John Lewis has reintroduced personal loans, enhancing its financial services portfolio.The renowned department store partners with the digital bank Zopa.Customers can swiftly access loans ranging from £1,000 to £35,000 online.The relaunch follows John Lewis’s previous disengagement from HSBC in 2022.Currys also expands its credit services in the competitive retail market.John Lewis has strategically reintroduced personal loans to its service offerings, aiming to expand its financial services portfolio. Partnering with digital bank Zopa, John Lewis enables customers to access loans efficiently via its website. These loans, which range from £1,000 to £35,000, can be obtained in under two hours, significantly enhancing…
Author: Dave Antrobus
The opening of a prominent office building in Swansea has been delayed, garnering attention from potential tenants and local officials.Additional construction work and unforeseen issues have pushed back the completion date of the 71/72 The Kingsway project.Potential tenants have expressed significant interest, with 70% of the building’s space already under provisional agreement.The Swansea Council has allocated significant investment to the project, with substantial support from the Swansea Bay City Deal.Swansea’s office rental market is seeing strong growth, with new developments positioned to attract business interest.The much-anticipated opening of the flagship office building, 71/72 The Kingsway, has been postponed. Cllr Rob…
Plans have emerged for a significant development in Manchester, where a 23-storey tower will envelop the historic Rochdale Road Chapel.The chapel, dating back to around 1840, will remain a central feature, with its facade and key internal structures preserved.Developers envision a blend of historical architecture and modern design, creating 133 residential units with numerous amenities.Cynergy, the developer, is committed to integrating the chapel’s architecture into the new residential complex for aesthetic continuity.The development will offer various facilities, but details on affordable housing remain unspecified.The historic Rochdale Road Chapel, a landmark since approximately 1840, is set to be encompassed by a…
Liverpool is gearing up to host the UK’s first floating sauna, offering a unique wellness experience right on the water.Approval has been granted for a sauna and ice baths on a pontoon at Princes Dock, set to open this autumn.The facility, spearheaded by WYLD Sauna in collaboration with Peel Waters, aims to operate from early morning until late evening.With a focus on environmental sustainability, the sauna will incorporate floating plants to create a boundary and add biodiversity.The project is pending a licensing decision, including permissions to sell alcohol on-site.Liverpool is poised to usher in a novel attraction, the UK’s first…
The University of Warwick is poised to make its largest investment ever with a £700 million plan aimed at enhancing its STEM and social services capacities.This investment coincides with the university’s 60th anniversary and is seen as a significant boost to innovative research and education.A primary focus of the expansion will be on STEM subjects, with new teaching rooms and laboratories to be constructed.The development is expected to generate approximately 1,500 jobs linked to construction over the project’s duration.Further announcements are anticipated regarding the Social Sciences Connect Programme later this year.The University of Warwick is embarking on an unprecedented £700…
In a significant development, the European Law Institute (ELI) has advised against immediate regulation of third-party litigation funding (TPLF), recommending instead the adoption of guiding principles to ensure clarity and fairness.The recent report, led by Dame Sara Cockerill, a notable High Court judge, and Professor Susanne Augenhofer, a respected Austrian legal academic, suggests that regulation should only be considered if there is a clearly identifiable issue within the market or a failure that necessitates intervention. The ELI’s stance counters the prevailing calls for stricter control over TPLF, opting instead for a framework that ensures transparency and understanding of contractual terms…
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) has fined two partners from a Preston-based law firm for serious rule breaches, including the misuse of client accounts.Ayub Bhailok and Robert Michael Fielding, partners at the firm Bhailok Fielding, have been penalised for violations of legal regulations primarily aimed at serving non-legal business interests. The misconduct involved utilising client accounts as banking facilities, a breach of the 2017 Money Laundering Regulations (MLR), which the SDT found particularly troubling.Mr. Bhailok and Mr. Fielding have distinct profit-sharing arrangements, with Mr. Bhailok receiving 80% of the profits due to his more significant business involvement. Their firm, with…
Three prominent Manchester establishments collaborate to introduce a novel dining experience in the city’s evolving area.The Trading Route, a new venue, is set to open in the St John’s district, offering diverse menu options.Manchester Union Brewery, Trof, and Wandering Palate are the main collaborators behind this initiative.The venue promises a variety of offerings, from continental lagers to upscale pantry items.Renowned interior design studio PHAUS is curating the space, ensuring a robust and appealing atmosphere.Three renowned Manchester-based businesses—Manchester Union Brewery, Trof, and Wandering Palate—are collaborating to launch a new culinary and beverage venue, The Trading Route, in the St John’s district…
Smoking Gun takes on consumer communications for luxury travel provider Destination2, enhancing brand visibility and search rankings.The collaboration aims to fortify Destination2’s image as a leading provider of affordable luxury holidays.An ongoing press office function by Smoking Gun will drive attention through captivating campaigns.Destination2’s portfolio includes premium destinations such as Dubai, the Maldives, and Thailand.Executives express confidence that this partnership will secure impactful media coverage and broaden Destination2’s reach.Smoking Gun, an esteemed agency known for innovative PR strategies, has been appointed by Destination2 to oversee its consumer communications. This collaboration is crafted to enhance brand awareness and elevate Destination2’s presence…
CAB Payments potentially faces a significant shift with a proposed takeover by StoneX, a Nasdaq-listed entity.StoneX has presented a non-binding proposal valuing CAB Payments at £368.5m, subject to review.Initial attempts by StoneX were rebuffed, with the latest offer placed at £1.45 per share.CAB Payments, debuting on the London Stock Exchange last year, saw its value plummet shortly after.StoneX must finalise its intentions regarding the acquisition by 7 November.CAB Payments is currently evaluating a potential acquisition proposal from StoneX, a firm listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The proposal is non-binding and values CAB Payments at £368.5m, offering £1.45 per share.…