Bitesized Blighty: June 3, 2016
The battle to save one of the UK’s most beloved department stores, BHS has ended in defeat, after a plethora of online rivals and more stylish budget fashion brands triggered the biggest collapse in British retail since Woolworths closed its doors nearly a decade ago. The retailer's demise after a series of potential bidders fell away marks one of the most contentious corporate failures in years, embroiling billionaire and founder of Topshop, Sir Philip Green in a fierce fight for his reputation, 16 years after he bought BHS in a deal that quickly made him a billionaire. Sir Philip, who sold the retailer last year for £1 to Dominic Chappell, a former bankrupt and ex-racing driver with no retail experience, was "saddened and disappointed" by the news, a spokesperson said: "He had hoped the business could be sold as a going concern." Read more
Now in June, the referendum is getting ever closer. This week David Cameron took part in a debate on Sky News where he was abruptly confronted by a young lady who boldly called the PM out for not answering her questions. She remarked “I’m an English literature student, I know waffling when I see it”. The debate became heated when the topic of Turkey was brought up in conversation. Whatever your political views may be, quite impressive for her to have made the remarks - g’wan girl! Read More
June also means that Wimbledon is ever closer, and it looks as if our very Andy Murray is in good shape having beaten Stan Wawrinka in the French Open. Wawrinka was in fact the defending champion and this is Murray’s first time in the final of the tournament at Roland Garros after winning 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. All he has to do now is go and beat Novak Djokovic in the final…he’s done it before, he can do it again. Go on Murray! Read More
This week brought the discovery of the oldest hand-written document ever found in Britain, found at the dig at Bloomberg’s new HQ. The Museum of London Archaeology said it had deciphered a document from 8 January AD 57 which seems to be the first ever reference to London, predating Tacitus' mention of London in his Annals which were produced about 50 years later. When the building opens over 700 artefacts from the dig will go on display when the building opens, I’m sure our London Bloombergers will be able to fill us all in. Read More