The leisure industry suffered greatly during the recession, with the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) frequently raising concerns about the number of pub closures in the UK. Combined with rising taxes on alcohol, and the current proposals to introduce a 45 pence minimum price per unit of alcohol, it has been a difficult time for the drinks... Read More
With consumers still unwilling to spend on unnecessary luxuries, it is not just the retail industry feeling the pinch. During the recession, many people chose to remain in the UK and have a “staycation”, especially with the summer of sport in London drawing crowds from all over the world earlier this year. However, while this may be good... Read More
Charities and commercial property landlords in Wales will suffer if a proposed cut in business rates relief is approved by the Welsh Assembly - A recent review of the rating system suggests cutting relief on charity shops from 80 per cent to 50 per cent and restricting eligibility. If implemented it could result in the closure of over... Read More
The makers of the famous black cab, The London Taxi Company (LTC) went into administration in October of this year. It was hoped that a buyer for the Coventry factory would be found, but as no one stepped forward the production line has been stopped, mid-flow. Unlike other car manufactures, every black cab is made by hand and there is... Read More
Brazilian news outlets yesterday announced the death of Oscar Niemeyer, the architect whose vision helped to shape the urban landscape of the twentieth century. He died of respiratory failure in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday aged 104. The futuristic and curvaceous architecture of Oscar Niemeyer Niemeyer, who was born into an affluent... Read More
The past few years have not been kind to the retail industry, with even the most popular high street brands beginning to show the strain of operating under financial pressure. While supermarkets and other stores which stock daily necessities have managed to keep their heads above water for the large part, fashion stores and specialist brands... Read More
UK businesses and motorists were given a piece of good news yesterday, as Chancellor George Osborne announced the scrapping of a proposed fuel duty rise as part of his Autumn Statement. The hike in price was due to come into effect in January, and would have added 3 pence per litre onto the cost of petrol and diesel. At this point, it is... Read More
For years now, Tesco has been a market leader in the UK but recently rival Sainsbury’s has made a bid for the retail giant’s crown, posting rising sales figures as Tesco sees customers jump ship for the first time in over a decade.Unfortunately, it seems that Tesco’s problems are not simply confined to the UK with American arm Fresh... Read More
US commercial real estate investors are responding to higher risks by being more cautious about the amount of money they are borrowing. They are also being realistic about the returns they expect on investments. Buyers have benefitted from the Federal Reserve's policy of keeping interest rates near zero yet they are still not taking... Read More
With only a few shopping weeks left until Christmas, consumers have entered into a festive frenzy in order to purchase all their gifts before the day arrives. Yet, due to the boom in popularity of internet shopping, it appears that shoppers wish to be more organised than ever before to guarantee their purchases arrive in plenty of time to be... Read More
The past few years have taken their toll on the retail industry, with many chains being forced to liquidate or downsize as a result of reduced consumer spending. Even during the Christmas season, which is traditionally a boom time for retailers, revenues remained much lower than they would have been in years previous to 2008. This makes... Read More
Most major US commercial markets are showing signs of slow improvement according to the National Association of Realtors' quarterly commercial real estate forecast. The market is currently building momentum, and the increased demand is directly related to job creation numbers. The U.S. economy is expected to grow by 2.5 per cent in 2013,... Read More
The global economic crisis has had an effect upon many businesses internationally, with not even the strongest retailer safe in these difficult times. But it was a shock to learn that Hostess Brands, the US powerhouse which owns the Twinkies, Ho Ho’s and Wonder Bread products, had declared itself bankrupt and was beginning the liquidation... Read More
October marked the twelfth straight month that UK commercial property values fell due the country's sluggish economy, according to figures released by Investment Property Databank (IPD). The average value of warehouses, offices and stores fell by 0.3 per cent in September. The numbers for total return, which includes the changes in... Read More
For the majority of consumers in Britain, picking up a crate of beer or a bottle of wine with the weekly shop remained one of the few affordable luxuries during the recession, giving pressurised shoppers a chance to relax with a glass of their favourite tipple at the end of a hard day. Even now that the economic hardships have lifted, the... Read More
Last month we reported that celebrities including Sadie Frost and Sam Taylor-Wood are backing a campaign against beauty chain Space NK opening a branch in Primrose Hill. The opposition stems from a desire to protect independent retailers by keeping the area free of chain stores. Now Queen of Shops Mary Portas has added her voice to the chorus... Read More
A disastrous year for Thomas Cook has been brought to light as the travel company announced that losses increased to £485 million in a period in which the company nearly collapsed and its chief executive resigned. The company suffered from lower passenger numbers, higher fuel charges and civil unrest at some of its most popular... Read More
As we have previously reported that the collapse of electrical specialists Comet could leave 6,000 staff jobless by Christmas. However, for Comet’s top rivals the closure of so many branches provides an opportunity to expand their customer base. Comet's difficulties present an opportunity to rivals Dixons Retail Dixons Retail is one... Read More
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is currently experiencing a property boom the likes of which has not been in 20 years. This is believed to be due to the changing perception of the area, which until quite recently had not been a place where investors were likely to be targeting their funds. A prime example of the positive... Read More
Workaholics have been around for as long as anyone can remember, with the majority of people having at least one colleague unable to switch off their computer and leave tasks until the following day. However, it appears that many staff now find it difficult to ignore the incessant emails and work correspondence reaching their inboxes even... Read More
Economic uncertainty continues to have an impact on US corporate decision-making and, consequently, on the commercial real estate market. This is likely to remain the case until the latter part of 2013, according to a report released by Jones Lang LaSalle. Economic uncertainty hampers decision making The National Commercial Real... Read More
An Asian investment spree has helped to cement London’s position as the top office market in the world. Billions of pounds from China, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea have been pouring into the capital pushing the market to levels not seen since before the recession. Battersea Power Station was bought by a Malaysian... Read More
