Netflix to hike subscription fees following a surge in subscribers and expansion into live sports

Hand holding tv remote.

Netflix has announced a significant increase in subscribers, with 19 million more joining in the fourth quarter of 2024, largely attributed to its expanded live sports content.

The streaming behemoth surpassed the 300 million paid subscriber mark after incorporating live sports into its offerings in 2024, including boxing, NFL, and WWE events, as reported by City AM.

It also secured media rights for the upcoming two Fifa Women’s World Cups, projecting revenues between £35.3 billion and £36 billion for 2025.

The company expressed satisfaction with its Q4 performance, highlighting that "Our Q4 slate outperformed even our high expectations," and noting the record-breaking viewership for the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight and two NFL games on Christmas Day.

James Venn, Group Director of Fuse, remarked on the strategic move: "Advances in streaming technology have allowed Netflix to carefully enter live sports, prioritising key events with massive viewership potential. These moments, or ‘not-to-be-missed’ cultural phenomena, attract audiences at scale."

He further explained the revenue implications: "Netflix’s live events create major revenue opportunities through its 2022 advertising model and its ability to drive subscription growth. Advertisers follow audiences and benefit from Netflix’s data-driven personalisation, audience segmentation, and real-time measurement—positioning live sports as a powerful tool to engage viewers and drive growth for the platform."

While Netflix will cease providing quarterly subscriber updates, it is poised to delve deeper into the live event sector and has also confirmed an increase in subscription prices.

Jason Megson, SVP at Sparks International, remarked: "By continuing to invest in enhanced viewer experiences, Netflix is well-positioned to outpace competitors which will sustain subscription growth."

He added, "And, perhaps more importantly, showcasing live sporting events opens up lucrative new revenue streams by creating brand partnerships across each touch-point – from the on-screen to the in-person experience and everything in between."

Netflix enthusiasts have much to anticipate with upcoming content like the returns of 'The Night Agent', 'Stranger Things', and 'Wednesday', in addition to releases like 'Happy Gilmore 2' and Guillermo del Toro’s 'Frankenstein'.

Mike Ashley's Frasers lowers profit guidance after October's Budget

Mike Ashley's Frasers Group has revised its financial outlook downwards, attributing the change to tougher trading conditions following October's Budget. The retailer now anticipates an adjusted pretax profit ranging between £550m and £600m for the 2025 financial year, a decrease from the previously forecasted £575m to £625m. "Both ahead of and after the recent Budget, consumer confidence has weakened and recent trading conditions have been tougher," the company stated in its half-year results, as reported by City AM. Looking ahead to 2026, Frasers foresees incurring additional costs of at least £50m due to the Chancellor's decision to raise employers' national insurance and increase the minimum wage as announced in the Budget. The firm is actively seeking ways to "working hard to mitigate" these impending costs. In early trading, shares in Frasers Group dropped by over 13%. This guidance was issued alongside the company's report of a one-third decline in pretax profit for the six months ending in October, which fell to £207m. Frasers attributed its trading performance to a reduction in foreign exchange gains and fluctuations in equity derivatives. On an adjusted basis, pretax profit slightly decreased by 1.5% to £299m, down from £304m in the previous year. Despite continued sales growth in Sports Direct, this was overshadowed by "planned declines" in other areas such as Game UK, Studio Retail, and Sportmaster in Denmark. Frasers is currently engaged in "right-sizing" these previously unprofitable businesses to ensure their long-term sustainability. Additionally, the group cited a "challenging luxury market" as a factor negatively impacting sales.

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Michelin Star restaurant Simpsons goes up for sale as chef announces retirement

One of Birmingham's best-known and most prestigious restaurants is up for sale. Simpsons, the Michelin Star restaurant in Edgbaston, is on the market with a £850,000 price tag. Established in Edgbaston since 2004 after chef patron Andreas Antona moved his culinary enterprise from Kenilworth, the venue is set to change hands as Mr Antona approaches retirement. Singled out by The Times as the 'Godfather of Modern Birmingham Food', Mr Antona has seen his kitchen become a starting point for many respected Birmingham chefs, such as Glynn Purnell and Cuubo's Dan Sweet, highlighting the significant imprint Simpsons has left on the local food scene. The property housing Simpsons is a Grade II-listed Georgian villa, renovated in 2015, featuring period elements alongside modern glass doors leading to well-kept lawns and patio areas. It is also home to the Eureka cookery school, reports Birmingham Live. Mr Antona said: "Simpsons represents a fantastic opportunity for someone to stamp their own identity on part of this city's culinary history. The restaurant has a fantastic and loyal customer base and sits firmly at the heart of fine dining in the Midlands. "The building is unique in its potential to host five boutique bedrooms and the jewel in its crown is the beautiful, tranquil garden and terrace. Simpsons has a big place in my heart and a sale of this importance will take time. "We have a fantastic team in place and I want to be sure that the buyer shares our passion to continue and build on Simpsons' longstanding success." Simon Chaplin, senior director at Christie and Co, said: "We are delighted to be appointed to work with Andreas on this prestigious assignment. Simpsons is one of the most established venues in the West Midlands and can continue to be so in new hands. "It has been a 'go to' restaurant for many in the area, be it for celebrations or business, and a buyer may well be a previous customer who will now be able to have the prestige of owning this iconic venue."

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WeBuyAnyCar sales slump by nearly £1bn as used car prices tank

Revenue at Webuyanycar dropped nearly £1bn in the latest fiscal year as a marked decrease in used car values impacted the automotive marketplace. Newly filed accounts with Companies House disclose that the company, part of the Constellation Automotive group, generated a revenue of £2.57bn for the year ending 31 March, 2024, as reported by City AM. This figure is down from £3.51bn in the previous year and follows revenue of £5.15bn in the 12 months leading up to 3 April, 2022. Pre-tax profit also saw a decline, decreasing from £85m to £48.3m within the same time frame. The board noted in a statement that: "The company’s performance is expected to continue throughout the next financial year and it is anticipated that the current performance levels will be maintained." Meanwhile, Constellation Automotive Group, which includes brands such as Cinch, Marshall Motor Group, and BCA, reportedly cut its annual pre-tax loss significantly amidst challenges faced in 2023 due to the downturn in used car values. City AM reported that the Hampshire-based group recorded a pre-tax loss of £74.4m for the year to 31 March, 2024, a substantial decrease from the £135.3m loss from the year before. Revenue likewise dipped from £9.68bn to £9.33bn over the corresponding period according to the figures filed with Companies House. Constellation Automotive revealed that its momentum had been hampered by a "sharp correction" in the value of used vehicles during its third quarter. In a strategic move, the group offloaded its remaining 19.5% holding in Lookers for £96.8m in October 2023, following Lookers' acquisition by Global Auto Holdings.

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Victorian Plumbing founder Mark Radcliffe set for huge pay day after bonus boost

The billionaire founder and CEO of Victorian Plumbing, Mark Radcliffe, is set for a significant pay rise after the company's remuneration committee decided to increase his base salary from £250,000 to £400,000 starting 1 April, 2025. The committee also raised the maximum award from the long-term incentive plan (LTIP) from 150% to 200% of his base salary, as reported by City AM. This change, which doesn't require formal approval from shareholders, could see Radcliffe receive £1.2m when the LTIP matures if all targets are met. However, the first LTIP targets since the company's AIM floatation were not achieved, so no bonus was awarded. This news follows Victorian Plumbing's recent announcement that its pre-tax profit fell from £15.6m to £9m in the year ending 30 September, 2024. Despite this, the group's revenue rose from £285.1m to £295.7m. Excluding the impact of the Victoria Plum acquisition, which has since been closed, revenue decreased by one per cent. Shares in Skelmersdale-headquartered Victorian Plumbing are currently trading at just over 100p, up from their 92.8p start in 2025. Over the past year, they have reached as high as 121.5p on 2 December, 2024, and as low as 74.8p on 26 April, 2024. Dianne Walker, the remuneration committee chair, commented in the annual report: "The group is at a pivotal stage in the evolution of its growth strategy; this has prompted the committee to carry out a detailed review of the policy, resulting in a renewed approach to incentivisation of executive directors." Further explaining the adjustments, Walker noted: "A ‘hybrid’ long-term incentive structure has been designed to combine performance-based outcomes with an element of time-based remuneration." She also mentions that, "An increase in the maximum LTIP award is also proposed, from 150 per cent to 200 per cent of base salary (equal to the previous maximum opportunity under exceptional circumstances); this, coupled with the introduction of the time-based element, will serve as a valuable incentivisation and retention tool as the company navigates through a period of growth." On top of these changes, Walker added, "As part of its review of the policy, the committee also assessed the base salary levels of the executive directors and will increase these to bring them more into line with market comparators." She concluded by acknowledging the progress of individual roles and how it impacts incentive values: "This assessment also takes into account Daniel Barton’s progression in role since his appointment as chief financial officer in April 2023, as well as the impact of salary levels on the value of incentives."

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Nando's to open new restaurants across UK after slashing loss

Nando’s has unveiled plans to open new restaurants across the UK after reducing its pre-tax loss during its latest financial year. The chain, renowned for its peri-peri chicken, intends to launch 14 sites during its current financial year, as reported by City AM. It has already opened new establishments in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Doncaster, Taplow, Bognor, Watford, Northampton and Belfast. In the year ending February 2024, Nando’s launched 17 restaurants, with 11 of these in the UK and Ireland. During that 12-month period, the chain’s revenue rose by 7.5 per cent to £1.37bn while its pre-tax loss was reduced from £86.2m to £50.1m. The group reported an operating profit of £59.8m for the year. Nando’s stated its sales had exceeded pre-pandemic levels due to "strong customer demand". Rob Papps, group chief executive of Nando’s, said the economic backdrop remains "uncertain" but it is pushing forward with more investment to drive growth. Nando’s said the latest growth plans come after a positive first quarter of its 2024-25 financial year, where it was "extremely encouraged by customer demand". However, it emphasised cost inflation has remained at "elevated levels", indicating it is still seeking to address its costs across the business. Nando’s said it made £86.6m of capital investment over the year, as it opened more stores and refurbished a number of restaurants. Papps stated: "The 2024 financial year saw Nando’s deliver a good sales performance and a return to pre-pandemic levels of operating profit driven by robust consumer demand for our flame-grilled peri-peri chicken supported by our strong brand and customer proposition." He added, "Despite the improved sales performance, ongoing cost pressure with energy, labour and food remained very challenging."

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A well-established family business in Cornwall, specializing in taxi and coach hire services, has declared bankruptcy, r

As per Companies House records, the firm initiated creditors' voluntary liquidation on December 18th, a legal procedure that permits the directors of an insolvent company to shut down operations voluntarily. Kim Richards and Richard Tonks from BK Plus, a firm in Walsall, West Midlands, were designated as the joint liquidators. The Gazette officially announced this development on Boxing Day. Financial records from Companies House indicate that Summercourt Travel, which was founded approximately two decades ago, has outstanding debts exceeding £908,000. These include a director's loan of £280,000 to a creditor, £137,000 owed to Funding Circle in London, nearly £31,000 to HSBC, slightly over £29,000 to HM Revenue and Customs, and almost £21,000 to Haydock Finance Limited in Lancashire. Other creditors encompass Cornwall Council, various vehicle companies, utility providers, and even Amazon for a sum of £43. Despite the liquidation of Summercourt Travel, its directors Robert and Sam Ryder, along with company secretary Sharon Ryder, are still managing Merlin Vehicle Rental and Travel Cornwall. These businesses are situated at the same address as the now-defunct Summercourt. Online inquiries for Summercourt Travel are automatically redirected to the operational Travel Cornwall website, as reported by Cornwall Live. The website portrays the company as a "locally based family-run business offering a range of transportation services including taxis, minibuses, executive cars, and coach and bus services." It further states that the company's central location is ideal for providing services across Cornwall and beyond. Efforts have been made to contact Robert Ryder, whose email still mentions Summercourt Travel, and the liquidators for further comments. A spokesperson for BK Plus Limited stated: "Summercourt Travel Limited went into Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation on December 18, 2024, with Richard Tonks and Kim Richards of BK Plus appointed as Joint Liquidators by the company's members and creditors. "Before our appointment, the company had stopped trading, leading to one of its clients taking over employment contracts for 24 of its staff, while the remaining six were laid off. "Post-appointment, the liquidators will now focus on converting the company's assets into cash, communicating with creditors, and, as per standard insolvency procedures, examining the circumstances that led to the company's collapse."

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M&S and Waitrose meal deal sandwich supplier makes 'stronger than expected' recovery

Food manufacturer Greencore has reported a "stronger than expected" trading year as the company, known for producing meal deals for retailers such as M&S and Waitrose, sees a significant rebound in profitability with an eye on 2025. The Irish firm informed the market this morning that its like-for-like sales surged from 29.7% to 33.2% in the year ending 28 September, 2024, as reported by City AM. The company's adjusted operating profit soared by 27.8% to £97 million, bolstered by a series of customer contract renewals which are set to establish a "solid multi-year platform". Additionally, Greencore's adjusted EBITDA witnessed a 15.7% increase. Greencore's CEO Dalton Philips commented on the robust performance, acknowledging it came during a time "defined by cost inflation and muted consumer confidence". Philips elaborated: "Over the last 12 months we have remained focused on making high quality food, rebuilding our profitability, and positioning Greencore to be known as the UK’s leading convenience foods manufacturer." "We continue to make progress against each of our strategic objectives and are well positioned to continue this momentum in FY25 and over the longer term." In a move reflecting confidence in its financial health, the group has also returned £40 million to shareholders and declared an additional £10 million share buyback. The company stated that its robust balance sheet will facilitate investment "in the growth and efficiency of our business and to pursue M&A opportunities on a selective basis, while also enabling us to deliver increasing returns to shareholders."

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On the Beach brings back dividends and launches £25m share buyback for investors

On the Beach has initiated a £25m share buyback and promised substantial full-year dividends for investors, following a surge in demand for its package holidays to record levels in 2024. The Manchester-based company announced plans to reintroduce a final dividend of 2.1p per share, marking the first full-year payout since the pandemic affected the travel sector, as reported by City AM. This decision comes after On the Beach reported record bookings for the third consecutive year, capitalizing on the travel boom that has swept across Europe in recent years. The company's total transaction value (TTV) reached £1.2bn, a 15% year-on-year increase, alongside revenue of £128.2m, up 14%. On an adjusted basis, pre-tax profit rose by 25% to £31m. In a statement to the market, On the Beach informed investors that its forward order book had reached record levels, with winter bookings to date up by 25%. "Current trends and strategy give us confidence that summer 2025 will be significantly ahead of summer 2024," the company added. Chief Executive Shaun Morton attributed the performance to a combination of initiatives, including the company's announcement of a landmark partnership deal with its long-term budget airline partner, Ryanair. "The partnership has facilitated an improved customer journey for those booking Ryanair flights as part of an On the Beach package, whilst enabling increased operational efficiency and a greater focus on areas of strategic value." "What’s more, the agreement and significant upgrades to our technology have supported a doubling of our addressable market, following the addition of city breaks to our offering alongside planned investment in Ireland."

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Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge warns of widespread closures in hospitality following tax hike

Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has cautioned that the government's tax increases will have a "catastrophic" effect on numerous hospitality businesses in the coming year. Kerridge, who was one of 120 business leaders to endorse Labour prior to the General Election, expressed significant "business frustration" with the government following the Budget, as reported by City AM. "There will be a huge amount of closures," he predicted during his appearance on Sky News last night. "We’ve already got high-profile names and Michelin-star restaurants that have decided to shut their doors. And when that starts to happen, it does begin to filter down," he added. According to Kerridge, the rise in employers’ national insurance will mean businesses could face an additional annual cost of £800-850 per employee, which he described as "an awful lot of money" for many smaller enterprises. The retail and hospitality sectors have been vocal in their opposition to the tax increase, highlighting its potential detrimental effects on the economy. Last month, over 200 leading UK hospitality businesses signed a letter to the Chancellor, cautioning that the tax hike could compel many to reduce staff numbers or cut investment budgets. Andrew Higginson, chair of the British Retail Consortium, also warned that the surge in costs might be "too much for the (retail) industry to bear." Deutsche Bank's analysis indicates that the national insurance increase could lead to the loss of around 100,000 jobs.

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TalkTalk may cut nearly 25% of consumer staff, including roles at Salford HQ

Nearly a quarter of TalkTalk's consumer staff, including some based at the company's Salford headquarters, are at risk of losing their jobs. It is estimated that around 130 out of 530 colleagues could face redundancy, equating to almost 25 per cent of the consumer team, the Manchester Evening News and BusinessLive have revealed. The company is expected to extend the redundancy consultation period over the Christmas fortnight. Last year, TalkTalk Group split its main operating business into three independent companies: TalkTalk Consumer, which serves over two million broadband customers, TalkTalk Business Direct, and PXC Communications, which provides services to other telecoms providers. Earlier this year, TalkTalk had warned it could potentially collapse unless a new finance deal was secured. In its July annual report, the directors expressed concerns about potential insolvency as early as 'August 2024 or sooner'. A source close to the company disclosed that following the demerger, the business is 'simplifying ways' to ensure a 'sustainable business model' for the future. The changes are expected to affect roles across the UK, particularly in centralised head office functions, reports the Manchester Evening News. While Soapworks in Salford Quays remains the company's HQ, it is unclear how many roles there could be impacted. It is understood that customers will not be affected by these changes. A spokesperson for TalkTalk commented: "This is the first stage in a multi-year transformation of our business to deliver differentiated service and product to our customers. We are simplifying our business to ensure that we can continue to offer great value connectivity to our millions of customers across the UK." "As part of this, we have made the difficult decision to launch a consultation about the future of some roles at TalkTalk's consumer business." The telecom firm's executives have been actively working to refinance the substantial £1bn debt accumulated since the company went private in 2020, amidst escalating costs and increased competition. In a positive turn for TalkTalk, August saw a tentative agreement on a transaction, providing the company with a £400m financial boost. Regarding the financing, they stated: "The proposed transaction will leave the company well-funded to deliver the respective strategic plans of PlatformX Communications (PXC) and TalkTalk, continuing to capitalise on their strong positions in the market." In the latest financial report up to February 29, it was disclosed that TalkTalk's consumer and PXC divisions employed approximately 1,857 individuals - 1,229 in administrative roles and another 628 in sales and customer management. Back in 2019, TalkTalk relocated its headquarters to the Soapworks building in Salford Quays, a site once home to Colgate-Palmolive's toothpaste, detergents, and dishwasher liquid production. The group said: "It's been amazing to be able to bring everyone together under one roof to create a world-class, state-of-the-art campus for our entire business." The company also operates from locations in Gateshead and London.

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