Netflix sales soar again in streaming war boost
Netflix looks set to report a further quarter of double digit sales growth this week as it extends its advantage over rival streaming services. The US giant is cashing in on initiatives including a clampdown on account sharing – making viewers pay to watch its shows such as Bridgerton rather than using a borrowed password. Paying off: The US giant is cashing in on initiatives including a clampdown on account sharing – making viewers pay to watch its shows such as BridgertonIt has also made gains in non-English speaking markets. Analysts at AJ Bell said: 'The slowdown in subscriber growth of 2022 is but a distant memory. 'Netflix's shares have more than tripled and reaffirm investors' view that the company is the winner in the streaming wars.'
Source:Daily Mail
October 14, 2024 11:46 UTC
Gambling firms see shares hit on Budget tax raid fears
Ladbrokes and Coral owner Entain led declines on the FTSE 100 Index on Monday morning as its shares slumped 9% after a report late last week that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is mooting the tax raid to raise up to £3 billion. Ms Reeves is said to be considering the move to help plug a £22 billion “black hole” in the public finances, according to the report in The Guardian late on Friday. It is understood Ms Reeves could announce the tax raid in her October 30 Budget, with plans under consideration said to include the doubling of the 15% general betting duty on high street bookmakers’ profits as well as gaming duties, currently charged at 21%, which will hit online players. “It’s notable that the speculation suggests so-called ‘lower harm’ activities like bingo and the lottery will be untouched by any tax changes. “The betting industry will argue higher taxes could lead to an increase in illegal black-market gambling and ultimately firms may well pass on any extra costs they incur to punters, potentially doing more harm.”He added the reported tax plans are a “salient reminder of the strengthening headwinds the sector faces in terms of regulation and tax”.
Source:The Herald
October 14, 2024 11:40 UTC
‘People hate my guts’, says ex-MP Steve Baker on private sector comeback
Mr Baker said: “Hundreds of thousands of people hate my guts over one issue or another and I am accustomed to it. His appearance at the conference led to questions over whether he was planning a return to politics – something Mr Baker strongly denies. Through their new firm, called The Provocation People, Mr Baker and Mr Dolan plan to help firms to feel empowered to embrace differences in opinion, and even hostility. Mr Baker said: “I’ve spent 14 years living in the teeth of ferocious disagreements and I’ve always tried to disagree in a civil fashion. I don’t want animosity.”As well as his hardline stance in support of Brexit, Mr Baker also courted controversy with his fierce opposition to repeated Covid lockdowns at the height of the pandemic.
Source:The Herald
October 14, 2024 11:11 UTC
Gates open on London’s new super sewer aimed at protecting Thames from pollution
The first valves at four of a total of 21 sites, which operate like giant gates, along the seven metre-wide tunnel have opened. The super sewer, which is 25km long, was connected to the 6.7km Lee Tunnel in May, completing the full London Tideway Tunnel network. Teams will work to connect the remaining discharge points to the new super sewer and test the entire system during different weather conditions, including heavy storms, Tideway said. Once fully operational, Tideway said the super sewer will almost eliminate the harmful effects of sewage pollution in the Thames through central London. Chris Weston, Thames Water chief executive, said: “This is a very exciting moment for us all as we see the third and final phase of the huge scheme to help prevent sewage pollution entering the River Thames.
Source:The Herald
October 14, 2024 11:11 UTC
Warning of £2.6bn business rates ‘cliff edge’ for retail and hospitality firms
No future discounts have been factored into fiscal forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility, the UK’s public finances watchdog. Labour says the last Conservative government left it a £22 billion “black hole” in the public finances, which ministers need to plug. The current business rates relief saves the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors a combined £2.41 billion a year, according to Altus research. Labour said it would reform the business rates system in its pre-election manifesto but has not announced specific changes since coming into Government. James Murray, the Exchequer Secretary, told Parliament last month that “the Government is committed to a business rates system which raises the same revenue but in a fairer way”.
Source:The Herald
October 14, 2024 11:11 UTC
Dodgers crush Mets 9-0 in MLB playoff series opener
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Source:The Herald
October 14, 2024 10:24 UTC
Oxford United news for just £5 in Oxford Mail flash sale
A digital subscription is the most user-friendly way to read all your United news online, as subscribers have unlimited access to all stories, including those behind a paywall, with fewer ads and interruptions. Access to the ad-free app is also included with a digital subscription, available on mobile and tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play. App users can browse all sports stories, read the digital edition of the newspaper, and do puzzles without any ad interruptions. After the one-month trial period, monthly subscription will be charged at £4.99 per month. After the one-year trial period, annual digital subscription will be charged at £52 per year.
Source:The Herald
October 14, 2024 10:21 UTC
Survey to capture experiences of over 28,000 apprentices
Eva OsborneThe National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) has launched the first wide-scale survey of apprentices in five years, with over 28,000 apprentices across Ireland set to take part. Apprentices will share their experiences of 77 national apprenticeship programmes. The survey seeks to gather feedback from apprentices on their experiences in the workplace and in college. Each of the over 28,000 apprentices in training will receive an email with the survey link, inviting them to participate. I encourage all apprentices across the 77 Generation Apprenticeship programmes to take the time to complete the survey and share their experience of training as an apprentice.”
Source:The Herald
October 14, 2024 10:20 UTC
Oxfordshire residents urged to boost recycling rates
However, Oxfordshire County Council is now calling on residents to increase this figure, as it says around half of the average rubbish bin is still made up of items that could be recycled. Councillor Dr Pete Sudbury, deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council with responsibility for climate change, environment, and future generations, said: "Oxfordshire residents are already great at recycling, but there is always room for improvement when it comes to finding the best possible option for an item we no longer need. Councillor Dr Pete Sudbury, deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council with responsibility for climate change, environment, and future generations (Image: Oxfordshire County Council) "With busy lives and so many different types of items, packaging, and materials, we know there are times when householders can be unsure if something is recyclable or not. As part of Recycle Week, the council is also running a design activity and prize draw. Fifty entrants will be selected at random to receive an Oxfordshire Reuses aluminium water bottle and other waste-reducing goodies.
Source:The Herald
October 14, 2024 10:06 UTC
Caoimhin Kelleher makes late error as Ireland slip to defeat in Greece
On an emotional night, the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium fell silent ahead of kick-off as both teams paid tribute to Greece defender George Baldock following his death at the age of 31. Masouras failed to test Kelleher with a tame header from a Christos Tzolis cross but the Liverpool keeper denied Bakasetas with a foot and then claimed Pavlidis’ follow-up. FT | Our double-header ends with defeat in Piraeus#GREIRL pic.twitter.com/X7F5GR1CbN — Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 13, 2024Nathan Collins blocked another Pavlidis shot after Tzolis had cleverly flicked the ball into his path with Ireland coming under intense pressure but remaining stubbornly resilient. Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)Ireland found themselves under the cosh with Greece sensing an opportunity to kill the game off and Tzolis scuffed wide from a promising position. But the contest was over when Kelleher presented the ball to Mantalos, who rounded him before firing into the empty net.
Source:The Herald
October 14, 2024 09:03 UTC
Housing issues and rising cost of living drove voters to the polls for European elections, survey shows
The cost of living and housing concerns were the main reasons why Irish citizens were encouraged to vote in this summer’s European elections, according to the results of a new EU-wide survey. Research by the European Commission shows 56pc of Irish voters said rising prices and living costs were the main issue driving their voting decision compared to the EU average of 42pc. Housing was the second biggest topic in motivating Irish people to vote, with 44pc citing the issue as a reason – in contrast to just 10pc of all EU voters. Migration came next, with 39pc of Irish respondents claiming it was a reason why they voted, 11 percentage points above the EU average. Although migration was the third biggest issue for Irish voters, it was ranked joint fifth place with climate change by all EU citizens after rising prices, the economic situation, the international situation and democracy and the rule of law.
Source:Irish Independent
October 14, 2024 09:01 UTC
Quiz: How well do you know the new proposed rules in GAA?
Quiz: How well do you know the new proposed rules in GAA? Michael BoltonAs another inter-county season ended, the debate rages on as to how the game could be changed. With criticism of the game going too defensive, and teams set up not to attack, the GAA have taken action on the issue. Ahead of the games which will have many fans watching with interest, take our quiz to see how much you know about the new rules. From a change to free kicks to ways to stop deep defences, test your knowledge to see what you know about the new rules.
Source:Irish Independent
October 14, 2024 07:16 UTC
Strictly's Katya Jones explains Wynne Evans' hand incident
But in an Instagram video posted to her 245k followers, Katya dismissed the suggestions on Sunday evening (October 13) and said they were “complete nonsense”. The hand incident that happened on Saturday night was an inside – a very silly, very silly – inside joke between Wynne and I. “So even the idea that it made me feel uncomfortable or offended me in any way is complete nonsense. The couple made it through to next week’s live show after scoring 34 from the judges for their tango to Abba’s Money, Money, Money on Saturday – their highest score of the series so far. “Katya would like to clarify further that she was not offended by Wynne and was not made to feel uncomfortable in the least.
Source:The Herald
October 14, 2024 07:11 UTC
Haynes, Bill Mason
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Source:The Herald
October 14, 2024 02:44 UTC
Ardmore to gain almost 100 homes but more needed, warns advocate
A further application for 26 houses is pending approval by Waterford City and County Council. However, a leading housing advocate in the popular Waterford coastal village fears the developments will not bring much relief to the community. Locals formed the Ardmore Grange Housing Study Group (AGHSG) which acquired 1.57 hectares of council land at Farrangarret on the edge of the village. The council subsequently assumed management of the site and plans for 28 social and affordable homes are now gone to tender. Last July, An Bord Pleanála granted planning to CFS Structures Ltd for another 29 dwellings close by.
Source:Irish Examiner
October 14, 2024 02:08 UTC