Jamie Oliver and his wife, Jools, have awarded themselves a £2.5 million dividend from their enterprise, despite a significant drop in profits at their main company. The dividend received by the Olivers, both aged 49, is almost two-thirds less than the previous year and follows the launch of a new restaurant after the collapse of…

The board of the embattled Home Reit has accumulated £5 million in legal fees as it defends against shareholder litigation. In a circular to investors ahead of next month’s vote on the potential “managed wind-down” of the housing-for-the-homeless group, Chairman Michael O’Donnell stated that the company intends to “vigorously defend itself” against the threatened litigation…

Bridgepoint and Cinven have entered the lineup of private equity firms considering bids for Grant Thornton, the UK’s sixth-largest accountancy firm, which is commencing a sale process next month. According to insiders, these private equity heavyweights are examining Grant Thornton UK, which aims to sell a majority stake to external investors. Rothschild, the bank handling…

Will.i.am, the frontman of the hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas and a judge on ITV’s The Voice in the UK, is expanding his repertoire. Over the past decade, LA-born William Adams, known popularly as will.i.am, has carved a niche for himself as a tech enthusiast, frequently seen at global forums such as Davos, and a…

The cost of tracked parcel deliveries could drop by up to 20% under a reform of services being considered by the postal regulator. Royal Mail aims to incorporate tracked and end-of-day special delivery services into its regulated operations. This change would exempt these services from the 20% VAT, potentially making deliveries more secure for households…

An established mining company listed on the London Stock Exchange is planning to restart operations at a historic Welsh mine, dating back to the Bronze Age, rich in copper, zinc, and gold reserves. Anglesey Mining has filed an environmental impact assessment to revive mining activities at Parys Mountain, aiming to develop shafts over 2,000 feet…

After more than three decades, the long-serving head of Baillie Gifford, the asset management firm recently caught in an ‘artwashing’ controversy due to its sponsorship of literary festivals, is stepping down. Andrew Telfer, 57, one of the three managing partners, will retire in March next year after an almost 33-year tenure at the Edinburgh-based company….

Prominent private equity players are eyeing Grant Thornton, possibly initiating a bidding process for the UK’s sixth-largest accounting firm as early as next month. CVC, the European owner of La Liga, is scrutinizing Grant Thornton’s UK operations, which employ around 5,500 people, with the intention of placing a bid. KKR has also been evaluating a…

For many, WH Smith is synonymous with buying books, magazines, or picking up stationery. Now, after 232 years of operation, WH Smith has ventured into the café business by opening its very first café. The inaugural Smith’s Kitchen officially welcomed customers on Thursday at Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton. This 26-seat, 495 sq ft café…