relations

Linda J. Dodson

KATHMANDU — There are widening divisions in the leadership of Nepal’s ruling party over a U.S. promise of aid that rivals of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli worry will damage the country’s blossoming relations with China.  A Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant agreed in 2017 has widened splits in the Nepal Communist Party. Oli has been pushing for […]

More oil jobs under threat after BP wields the axe

Linda J. Dodson

BP’s moves come at a time when large European oil players are attempting to reinvent themselves. BP, Shell, and Italy’s Eni have all announced plans to slash carbon emissions and gradually adjust their businesses for a world without fossil fuels. In a recent memo to staff, Shell’s chief executive said that […]