Why a little French surrealism (not big chains) can save our high streets
Andy Merrifield
Identikit Britain needs a new value system for our cites and small towns, one which empowers individuals and small businesses, says urban theorist Andy Merrifield
April 2018
Nils Pratley on finance
Persimmon saga has been a shambles from start to finish
Nils Pratley
If you cannot get off the fence over boardroom greed you do not deserve to be managing other people’s money
Costa Coffee to spin off from Whitbread
Cafe chain to be separated from Premier Inn hotel and restaurant business after investor pressure
Whitbread results may hold clues to future of Costa and Premier Inn
Nils Pratley on finance
Martin Sorrell's exit leaves too many unanswered questions
Nils Pratley
Hedge funds pressure Whitbread to spin off Costa Coffee
January 2018
Coronation Street signs product placement deals with Co-op and Costa
Part of ITV’s new Weatherfield set, branding will be on bags, cups, posters and storefronts
Costa Coffee loses its froth as sales fall
Chain warns of subdued demand as shoppers shun high street and artisan rivals perk up
Observer business agenda
Trouble’s brewing all over Whitbread group
Simon Goodley
Breakups are rife at the plc and in the headlines, with news of a US investor adding to speculation that it might spin off or sell some of its companies
December 2017
Nils Pratley on finance
GVC and Ladbrokes Coral: David gambles on Goliath
Nils Pratley
Last year’s merger with Coral gave Ladbrokes greater size, but only increased the appeal for the acquisitive GVC
October 2017
Nils Pratley on finance
The FCA should impose a price cap on rent-to-own companies
Nils Pratley
Costa sales growth dips as UK coffee drinkers turn to artisan options
September 2017
Premier Inn owner quits ethical trade body after union row
Unite union says Whitbread, which also owns Costa Coffee, ignored its attempts to secure access to workers
May 2017
Great bed and power shower: is this really a budget hotel?
Whitbread's Alison Brittain named Veuve Clicquot businesswoman of year
April 2017
Nils Pratley on finance
Andrew Tyrie, scourge of bankers, deserves new City role
Nils Pratley
Costa Coffee owner welcomes plan for 'barista visas' after Brexit
January 2017
Whitbread restaurant chain sorry over pork found in beef lasagne
Group served almost 250,000 affected dishes despite staff saying they raised the issue with management
October 2016
Nitro cold brews tipped as the shot to re-energise coffee shops
Market Forces blog
FTSE falls back but Imperial Brands and BAT higher
