News / UK and world by Press Association September 21, 2018, 8:11 am FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmail Sign up to our Daily newsletter Moss Bros has warned over profits after hot summer weather and the World Cup “distraction” pushed the menswear retailer to a half-year loss. Earnings show the retailer swung to a pre-tax loss of £1.7 million for the six months to July 28, having posted a profit of £3.9 million in the same period last year. The retailer said it was knocked by £1.2 million in store impairments, in light of a “small number of underperforming stores”, and took a further £800,000 hit amid “reorganisation and employee-related costs”. It also suffered a 3.3% drop in total group revenue excluding VAT to £64.5 million, while like-for-like retail sales, including e-commerce, were down 6.9%. Moss Bros chief executive Brian Brick said trading performance over the … [Read more...] about Moss Bros warns over profit as weather and World Cup triggers half-year loss
Taiga weather and climate
UK, EU urged to continue energy and climate cooperation after Brexit
A top-level business alliance has called on UK and EU leaders to ensure Brexit includes a comprehensive Climate and Energy Chapter, amid worries about the UK’s commitment to international climate policies after the country leaves the European Union. “The continued implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change is essential to provide clear, long term and stable signals to guide business investment in low carbon infrastructure,” says the letter, dated 4 September. The missive, signed by CEOs from ten leading energy companies and trade associations, will be sent to European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker and UK Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday (4 September). Signatories include Unilever, the British-Dutch consumer goods multinational, and French energy giants EDF and Engie, as well as trade associations Energy UK, Renewable-UK and WindEurope. “It will be important for the EU27 and the UK to demonstrate international leadership by cooperating … [Read more...] about UK, EU urged to continue energy and climate cooperation after Brexit
Endangered butterfly thriving in remote spot due to good weather and habitat
News / UK by Press Association 02/07/2018, 12:03 am Updated: 02/07/2018, 12:05 am FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail Send us a story Sign up to our Daily newsletter A rare butterfly is making a bumper early appearance at a remote spot due to good weather and the way the landscape is being managed, wildlife experts said. The high brown fritillary is the UK’s most endangered butterfly, but early counts at Heddon Valley in North Devon have revealed it is out in excellent numbers. Butterfly expert and National Trust volunteer Matthew Oates, who has been taking part in the count, said: “The butterfly seems to be having a very good year with over 200 seen during the count. “Ideal weather conditions, a cold and harsh winter which has helped knock back the bracken and then a warm and sunny June have been ideal for caterpillar development. “As we are having some fairly dry weather, it’s now the perfect time for seeing this large and powerful … [Read more...] about Endangered butterfly thriving in remote spot due to good weather and habitat
Secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy with renewables deal
Speaking after a deal was reached on the Renewable Energy Directive, the MEP added that, “while this will not include nationally-binding targets, Member States will now have an opportunity to submit national plans outlining how they are going to meet these new targets.” Also agreed was that the overall target of 32% will be subject to review in 2023 and could be adjusted upwards. The MEP explained that Member States will aim for a target of 14% of biofuels in the transport sector with the inclusion of first generation biofuels which have already seen big investments. It also introduces an obligation of advanced bio-fuels of 0.2% in 2022, 1% in 2025 and 3.5% in 2030, said Kelly. “This will support the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables and, crucially, it will go hand-in-hand with maintaining EU competitiveness and growth,” Seán Kelly concluded. Permalink: Secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy with renewables deal … [Read more...] about Secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy with renewables deal
How Donald Trump drives Europe towards China on trade and climate
New friend needed The US under Trump is presenting itself to Europe as a less attractive ally for trade and climate policy, and China as a more attractive one, a German foreign policy expert writes. Published on April 12, 2018 2:30 pm As the US and China stumble into a trade war, Europe cannot stay neutral and untouched forever. On Thursday, President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on a total of $150 billion of Chinese exports. In response, China asked for the EU’s assistance “to stand up together” against protectionism “and uphold the rules-based multilateral trade order”. Europe is between a rock and a hard place. The US is also urging the European Union to join its fight against China. Both the EU and the US have suffered economic harm from China’s practice of stealing trade secrets from Western firms while simultaneously shutting them out of Chinese consumer markets. But the EU may well decide not to enter an alliance with … [Read more...] about How Donald Trump drives Europe towards China on trade and climate