Company News
UK consumer confidence picks up in November
Consumer confidence rebounded in November, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, as people started to look towards the festive season.
Friday preview: Japan CPI, UK consumer confidence in focus
Investors' focus at the end of the week would shift towards Asia, where the Japanese Bureau of Statistics was set to publish consumer price data for October.
Windward secures contract with European coastguard
Maritime AI specialist Windward has secured a significant five-year contract with a European national coastguard, it announced on Thursday.
Nissan to build electric cars in UK - reports
Japan’s Nissan has committed to building electric versions of two of its best-selling cars in Sunderland, it was reported on Thursday, securing the future of one of the UK’s largest factories.
FirstGroup swings to first-half loss on pension charges
Transport operator FirstGroup said on Thursday that it swung to a loss in the first half as it was hit by pension charges.
Michelmersh Brick confident despite market challenges
Michelmersh Brick Holdings said in a trading update on Thursday that, despite ongoing challenges in the construction industry and the broader economy, it saw resilience in its performance during the final quarter of the financial year.
Intelligent Ultrasound unveils new prenatal AI programme
Intelligent Ultrasound unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) development programme focused on gestational age estimation in prenatal care on Thursday.
Central Bank of Ireland gives nod to Gresham House takeover
Gresham House and Bidco announced a significant development in their ongoing acquisition process on Thursday, having received approval from the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) for the proposed change in control related to the acquisition.
Serica to acquire 30pc of Greater Buchan Area licences
Serica Energy announced plans to acquire a 30% non-operated interest in the P2498 and P2170 licences, collectively known as the Greater Buchan Area (GBA), from Jersey Oil & Gas (JOG) on Thursday.
Volex revenue, profits rise strongly in first-half
Integrated manufacturing and power products company Volex reported first-half revenue of $397. 5m on Thursday, increasing 11. 2% year-on-year.
DX trading as expected as shareholders consider HIG offer
Logistics and delivery specialist DX Group said in an update on Thursday that it achieved robust levels of new business during its first quarter, maintaining a promising pipeline of further opportunities.
UK private sector returns to growth
UK private sector output stabilised in November, a closely-watched survey showed on Thursday, driven by growth in services.
Troubled Hipgnosis faces legal action
Hipgnosis Songs Fund is facing legal action, it was confirmed on Thursday, the latest development to hit the beleaguered music rights owner.
NewRiver swings to loss, but loan-to-value improves
NewRiver REIT reported an improved loan-to-value ratio in its half-year results on Thursday, at 29. 5%, down from 33. 9% on 31 March, although it swung to a loss after tax after its asset values declined.
Hornby H1 losses widen as increased costs offset revenue growth
Model railways manufacturer Hornby said on Thursday that interim pre-tax losses had widened as increased costs offset improved revenues.
Virgin Money UK confident after fall in full-year profits
Virgin Money UK reported a 42% fall in statutory profit in its full-year results on Thursday, to £345m, as its underlying profit on ordinary activities fell 24% to £592m.
Jet2 interim profits rise but bookings slower in recent weeks
Jet2 said on Thursday that it was on track to deliver on its full-year guidance, as it posted a jump in interim profit and revenue thanks to good demand for its package holidays, but conceded that bookings had slowed in recent weeks.
Alpha Financial Markets H1 profits slip on lower consultant utilisation
Specialist consultancy service Alpha Financial Markets said on Thursday that interim profits had slipped as a result of lower consultant utilisation and investments in further team expansion.
LondonMetric swings to profit after solid first half
FTSE 250-listed real estate group LondonMetric Property raised its interim dividend after a solid first half in which it swung to a profit on the back of a revaluation of its portfolio.
PZ Cussons trading as expected, Nigeria plans progressing
Consumer goods giant PZ Cussons said in an update on Thursday that its trading performance remained consistent with the outlook provided at its full-year results in September.