Latest news with #March28
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Halfords reveals stronger-than-expected profits – driven by cost-cutting measures and pricing strategies
HALFORDS has revealed stronger-than-expected profits for the past year, driven by cost-cutting measures and pricing strategies. The motoring and cycling retailer 's underlying pre-tax profits rose by 6.4 per cent to £38.4million for the year to March 28. This was higher than its earlier forecast of £32million to £37million. New boss Henry Birch hailed the results as evidence of a strong performance and progress in the company's growth strategy. Halfords faced £33million in extra costs last year because of inflation and higher wages. However, the company managed to offset this by saving £35million. At the same time, it said its profitability improved thanks to better buying operations and higher pricing. Looking ahead, Halfords plans to deal with rising costs, including higher National Insurance and minimum wages, by adjusting prices, buying smarter and cutting more costs. Meanwhile, total revenues rose 0.1 per cent to £1.72billion for the year, with like-for-like growth of 2.5 per cent. 2 The firm's autocentres business saw like-for-like growth of 3.7 per cent, while retail sales were up 2.1 per cent. Mr Birch said: 'The business has delivered a strong financial performance, made good strategic progress and has a clear plan in place to tackle external inflationary forces.' I-DIAL FOR BEST NETWORK MILLIONS of phone owners can use a new 'map your mobile' coverage checker to find their best network. The service, launched by regulator Ofcom, shows the options on a local map based on the user's postcode. Car washes could be causing your motor's paint to fade as expert shares DIY fix using £xx Halford's product It can also specifically lists which is the best network for workplaces, commutes, or communities. Ofcom's Natalie Black said the tool is based on modern smartphone needs. It sets a higher standard for signal strength and is very precise, focusing on smaller areas within a 50-metre radius. TAX TOLL RISES AROUND 4.4 million households are in council tax arrears — owing a record £8.3billion, figures reveal. The number in the red is up from 3.2 million last year while the total owed has soared 79 per cent in five years, according to research by charity Debt Justice. It said: 'The vast majority aren't avoiding council tax, they simply can't afford it. Rather than help, councils sending in bailiffs.' £1M BOX FINES 2 THOUSANDS of drivers were fined a total of nearly £1million from 36 box junctions last year — after councils across England gained the power to enforce penalties. The RAC said 32,748 fines were issued, with Manchester City Council giving out the most, generating £446,706 from six junctions. Kent's Medway Council raised £145,162 and Buckinghamshire £139,798. One, in Guildford, Surrey, netted £81,445.
Bloomberg
12-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Myanmar Recovery Dented by Devastating Quake, World Bank Says
Myanmar's economy is headed for its worst performance since the pandemic as the strife-torn country reels from the impact of a devastating earthquake in March that's estimated to have caused $11 billion in damage, according to the World Bank. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28 affected more than 17 million people and wrecked widespread damages to residential buildings, public infrastructure and heritage sites in areas accounting for about one-third of Myanmar's gross domestic product. The impact of the quake still continues to disrupt lives and livelihood, 'exacerbating the already very difficult conditions in the affected areas,' the bank said in a report Thursday.
Miami Herald
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Trump orders removal of ‘divisive,' ‘anti-American ideology' Smithsonian exhibits
March 28 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to restore "truth and sanity to American history" by directing the Smithsonian to eliminate "divisive" and "anti-American ideology" from its museums. The executive order is the latest move by Trump to remove so-called liberal ideas and representations from federal government institutions and is expected to attract strong condemnation from critics, opponents and educators. "Let me be PERFECTLY clear -- you cannot erase our past and you cannot stop us from fulfilling our future," Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, said on X, accusing Trump of trying to remove diversity "from our history." The Smithsonian Institution has 21 museums, 14 education and research centers and the National Zoo, making it the largest museum, education and research complex in the world, according to its website. It was founded in 1846 with the purpose of increasing and spreading knowledge. The executive order states that the Smithsonian Institution in recent years has "come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology" that has "promoted narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive." It directs Vice President JD Vance, who serves on the Smithsonian Board of Regents, to work to eliminate those policies and "improper ideology" from the institution's facilities. Federal funding will be withheld from exhibits or programs that promote such ideologies, including those in the American Women's History Museum that recognize achievements by trans women. Exhibits affected are those that present America's history as "inherently racist, sexist, oppressive or otherwise irredeemably flawed." As an example, the order pointed to "The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture," currently on display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum until Sept. 14. According to the executive order, the exhibition promotes the idea that race is not a biological reality but a social construct and asserts that societies, including the United States, "have used race to establish and maintain systems of power, privilege and disenfranchisement." The exhibition's website states it consists of 82 sculpture created between 1792 and 2023, allowing "for juxtapositions of historical and contemporary works that invite dialogue and reflection on notions of power and identity." UPI has asked the Smithsonian Institute for comment. During his two months in office, Trump has repeatedly used his executive powers to overhaul cultural norms in the federal government, attacking diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and programs. The president also appointed himself chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which has led to several artists cutting ties with the institution and the cancellation of multiple shows. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
