LAURA ASHLEY looks set for another rebirth after being snapped up by Marquee Brands, the owner of Ben Sherman. The US group, which already runs 17 different brands, bought the British firm from investment group Gordon Brothers for an undisclosed amount. The fashion and furnishings business was… Laura Ashley looks set for another rebirth after … Read more
HIGH street shops have had another terrible 12 months — with almost 13,500 closing for good. Around 37 a day shut in 2024, a 28 per cent rise on 2023 levels, according to the Centre For Retail Research. And the number of shoppers fell again, with December termed a “drab” month. Total UK… High street … Read more
The FTSE has seen its best year since 2021, climbing almost 6 per cent through 2024. The UK’s blue-chip index was boosted by a buoyant global stock market that meant pension funds invested across the world soared. 4 The FTSE has seen its best year since 2021, climbing almost 6 per cent through… FTSE sees … Read more
MORE than 400 pubs called last orders this year as the total number of boozers reached an all-time low. Some 412 in England and Wales — around 34 a month — shut and were demolished or converted into homes, offices and nurseries. 5 The total number of pubs in the UK has reached an all-time… … Read more
IT’S a bit gloomy out there, with fears of another recession and inflation soaring. To stop us festering in a depressive Christmas fug, I’ve scraped the barrel of optimism for reasons to be cheerful about business in 2025. 4 There’s a lot to look forward to in 2025, including in British… Six reasons to be … Read more