A recent social media poll conducted by Mark Cuban has revealed unexpected results regarding role models for children.Despite being a critic of Donald Trump, Cuban’s poll showed the former president as a preferred figure over Kamala Harris.Out of over 800,000 votes, 68.9% favoured Trump while only 31.1% chose Harris.The poll’s outcome sparked widespread discussions and reactions on social media.Some comments reignited controversial discussions about Harris’ political rise.Mark Cuban’s recent social media poll posed a thought-provoking question to his 8.8 million followers: “Whose persona and character would you like to see young children grow up to have?” The options provided were…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Eton College has announced a 20% increase in tuition fees, effective January 2025, as a result of new VAT charges on private education.The annual cost for attending Eton will rise from £52,749 to over £63,000, placing significant financial pressure on many families.This decision follows the government’s policy to apply VAT on private school fees, aimed at generating additional funds for state education.Eton and other independent schools, including Alleyn’s and Stowe, have expressed concerns about the potential for driving students to the state sector.Parents now face urgent decisions regarding their children’s education, with private schools requiring a term’s notice for pupil…
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) acquisition of a significant stake in Rocco Forte Hotels is set to accelerate the luxury hotel chain’s expansion across Europe.The investment coincides with a positive financial growth for the Forte group, with revenues climbing by 6.3% last year.Rocco Forte Hotels plans to open five new properties, expanding its presence in key European markets, reinforcing ties with Italy.Despite the PIF’s investment, the Forte family remains in control, maintaining a majority stake in the hotel company.The expansion plan includes new hotels in Milan, Sardinia, Noto, and Naples, aligning with the group’s strategy to lead in city…
Klarna is undergoing significant changes as it embraces AI to streamline operations.The Swedish fintech firm has reduced its workforce by 1,000, attributing job cuts to AI-induced efficiency gains.AI is prominently used in customer service, with chatbots replacing the equivalent of 700 jobs.Despite rising credit losses, Klarna reports improved financial performance and approaches break-even.A potential stock market listing is being considered, with London and New York as possible venues.Klarna, a leading Swedish financial technology company, has announced a reduction of 1,000 jobs due to an increased focus on AI technologies that are reshaping its business model. The company reports that efficiency…
Klarna is undergoing significant changes driven by AI, leading to substantial job reductions.The Swedish fintech has seen an 86% reduction in pre-tax losses despite rising credit losses.AI implementation has dramatically improved operational efficiency, replacing hundreds of roles.Klarna’s workforce has decreased from 5,000 to 3,800, with further reductions expected.The company is preparing for a potential IPO, considering venues in London and New York.Klarna, the prominent Swedish fintech company, is experiencing transformative changes as it incorporates artificial intelligence into its operations. This shift has resulted in a substantial reduction of its workforce, cutting 1,000 jobs. The integration of AI technology has significantly…
HMRC is intensifying investigations into suspected tax underpayments by some of the UK’s largest companies.Nearly 800 major companies are scrutinised, focusing on banking, telecoms, retail, pharmaceuticals, and oil and gas sectors.The banking sector is particularly under the spotlight, with a potential £9.3 billion in underpaid taxes.These investigations highlight the growing importance of tax compliance amid global economic challenges.Innovative solutions are being implemented to aid firms in meeting complex tax compliance demands.Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is currently conducting investigations into 791 of the UK’s largest corporations across several key sectors. These sectors include banking, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, retail, and oil…
Mike Ashley’s decision to appoint his youngest daughter, Matilda, as a director of Mash Holdings marks a notable shift in the family’s business involvement.Matilda Ashley, aged 27, has assumed a significant role within the family’s retail empire, Mash Holdings.This appointment comes after her departure from her own beauty venture, Double Take, which was acquired by Frasers Group.The governance and nepotism issues have gained attention in the City due to intertwined family roles within the business.Concerns persist about corporate governance following previous undisclosed familial business relationships.Matilda Ashley’s appointment to Mash Holdings, the heart of Mike Ashley’s sprawling retail and property interests,…
In a recent High Court decision, a solicitor was found to have made a “false” declaration regarding the compliance of three witness statements with practice direction 57AC.Deputy High Court Judge David Stone concluded that the solicitor, Richard Rooney, a consultant at a South London firm, falsely certified the statements’ compliance in a failed £8 million claim. This claim was initiated by Timothy Fulstow and Robert Woods concerning their interest in shares of a company owning land near Swindon.Judge Stone determined that the witness statements in question had not adhered to the specified practice directions and were thus “clearly inadequate.” He…
The London branch of a prominent US law firm is set to appear before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) over allegations concerning significant breaches in its anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.The charges, which have been described as ‘historic’ by the firm, highlight apparent failures in the firm’s compliance with the 2017 Money Laundering Regulations. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has decided to move forward with proceedings, a decision that has disappointed the firm, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, who asserts these allegations refer to past occurrences.Unlike other cases where fines were issued by the SRA without tribunal involvement, this step suggests the…
In a recent ruling by an employment tribunal in Manchester, a legal business was found not to have engaged in disability discrimination when it retracted a job offer to a solicitor.The case involved Craig Oldale, a specialist employment lawyer diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder in 2017. Mr Oldale’s job offer was withdrawn by Peach Law, a firm based in Cheadle, after concerns were raised regarding his honesty during the recruitment process.Employment Judge Phil Allen presided over the tribunal, which focused on the actions of Peach Law’s managing director, referred to by multiple names including Ms DL Armitage. The central issue…