Fri, 19th Feb 2021 10:44
(Alliance News) - The following is a summary of top news stories Friday.
COMPANIES
NatWest Group posted a swing to loss in 2020 and confirmed that it will withdraw from the Republic of Ireland, with the lender in talks with other banks to dispose of assets belonging to its Ulster Bank unit. For the year ended December 31, NatWest posted a swing to pretax loss of GBP351 million from a profit of GBP4.23 billion in 2019. In the fourth quarter alone, NatWest managed a profit, but pretax profit came in 96% lower year-on-year at GBP64 million. Total income - a measure which includes net interest income as well as non-interest income such as fees - was sharply lower in 2020. Total income fell 24% to GBP10.80 billion from GBP14.25 million. In the fourth quarter alone, it was down 43% to GBP2.42 billion. For 2020, the lender posted impairment losses amounting to GBP3.24 billion, up sharply from GBP696 million in 2019. NatWest declared a 3 pence per share dividend f
Amuse-bouches: The latest restaurant news bites
19 February 2021 By Phoebe French
In restaurant news: Gordon Ramsay has a controversial chat with Chancellor Rishi Sunak, a new report states that hospitality venues are not significant areas of Covid transmission, and the Mayor of London announces a £5 million plan to help reopen restaurants.
Gordon Ramsay urges Chancellor to extend VAT cut: Celebrity chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay spoke to the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak this week, calling for an extension of the VAT cut for hospitality and the furlough scheme. However, the interview has attracted criticism on social media channels and calls for Sunak to hear from other voices.
The week in pictures
19 February 2021 By Phoebe French
British model and pub owner Jodie Kidd joined the fight to save pubs from permanent closure this week by calling on the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak to cut beer duty in the upcoming Budget on 3 March. Jodie, who owns The Half Moon pub in Kirdford, West Sussex, first started petitioning the UK government for a cut in beer duty in 2018.
American rapper Snoop Dogg has rolled his gin out nationally across the US. After launching Indoggo Gin in September last year, distribution has now been expanded across 50 states. The gin features seven botanicals and is infused with strawberry.
The Drinks Business
17 February 2021 By Patrick Schmitt
British fashion model Jodie Kidd has joined the fight to save pubs from permanent closure by calling on the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak to cut Beer Duty in the upcoming Budget on 3 March.
Model and publican, Jodie Kidd is making a final desperate plea to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to cut Beer Duty in the upcoming Budget
Jodie, who owns
The Half Moon pub in Kirdford, West Sussex, first started petitioning the UK government for a cut in beer duty in 2018, when on average, three pubs a day closed their doors for good.
Despite three long years of campaigning with