Rolling live coverage of business, economics and financial marketsThe mood of consumers in Europe’s largest economy is darkening as the Omicron variant spreads across the region. According to the latest consumer sentiment index from Germany’s GfK insti…
AvantStay, a platform for kitting out — and then renting out — high-end vacation rental homes, raises $160M
Another travel startup that found itself scrambling to pivot as the COVID-19 pandemic took off is now announcing a huge round of funding after finding its feet and proving that it can grow, even under adverse circumstances. AvantStay — which has built a platform where it decorates and then lists properties owned by others for […]
The Guardian view on tighter Covid rules: better safe than sorry | Editorial
Ministers have announced a plan B. Now they must ensure it can be implementedWork from home if you can; wear face masks when in public indoor spaces (except when eating, drinking or exercising); use the NHS app to prove you are vaccinated, or have rece…
Tell us: have travel restrictions affected hospitality in the UK?
We would like to hear from those working in the hospitality industry about whether they’ve experienced booking cancellationsThe Omicron variant has been causing issues for the hospitality industry in the UK, with pubs, bars and restaurants receiving ca…
UK hospitality firms hit by Christmas party cancellations over Omicron fears
Mixed messages about socialising during festive season also having an effect, say bossesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBosses of pubs, bars and restaurants across the UK are warning they are already receiving cancellations …
Why September’s dip in UK inflation may be a false dawn
Analysis: Covid support schemes have distorted official data and experts fear inflation will resume its ascentUK inflation falls despite supply crisis and rising petrol pricesCoronavirus – latest updatesJust when everyone was preparing for a stratosphe…
Under the table: Australia’s dazzlingly diverse home cooking underground
Social media and online marketplaces have facilitated a boom in Australian home cooking businesses – but many operate without regulationDuring the Sydney lockdown I ordered from a different home cook every Friday night, for me and my neighbours. I disc…
A million unfilled jobs – and no one to serve the Tories in Manchester
The city’s hospitality venues blame Brexit for a lack of experienced staff as the Conservative party conference arrives in town For the swanky bars and restaurants that surround Manchester Central convention complex, Conservative party conference norma…
Hospitality and tourism bosses plead for VAT rate freeze at 12.5%
Coalition of UK industry bodies warns of ‘painful’ job losses if Treasury returns tax to pre-Covid levels in AprilHospitality and tourism bosses are pleading with the government to permanently lower the VAT rate on businesses in their sectors to help s…
Free flights and $1,000 vouchers: Australian hospitality sector lures UK workers
As the industry prepares to ramp up again amid staff shortages, one company is offering big incentives to British workers Chelsee Whitehead has worked in the hospitality industry since she left high school four years ago. Before Covid-19, she always th…