Business & Finance

Payments data shows huge rebound for Retail, Pubs & Bars

spike 1 day ago

New payments data shines a light on the economic impact of the 12th April changes to social distancing in the UK, which included the re-opening of non-essential retail, outdoor hospitality and hair and beauty businesses.

Payments data shows huge rebound for Retail, Pubs & Bars and Hairdressers

Just one week since the changes came into force, Barclaycard Payments has already recorded significant growth across all the sectors that were allowed to re-open, stemming from the country’s pent-up demand for returning to pre-pandemic activities.

Last week’s changes caused a stampede of customers rushing back to hairdressing and beauty businesses

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Global spend on blockchain forecast to hit $19 billion

spike 1 day ago

Organisations are forecast to spend nearly $6.6 billion on blockchain solutions this year, an increase of more than 50% compared to 2020, spending will continue to see strong growth throughout the 2020-2024 forecast period with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 48.0%.

“This is an important time in the blockchain market as enterprises across markets and industries continue to increase their investment in the technology,” explains said James Wester, research director, Worldwide Blockchain Strategies.

“The pandemic highlighted the need for more resilient, more transparent supply chains, healthcare delivery, financial services, and so much more,
and enterprises

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Bank of England announce Central Bank Digital Currency

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The Bank of England and HM Treasury have announced the joint creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Taskforce to coordinate the exploration of a potential UK CBDC.A CBDC would be a new form of digital money issued by the Bank of England and for use by households and businesses. It would exist alongside cash and bank deposits, rather than replacing them.

The Government and the Bank of England have not yet made a decision on whether to introduce a CBDC in the UK, and will engage widely with stakeholders on the benefits, risks and practicalities of doing so.

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Willis Towers Watson makes net zero commitment

spike 2 days ago

The world’s number three insurance broker is the latest to express its commitment to delivering net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its business operations.

In alignment with the Science Based Targets Initiative, Willis Towers Watson has pledged to be net zero by 2050 at the latest. The plan includes a target of at least a 50% reduction by 2030, as well as 100% renewable energy supplies within Willis Towers Watson’s real estate portfolio.

The Irish-domiciled global company, which serves more than 140 countries and markets, said it is committed to minimising its environmental impact and carbon emissions through improvements to

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