News And Announcements
Phoenix Copper makes progress with Idaho assets
United States-focussed base and precious metals explorer and producer Phoenix Copper updated the market on its recent activities in Idaho on Thursday, as it made further progress towards bringing its assets into operation.
More than 1m on furlough as scheme end looms
Up to 1. 7 million people remained on furlough last month, official data showed on Thursday, just weeks ahead of the scheme coming to an end.
BP planning to restrict fuel deliveries due to driver shortages - report
BP has reportedly been forced to close some of its petrol stations and told the government that it’s planning to restrict petrol and diesel deliveries due to the ongoing shortage of HGV drivers.
British Airways halts Gatwick short-haul flights
British Airways is to suspend almost all its short-haul flights at Gatwick airport after grounding the operation at the start of the pandemic, according to reports.
DFS swings to FY profit as consumers spend more on homes
DFS Furniture said on Thursday that it swung to a full-year profit as revenue rose, with people spending more on their homes.
Government discussing price cap with Ofgem - minister
The government is talking to Ofgem about possible changes to the energy price cap, a junior minister has said.
GE buys BK Medical to expand ultrasound operation
GE has agreed to buy BK Medical from its private equity owners for $1. 45bn in cash to expand its healthcare division's ultrasound operation.
EU unveils law for common phone charger in blow for Apple
The European Union on Thursday unveiled plans to make USB-C connectors the standard charging port for all smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices, in a move that will hit iPhone maker Apple.
BoE leaves policy unchanged as job fears loom
The Bank of England said it expected inflation to peak at more than 4% in 2021 but left monetary policy unchanged as the central bank focused on slowing growth and potential job losses over rising prices.
AdEPT Technology trades in line in first quarter
Managed IT services provider AdEPT reported a “positive start” to the year on Thursday, with current trading in line with its expectations.
Begbies Traynor sees double-digit growth in first quarter
Business recovery, financial and property services provider Begbies Traynor said on Thursday that it achieved “double digit” growth in revenue and profit in its first quarter, as the result of recent acquisitions, as well as the rebound in economic activity.
Engineering teams on site at Mkango's Songwe Hill project
Mkango Resources announced on Thursday that its management team, as well as Malawian geotechnical engineering firm Geoconsult and South African peer Zutari, are now on site at the Songwe Hill Rare Earths development project to start a “major” geotechnical drilling and pitting programme.
Chariot signs binding services deal with Halliburton
Africa-focussed energy company Chariot has signed a binding letter of intent with oilfield services provider Halliburton, it announced on Thursday, for services on its planned Anchois gas appraisal well within the Lixus licence, offshore Morocco.
Eleia seals Augean takeover with £390m bid
Augean is to be taken private in a £390m deal following a bidding war for the Aim-listed waste services firm.
FinnCap rises on continued strong trading
FinnCap Group said on Thursday that trading since its first quarter had been “strong”, with its overall revenue trend “slightly above” the top end of its previous full-year revenue expectations.
China Evergrande tries to reassure investors on redemptions
Debt-burdened property developer China Evergrande said it would prioritise the redemption of investment for retail investors as questions hovered over its ability to meet interest payments.
French Connection receives takeover approach
French Connection said it had received a takeover approach after a sharp jump in its share price on Thursday.
Lloyds Bank to lose two senior non-executives
Lloyds Banking Group has announced the departure of two senior non-executive directors.
Eve Sleep losses widen in H1 but on track to meet FY expectations
Mattress maker Eve Sleep reported a widening of its first-half losses on Thursday but said it’s still on track to meet expectations for the full year.
Gemfields returns to profit after mines reopen
Gemfields said its mines were back to full operation as the precious gem producer swung back to profit in the first half of 2021.