Mike Ashley, the boss of , is set to turn his hand to becoming a luxury property developer in one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. A luxury residential scheme in Chelsea, backed by Mr Ashley, has moved a step closer to being developed. The Times has learnt that JLL, a property consultant, has been appointed to advise on all options for the site, known as the Clearings on Draycott Avenue. This could include running a process to find a high-class developer to build the 78 luxury-flat scheme in a joint venture.
BP (BP.) to use crime-scene imaging to manage oilrig work remotely. The oil giant said that it was rolling out the sophisticated 360-degree imaging programme across the majority of its platforms worldwide after successful deployment in the North Sea. The technology was originally developed by police in Scotland for use in crime scene investigations, allowing detectives to virtually revisit a crime scene long after it has had to be cleared up.
Investec (INVP) to give asset manager free rein. The London stock market’s small club of listed asset managers is to gain a new member after the South African financial group Investec revealed plans to spin off its funds division.
Centrica (CNA) – British Gas in hot water over new unlimited tariff. Britain’s biggest energy supplier has been criticised after critics said that its “unlimited” tariff was poor value and could damage the environment.
Revolt brews over Unilever (ULVR) Dutch move. One of Unilever’s largest shareholders has indicated it could vote against the consumer group’s contentious plan to abandon its 88- year dual-governance structure in London and Amsterdam.
It’s strictly business. BBC and ITV (ITV) may unite to fight Netflix threat. The head of
the BBC had a stark message for British broadcasters last week: the days of Netflix and Amazon funding lavish co-productions such as ITV’s Vanity Fair are coming to an end.
ITV tables bold bid for Endemol, Dutch maker of Big Brother. ITV (ITV) has entered the bidding for Endemol Shine, the $4 billion (£3 billion) independent production giant behind programmes such as Big Brother, The Fall, MasterChef and Peaky Blinders.
Thousands of jobs at risk as Tesco (TSCO) plans to axe stores. Tesco is planning to shut a raft of city centre stores and convert dozens of others to Jack’s, its new discount format, in a move that will put thousands of jobs at risk.
Builder Kier Group (KIE) scrambles to fight off hedge funds. The construction giant Kier will mount a defence this week against hedge funds that have placed a huge bet against its shares, with a pledge to cut costs and debt.
Debenhams (DEB) deal for Magasin du Nord in jeopardy. tycoon Mike Ashley has threatened to block Debenhams’ attempt to sell its Danish department store chain Magasin du Nord, putting a sorely needed £200 million cash injection in jeopardy.
