Stationer Paperchase has proposed a restructuring that involves the closure of five of its 145 stores. Another 23 stores will be at risk as it tries to cut their rents by 50%. The retailer is involved in a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) renegotiating terms with its creditors. Paperchase has been hit by fewer customers, increased …
Image copyright rubenvardanyan.info Image caption Ruben Vardanyan, left, meeting Prince Charles at a reception given at Dumfries House An investment bank led by an oligarch who collaborated with Prince Charles on charity work managed a network of offshore companies moving billions out of Russia. An international investigation has exposed how the network received money from …
Image copyright Getty Images Estate agent group Countrywide has been hit with a £215,000 fine for money-laundering failures by HMRC. The company was fined for failing to ensure that its money-laundering procedures and record-keeping were in line with regulations. HMRC also made surprise visits to 50 estate agents in a week to crack down on …
Image copyright Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic has removed its long-standing requirement that female cabin crew wear make-up while on duty. Female cabin crew, whose uniform features a tight, red skirt, will also now be offered trousers automatically, rather than only when requested. It said it was a “significant change”. Newer airlines, such as EasyJet and …
Image copyright AFP/Getty Images The government has dropped debate on a bill about financial services ahead of a likely defeat later. A group of MPs had hoped to amend the bill to force greater tax transparency in Britain’s Crown dependencies. Under their plans, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man would have had to create …
Image copyright PA The owner of Giraffe and Ed’s Easy Diner is to close 27 restaurants putting hundreds of jobs at risk. The brands will enter a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) and close almost a third of their 87 restaurants. Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG) said sales had improved at the chains since they were acquired …
Image copyright Getty Images Social media apps are increasingly likely to be used by young people to buy illegal drugs, research suggests. The study, from Royal Holloway, University of London, says drug users valued the convenience and speed of buying drugs via apps like Snapchat. It warns that buyers are at risk in terms of …
Image caption The toxic substance was found in paint close to the rim where the risk of ingesting it was highest Amazon has withdrawn from sale a set of painted Disney character children’s drinking glasses amid safety fears. The paint used contains the toxic metal cadmium which is associated with a risk of damage to …
Image copyright Getty Images Netflix has defended itself against backlash to its Oscars run after some filmmakers – including Steven Spielberg – have criticised its films being in the awards ceremony. The streaming service tweeted that they “love cinema” but feel it should be easier for people who can’t get to theatres to see films. …
Image copyright Getty Images A £1.6bn fund is being launched by the government to boost less well-off towns after Brexit. Prime Minister Theresa May said: “For too long in our country prosperity has been unfairly spread… but we want it to work for all communities.” More than half of the money will go to the …