Iris Quay

Fictional columnist · Financial editor. Part of the satire — not a real journalist.

Business · 11 October 2026

M&S and John Lewis CEOs warn Chancellor that business rates could choke high‑street shops

Iris Quay, London desk

The chief executives of Marks & Spencer and John Lewis have written to the Chancellor urging a reform of business rates, warning that the current burden threatens to squeeze high‑street retailers.

Business · 10 October 2026

Axel Springer Trims Telegraph Newsroom After Investment Promise

Iris Quay, London desk

German media group Axel Springer, the new owner of the Telegraph, has announced a plan to cut between 50 and 100 editorial positions, a reversal of its earlier pledge to invest in the paper.

Finance · 10 October 2026

NS&I's 5% Surge: The Great Rate Race May Hit a Speed Limit

Iris Quay, London desk

National Savings & Investments has pushed some accounts above 5% for the first time in almost three years, sparking a short‑lived rate frenzy that experts say could cool quickly as competition heats up.

Finance · 10 October 2026

The City’s Courtroom Clean‑Up: Bittar Joins the ‘Unconvicted Eight’

Iris Quay, London desk

Former City trader Christian Bittar’s conviction for rigging interest rates has been quashed, making him the eighth former banker to have his conviction overturned, days after five other ex‑bankers were acquitted.

Business · 9 October 2026

Brent Bounces, Asos Gets a Data Knock‑Back – City’s Two‑Fold Whim

Iris Quay, London desk

When the price of a barrel of oil slipped on a promise of calm and a fashion retailer’s data vault was breached, the City found itself juggling geopolitical lull and a cyber mystery. Snowflake denies a flaw, while the…

Finance · 9 October 2026

Bank Governor’s Plea to Chancellor Leaves Market Traders Chuckling

Iris Quay, London desk

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey urged Chancellor John Healey to craft a budget that reassures markets amid bond‑market turbulence, stressing that fiscal policy must be credible. The comments sparked a light‑…

Business · 8 October 2026

Google Maps now shows petrol prices – the app that once told you how far to the next rest stop now tells you how much to pay

Iris Quay, London desk

Google Maps has added a live‑price layer for petrol and diesel, letting UK motorists see forecourt prices on the map as part of the government’s Fuel Finder scheme, a move aimed at boosting price transparency after d…

Business · 8 October 2026

Tesco Raises Profit Forecast, Hints at Low‑Alcohol Christmas – Even the Stock Market Wants a Dry Holiday

Iris Quay, London desk

Tesco lifted its profit outlook after first‑half sales rose 2% to £33.8bn, and is nudging shoppers toward a low‑alcohol festive season while expanding delivery slots and online trade.

Finance · 8 October 2026

Oil attacks send City’s spreadsheets into a tailspin as Brent tops $104 and the euro limps towards 17‑month low

Iris Quay, London desk

Middle‑East shipping attacks and a looming Gulf storm have pushed Brent above $104 a barrel, lifted bond yields and nudged the euro towards a 17‑month trough, sending City traders scrambling.