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UK services PMI highest since September 2018
An election bounce saw activity in the UK services sector improve more than initially estimated in January, to its best level since September 2018, according to a survey released on Wednesday.
Domino's Pizza sales grow as group cooks up strong Q4
Pizza franchise Domino's reported a 3. 7% year-on-year increase in sales for the three months ended 31 December as the group continued to look into disposing of its loss-making European ventures.
Mirriad Advertising upbeat on progress with turnaround
Computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) platform company Mirriad Advertising updated the market on its current trading on Wednesday, reporting that its new management team and business were successfully executing the new plan and strategy set down last year.
PCI-PAL makes solid progress against metrics in first half
Secure payments provider PCI-PAL updated the market on its trading for the six months ended 31 December on Wednesday, saying it was pleased with the “strong performance” it achieved against key metrics in the first half.
Redrow H1 profits fall 15%; chairman John Tutte to retire
Housebuilder Redrow posted a drop in first-half profit on Wednesday amid falling completions, as it announced the departure of executive chairman John Tutte.
Brave Bison appoints Philippa Norridge as interim CFO
Social video company Brave Bison said on Wednesday that Philippa Norridge would be joining its board as interim chief financial officer after Paul Campbell-White stepped down from the role, with immediate effect.
Europa Oil relinquishes South Porcupine licensing option
UK, Ireland and Morocco focused exploration, development and production company Europa Oil & Gas has chosen to relinquish its interest in licensing option 16/19 in the South Porcupine Basin, offshore Ireland, it announced on Wednesday.
Babcock CEO to step down
Babcock chief executive Archie Bethel said he had decided to retire after 16 years with the company.
London open: Stocks edge lower ahead of services PMI; Imperial Brands slumps
London stocks edged lower in early trade on Wednesday following strong gains in the previous session, as investors eyed the release of the latest services PMI, with tobacco giant Imperial Brands under pressure after a profit warning.
Primary Health Properties forward funds £2.8m facility in Wales
Healthcare facility investor Primary Health Properties has contracted with a developer to fund the development and acquisition of a purpose-built primary care centre in Llanbradach, near Caerphilly in Wales, for a total cost of £2. 8m, it announced on Wednesday.
Vodafone sees ongoing growth as it progresses with simplification
Vodafone reported continued organic service revenue growth in its third quarter on Wednesday, up 0. 8% to €9. 73bn (£8. 25bn), accelerating from 0. 7% in the second quarter.
United Utilities CFO Russ Houlden to retire
United Utilities said on Wednesday that Russ Houlden has decided to retire as chief financial officer and will step down from the board at the annual general meeting "to pursue a non-executive career".
Imperial Brands warns on profits as vaping crackdown takes hold
Tobacco company Imperial Brands issued a profits warning on Wednesday as a worldwide crackdown on vaping products takes effect.
Smurfit Kappa FY revenue rises, dividend hiked
Corrugated packaging group Smurfit Kappa reported a rise in full-year core earnings and revenue on Wednesday as it benefited from its capital spend programme and recent acquisitions.
Grainger reports strong rental growth, Smurfit Kappa sees rise full-year core earnings
London open The FTSE 100 is expected to open 25 points lower on Wednesday, having closed up 1. 55% at 7,439. 82 on Tuesday.
London pre-open: Stocks seen lower ahead of services PMI
London stocks were set to fall at the open on Wednesday following strong gains in the previous session, as investors eyed the release of the latest services PMI.
Grainger sees improved housing market as rental income grows
Private rental sector company Grainger said the recent UK General Election result had driven improved housing market sentiment as it reported a rise in rental growth.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: British Steel, Metro Bank, eBay, Flybe
The government must act fast to prevent the French government from scuppering a deal to save British Steel, Labour has urged, amid opposition in Paris to a sale that would put a key national asset in Chinese hands. The Chinese industrial firm Jingye, run by a former Communist party official, is in the final stages of negotiations to buy British Steel, including the Hayange plant in northern France. – Guardian.