Business and Economics

The NHS has been thrown into even more turmoil, after plans have been revealed to conduct huge cuts across England’s NHS. According to the BBC, who have been able to access a draft planning document, the NHS will see ward closures, cuts in bed numbers and alterations to GP and A&E care across the country. Many will see these cuts as the end of free health care as we know it, as services are cut and shortfalls may well be picked...

For now, the spectre of Brexit continues to loom large over the British economy, with the subsequent uncertainty arguably far worse than either leaving or remaining in the European Union. This is one of the biggest ironies associated with the EU referendum, as mere threat of Brexit continues to disrupt the status quo and create an unstable, volatile and ultimately unpredictable economy. The Brexit vote is laced with irony, however, particularly when you consider the leave camp's demographics and the...

Over two hundred Scottish schools that have been constructed under PFI (private finance initiative) are in some way owned by investment funds located offshore. This means that 80 per cent that could be at least partly located outside of the UK. PFI schemes have come under criticism recently as schools, hospitals and other large public sector build projects are locked into huge payments over a number of years, that can typically range up to 30. Many public institutions are struggling to...

A shocking new report has found that private landlords hauled in £9.3bn in 2015. It is huge figure and double what the level was a decade ago. The study was undertaken by the National Housing Federation (NHF) and they said the figure was due to a huge increase in private tenants who are receiving housing benefit. A decade ago the there was £4.6bn handed out to private landlords by the state. These figures will anger many, who will see taxpayers’...

After months of delays, strikes and negotiations, the London night tube is finally set to run from midnight tonight. Trains will initially run on the Victoria and Central lines on Fridays and Saturdays, before moving to a 24/7 model across Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines. According to the BBC, there are also plans to expand the service to parts of the Metropolitan, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines after modernisation and on parts of the London Overground...

There have been many reports and indicators that the UK economy is struggling post-Brexit. It is still early to tell but a Treasury report today does not make great reading. The Independent reports the document indicated that most of the major banking institutions in the capital have cut their growth forecasts for the UK economy in 2017. The figures have been downgraded since the EU referendum vote and the UK’s decision to leave the European project. Many of these banks...

Specsavers has moved to put permanent dibs on the commonly-used verb "should've" after the opticians approached the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) for a trademark. The company used the phrase "should've gone to Specsavers" in it marketing and branding and has become commonly associated with the word, which has given it grounds to apply for exclusive use. If approved, it would mean that other companies will not be able to use "should've" and "shouldve" in their marketing. Despite some commentators demonstrating...

If you've ever dreamed of running your own business but never had the time, money or opportunity then you may be in luck. As it's done in countless industries around the world, IT technology has made it possible for anyone to do almost anything and in 2016 that luxury has been afforded to small business owners. While the advent of modern technology can't quite guarantee your business will blossom, it can help you turn a dream into reality. So why...

Sports Direct has been under increasing pressure from Government and the media due to accusations of unfair and possibly illegal working practices. The focus of most investigations into the organisations have been on the company’s main warehouse Shirebrook. It was discovered employees were being paid below the minimum wage. Alongside that the company’s use of zero-hour contracts has come under a lot of criticism. Now after a series of negotiations a deal has been arranged that will benefit thousands of...