Schools out: Lanzarote summer family holiday from £371pp - 7nts 4* aparthotel & flights

Pirates, we have hunted out another awesome holiday in the school Summer holidays this time in Lanzarote. The holiday is based on a family of 4 but other party sizes can be catered for. You can book this Lanzarote holiday with a deposit and you can upgrade to all inclusive board basis at time of… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Exceptional Oxford: Top-rated 4* converted barn hotel from £50pppn incl. breakfast

Pirates, treat yourself and a loved one to an overnight stay at the gorgeous 4* Sabine Barn Hotel from £50pp followed by a full English breakfast including fresh eggs and locally-sourced ingredients. This little gem is tucked away from the noise of the city, and is the perfect location for some real relaxation in a… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Relaxing Formentera island holiday 3nts from £136pp - incl. flights, hotel & breakfast

Ahoy mateys! The tranquil Formentera is Ibiza's small sister island, home to Caribbean-like white sandy beaches framed by crystal clear turquoise water and is largely unspoilt by tourism. Here you can really unwind, savour freshly caught seafood and just enjoy the simple beauty of this little paradise. However, this kind of serenity usually comes with… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Andy Boland Talks Growth And Globalisation With The Times

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2v6WuNc

Nobody said running a modern taxi business was going to be an easy gig… nevertheless, the boss of Addison Lee is confident about its prospects down the road

From the regulators and environmentalists who think the tools of its trade are toxic; via the lawyers and trade unions who think its workers are being treated illegally and the disruptive competitors with deep pockets who want to steal its customers; to the neverending need to invest in the latest technology. Is there any facet of the minicab trade that makes it a remotely attractive investment?There must be, because the chief executive of Addison Lee, London’s biggest taxi service that is not either a black cab or an Uber, promises that it will double in size within the next three years. He also has persuaded his private equity backer, America’s Carlyle Group, to double down on its bet that it will do so.Addison Lee, to quote Andy Boland, its chief executive for two and half years, is “a minicab firm on steroids”. In the capital it operates 5,000 cars, most of them diesel: 1,000 executive Mercedes-Benzes, 3,750 Ford Galaxy people carriers and 250 Toyota Prius hybrids. It does 25,000 jobs a day and claims to be ten times larger than the next biggest minicab operator and two and half times larger than its nearest rival in the higher-end market, ferrying bankers, brokers, accountants, lawyers and marketing folk. This business-to-business market accounts for two thirds of Addison Lee’s income. The other third is from the person in the street, half of whom pre-book, half of whom order on demand.It has about 10 per cent of the £3 billion London taxi market and is the largest player in a fragmented sector behind traditional back cabs, which account for about a third, and Uber, which has about 20 per cent.How Addison Lee got here belongs to Book One of the company’s story. It was born in the back streets of south London in the 1970s, but then four things happened around the turn of the millennium that changed everything: minicabs became legitimate under a new licensing regime; the motor industry came up with the MPV, the people carrier; GPS satellite telecommunications meant that drivers could use satnav and controllers could keep track of the drivers; and John Griffin, Addison Lee’s then proprietor, decided to take out the opposition and expand his empire by acquisition.In 2013, a year after Uber was launched in London, Carlyle paid £300 million for a majority stake in Addison Lee. The founding family pocketed £150 million, the founder retired and left his part-time motor racing son Liam in charge. Within two years, Liam Griffin had stepped back to a non-executive role and the finance director who had been hired that year, Andy Boland, took over.At that stage Addison Lee was turning over £300 million a year and making profits of more than £30 million. The full onslaught of Uber and all the other app-enabled ride-hailing operations hit hard and Addison Lee’s revenues and profits plunged. Recently filed 2016-17 accounts tell an evolving story. Revenues are back, up nearly a third to £345 million, but the company was £20 million in the red as it tooled up — technologically and by acquisition — to take on Uber.The order-by-app revolution meant that Addison Lee had to raise its game, or “replatform” in the argot of Mr Boland: “The ride-hailing era [hit us], especially on the consumer side of the business. It has been the impetus for market change as a whole and especially at Addison Lee. The whole consumer front-end technology hadn’t been there in the [traditional] industry and was underdeveloped at Addison Lee. The [customer] engagement model has moved on dramatically. We have had to modernise and digitise to drive growth in arguably the most competitive market in the world.”Carlyle has put in another £100 million to support that technology investment, set up an Addison Lee operation in New York and buy Tristar, an international chauffeuring business, to enable Addison Lee’s globetrotting customers to pre-book for whenever and wherever they get off a plane. All this plus plans to take the Addison Lee model to other big US cities will, it is said, take the company to annual revenues of more than £700 million by 2020.Carlyle, as private equity does, will think about exiting at some stage. In that context, the appointment of Mr Boland seems no coincidence. He had been six years as finance director at the private equity-owned AA roadside assistance and insurance company and went through its 2014 accelerated initial public offering on the stock market. He left soon after the arrival of new management at AA, which persuaded Mr Boland to conclude that his ambition to become a chief executive lay elsewhere.The AA float made him financially secure, which he admits is important to someone who grew up in north Manchester knowing what it is like for a family to live from payday to payday. His escape to university and accountancy training was not the norm on his streets.Yet if Carlyle is to sell Addison Lee successfully, hurdles need to be overcome. Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, like his counterparts in other world cities, has signalled that diesel engine operators such as Addison Lee are not welcome. The problem for Addison Lee is that the alternative is not yet viable. There is no carmaker producing hybrid or electrified versions of its workhorse, the Ford Galaxy, including Ford. And even if Addison Lee can convert to a fully hybrid plug-in fleet, as Mr Boland says it can within five years, where are the thousands of fast-charging points needed? And who will fund such a network?Fighting three employment tribunals makes Addison Lee a case study in the gig economy. It says that its drivers are self-employed. The firm owns, insures and services the vehicle. The driver on average makes £850 a week from fares, out of which he has to pay the company £200 and buy fuel (it is generally “he”, as Addison Lee’s female drivers number only “in the tens” out of 5,000). Law firms such as Leigh Day and the GMB trade union do not agree, arguing that these are workers who qualify for holiday and sick pay benefits.Mr Boland concedes that employment law has not kept up with 21st-century working arrangements: “For us there is a close relationship between happy drivers and chauffeurs with earnings on a fair and flexible deal, and the quality of the customer service they supply to our passengers. If that gets out of kilter . . .“Listen, for a driver who logs on and off [for work] from a device, how do you start measuring that? One hour they might earn nothing. The next it might be £50. There is a debate to be had. Discuss.”Q&AWho is your mentor?Mike Kirkham at Taylor Nelson Sofres gave me my big chance as chief financial officer of a £1 billion FTSE 250 business in my early thirties.What was the most important moment in your working life?The best experience is forged in adversity. It was extremely formative narrowly avoiding administration with Cordiant Communications.Does money motivate you?Those that say money isn’t important have probably never been truly broke. Money was a motivator earlier in my career.What’s your favourite television programme?I don’t get to see my football team, Manchester United, that often these days so I impart my tactical advice to a television.Who do you most admire?Talent without dedicated application is a terrible waste, so I admire the most consistent professional sportspeople.What does leadership mean to you?Setting stretching and exciting goals that inspire your team and then doing everything you can to see them achieve those goals and personal potential.How do you relax?With four children, my family keeps me fully occupied outside work. I enjoy film, theatre and football. I’m a latecomer to skiing, too.CVAge: 48Education:Cardinal Langley RC High School, Middleton, Manchester; Keele University, BSc physics and economics.Career1992: Chartered accountant, Saffery Champness; 1995: treasury and corporate finance, WPP Group; 1998: finance director, Cordiant Comms; 2004: finance director, Taylor Nelson Sofres; 2008: chief financial officer, AA; 2015: finance director then chief executive officer, Addison Lee

April 12, 2018 at 11:16AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Double amputee crush victim suing Uber for negligence

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2qqy10F

An Uber passenger who had to have both his legs amputated following an incident which caused severe "crushing" is suing the ride-hailing firm for negligence. Brendan Brock,23, of California, was on a trip in an Uber vehicle when it ran out of gas in the middle of a freeway. Brock then exited the vehicle to help his Uber driver, a Mr Gregory Raymond Lopez, push the vehicle out of the way of approaching traffic. Brock was then struck by another vehicle causing such severe damage, he had to have both his legs amputated. The lawsuit that has been filed names Uber, Lopez and the driver of the other vehicle as the defendants, the New York Postreported. The court filing accuses Lopez of being unfit to operate his Uber vehicle and putting Brock "in a position to be hit by a car". Brock is seeking unspecified damages, but it's been suggested that he is hoping to get between £20 million and £45 million. Brock now has to receive daily care from his parents. Uber have yet to comment on the lawsuit but has said in the past that it's drivers are considered independent contractors and said it's insurance policy is not responsible for any damages beyond the sum of $1 million.

April 12, 2018 at 11:12AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Magical Mykonos break: 4nts from £269pp incl. flights, 4* hotel w/ infinity pool & breakfast

We've all seen the Instagram photos of the white buildings next to the turquoise infinity pools of Mykonos, well here is the opportunity to experience it for yourself. Jet off to the stunning Greek island this October and stay for 4 nights in the 4* Pietra E Mare Holiday details: Travel duration: 4 nights Example… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Welcome to Miami: Flights from £295rtn - incl. luggage & meals

Our Flights Finder offers deals that are as scorching as the sunshine on South Beach. Today we're looking at topping up our tan, thanks to these bargain fares to Miami - party central USA! Flights are with British Airways/American Airlines/Iberia, so your meals and checked luggage are included. The cheapest flights are in June, September… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Magaluf June getaway from £280pp - 4nts 4* party hotel, breakfast & flights

Calling all party pirates, we have come across this super cool holiday in Majorca for anyone looking for a lively holiday this year. You will be located near the beach in the heart of Magaluf with breakfast included each morning - a must to get rid of that hangover and start the day off right.… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Experience Morocco's magic with return flights from £40

The north African country of Morocco has it all beaches, dessert and mountains. Discover this mystical destination in 2018 with these super cheap flights to a number of exciting cities including Rabat, Fes and Marrakech. So what are you waiting for? These fares wont hang around for long! Flight Details Direct flights with Ryanair Departures… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber's chief admits the company failed to support drivers and favoured investment in growth of the business globally

Uber's chief executive has admitted that the ride-sharing company failed to support its drivers, favouring instead to invest in growing the business globally.

"We focused too much on growth but not enough on drivers," he said during a press conference. 

The app, which refers to the drivers it relies on to offer its service as "partners", has been criticised for treating them unfairly and refusing to offer basic employment rights. 

But Dara Khosrowshahi today said he hoped a brand new app for drivers would prove the San Francisco giant was committed to meeting their needs "at every moment of their journey". 

This includes improved ways for drivers to see how much money they are making through trips and how close they are to the goal they have set, as well as an improved profile section. 

Dara Khosrowshahi pictured during his time as Expedia chief executive before taking over from Travis Kalanick, who founded Uber.

The announcement followed a crushing defeat for Uber's in the European Courts of Justice, which on Tuesday morning upheld France's ban of the app, claiming that it was a criminal offence for the company to operate there. 

The decision will likely have ramifications across the EU for the under-fire ride-hailing company and set a precedent across the bloc as the EU’s top court said member states could use criminal law to “prohibit and punish” illegal transport activities without telling the European Commission first.

Uber France argued that it should be classified as an “information society service” rather than a taxi company, which judges rejected.

The brand new Uber app for drivers Credit: Uber

Such services qualify for EU protection designed to boost innovation, which require national governments to notify the commission before taking action against tech companies. The law was written before Brussels’ attitude towards US tech giants hardened over data protection and concerns over how little tax the companies pay.

The French government banned the UberPop service because it broke a 2014 law prohibiting taxi platforms from using unlicensed drivers carrying fewer than 10 passengers. Uber’s lawyers argued the failure to notify the commission should cancel the French ban and appealed the decision.

French judges referred the mater to the Luxembourg-based European Court of Justice, which said Uber did not qualify as an information society service.

In December 2017, EU judges said that Uber was a transport company and not an information platform in a similar case involving Uber Spain.

A Uber spokeswoman said: "This case is about whether a French law from 2014 should have been pre-notified to the European Commission and related to peer-to-peer services, which we stopped in 2015. As our new CEO has said, it is appropriate to regulate services such as Uber and so we will continue the dialogue with cities across Europe.”

"HMRC has been waiting to see which way the ECJ went on this test case to determine whether it should also consider Uber as a VAT supplier of transport services. The likely VAT liability for Uber in the UK could be over £40 million in back taxes, and a 20% VAT rise in rides going forward. Action by HMRC is now highly likely," said Richard Asquith, global indirect tax expert at Avalara. 

Damien Geradin, a partner at Brussels law firm Euclid Law, said the decision was a missed opportunity. "The pre-notification procedure aims to protect players active in the digital sector against discriminatory or disproportionate rules," he said.

Tuesday’s ruling is the latest setback for the controversial US company, which is appealing Transport for London’s decision to strip it of its operating licence.

The capital’s transport authority plans to introduce regulations limiting the hours ride-hailing app employees can drive.

Uber has been controversial in other EU countries, such as Belgium, where the UberPop service is banned but protests against the firm continue. The company now only works with professional drivers in a majority of EU countries. 

In March, the company reached a settlement with the family of a woman killed by an Uber Technologies self-driving vehicle in Arizona.

Despite the controversies, the service remains popular. 

TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT

The decline and fall of the Taxi trade trade continues. 

The following figures are for week ending 08-04-18

Private hire driver licences

113,596 down 49

117 are new

Private hire vehicle licences

87,702 down 219 

332 are new

Taxi driver licences 

23,800 

down 26 

0 are new

Taxi vehicle licences 

20,974 

down 52

9 are new.

from Taxi Leaks https://ift.tt/2EEWkfp
via IFTTT https://ift.tt/2qpA04i https://ift.tt/12cqxIH

Escape the UK winter in Malta: 7nts from £177pp incl. 4* hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, soak up some off-season sun in Malta with these early bird rates: 7 nights from £177pp including the 4* Santana Hotel, breakfast & flights. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the beach, with an indoor pool, sauna and rooftop bar to enjoy on-site. Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber’s Khosrowshahi: Moving Forward Together with Cities

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2HrVohu

Ride hailing app Uber have always claimed to have changed the way cities move using innovation and technology. Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said today that many of same goals are shared by the 600 cities they serve, and that the controversial firm remain committed to addressing the same challenges which include:reducing individual car ownership, expanding transportation access and helping governments plan future transportation investments.Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber CEO went on to say:

“Since I started as CEO I’ve signaled very clearly that I am committed to being true partners to cities for the long term. This partnership will take many forms over time. As a start, today we’re excited to share a series of product updates that give riders more ways to get around without needing a car, and new ways we’re collaborating with cities.”

Mr Khosrowshahi went on to explain each area in more detail

Beyond RidesharingHaving a greater variety of transportation modes at your fingertips helps make it increasingly easy to live without a car. That’s why we want to provide alternatives to personal car ownership by bringing together multiple modes of transportation right in our app. As part of this new direction for Uber, we’re announcing three updates:Uber Bike by JUMP Expansion: Starting today, we’re expanding Uber Bike by JUMP to Washington, DC. First piloted in San Francisco earlier this year, Uber users in DC can now find and book a JUMP pedal-assist electric bike directly from the Uber app. We’re particularly excited about JUMP Bikes because they can provide a convenient and environmentally friendly ride that’s often faster, especially in dense cities where space is limited and roads can be congested.Uber Rent Powered by Getaround: Later this month in San Francisco, we’re launching Uber Rent powered by Getaround. Cars are shared by people throughout the city and equipped with Getaround’s technology for instant access. With cars available instantly for rent in the Uber app, fewer people will need to store them in garages for those sporadic grocery store runs, daytime adventures, or weekend getaways.Partnership with Masabi: We’ve inked a partnership with Masabi, the global leader in public transit mobile ticketing, to let Uber customers book and use transit tickets in our app. For many people, getting around their city is already a multimodal affair, and this partnership will let riders seamlessly combine public transit with other transportation options like ridesharing, no matter where they need to go.Data SharingWhile having multiple transit options in one app can be powerful for our customers, we know that alone is not enough to improve the cities we operate in. We recognize we also need to give value back to the public agencies that govern these cities by using our technology and insights. That’s why we’re excited to share two new updates:SharedStreets Pilot: Successful collaboration with cities depends on open, non-proprietary data standards and replicable models for sharing insights. To this end we’re working with the DC Departments of Transportation and For Hire Vehicles and SharedStreets to create new methods for public-private collaboration and data sharing that respect the need for rider and driver privacy as well as the competitive landscape of the industry. We’re starting with a pilot in DC to share data on curb usage across all modes of transportation. Better understanding curb utilization can help cities around the world prepare for a future where more and more of us are accessing transportation through a combination of shared modes, rather than relying on our own vehicles. We’re looking forward to building on what we learn from working with DC to support data partnerships in other cities using SharedStreets data standards.Movement Expansion: Uber Movement will be available to 12 new cities across five continents: Amsterdam, Bangalore, Brisbane, Cairo, Hyderabad, Melbourne, Mumbai, Nairobi, New Delhi, Perth, Pittsburgh, and Toronto. Introduced last year, Movement is a website that offers anonymized and aggregated Uber data to show travel conditions across different times, days or months, and how travel times are impacted by things like big events and road closures in a city. Movement can help urban planners, local leaders, and civic communities make informed decisions for our cities.As we think about where we want our cities to be in the future, we know we can do more, and we will. Technology and data alone are not solutions for urban problems—but when done right, and in partnership with others, they have the potential to contribute to a better world for all. We’re excited to move forward with cities.

April 11, 2018 at 10:31PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Vegas from £433pp: 7nt stay - incl. flights & hotel w/circus, theme park & casino

Get a week in Vegas this winter for under £450 per person, thanks to some eagle-eyed sleuthing by our deal-hunting pirates on our holidays finder. We've spotted the 7-night steal for Circus Circus Hotel Casino & Theme Park, including direct flights, with cheap dates available on a number of Monday departures in December. Holiday details:… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

July in Mexico: 7nt all inclusive break from £703pp - incl. 4* resort, flights, bags & transfers

It's time to get summer sorted pirates! What could be better than an all inclusive break to the beautiful beaches of Mexico? Our Package Finder is offering 7 nights at the 4* Riu Vallarta Hotel, along with direct flights, luggage, transfers and ATOL protection. We're eyeing up a July departure - right in the height… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Fuerteventura family holiday in August from £396pp - 7nts 4* villa with private pool & flights

Pirates, we know it can be hard to find a holiday departing in the school Summer holidays at a reasonable price so get a load of this holiday in Fuerteventura departing in August. The holiday is based on a family of 4 but there are also great prices for families of 5 or 3, you… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Lodge or yurt glamping in Yorkshire Dales from £21pp/pn - incl. breakfast (sleeps 5-7 ppl)

Ahoy mateys! Escape to the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales with your closest friends or family for an intimate glamping affair at the award-winning and luxurious Swinton Bivouac site, which comprises a selection of rustic tree lodges (sleeping 7) and yurts (sleeping 5), along with a bunk barn, café and wood-fired hot tub, all set around an… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Early bird Athens: 7nts from £241pp incl. 4* beach hotel & flights

Pirates, book in advance and get a fab price for a week in Athens from £241pp including the 4* Palmyra Beach Hotel & flights. The hotel is only a 2-minute walk from the beach, and that warm Aegean weather is perfect for a winter escape from the dreariness of the UK before spring kicks in.… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber Can Only Operate Until April 15 In Philippines : While In London, TfL Jump Through Hoops To Aid Relicense.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board says Uber should resolve its issues with the Philippine Competition Commission before closing down – 'the sooner, the better

HEARING. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board holds a special hearing on the renewal of Uber's accreditation on April 11, 2018. Photo by Aika Rey/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – By April 16, patrons of ride-hailing services will be left with only Grab as their choice.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordered Uber to close down before April 16, in a hearing on the company's accreditation as a transport network company (TNC) on Wednesday, April 11.

Uber's TNC accreditation expired in August 2017.

"The sooner as possible that you are able to resolve your concerns with PCC (Philippine Competition Commission), the better. Therefore, in the interest of all TNVS (transport network vehicle services) and the riding public, we are giving you until April 15 to exist as a TNC," LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada said.

"Upon April 16, you cease and desist to exist as a TNC," she added.

The ruling came despite the PCC order for Uber and Grab to continue operating separately beyond April 8, the date when Uber was supposed to have closed and transitioned its operations to Grab. The PCC gave the order as it launched a review of the Uber-Grab deal.

When the PCC ordered Uber to continue running beyond April 8, Grab said it would shoulder the cost of the extension but only until April 15.

Uber and Grab face a P50,000 to P2-million penalty per violation for failure or refusal to comply with the PCC's order. But both companies will be given a chance to explain their side.

The LTFRB earlier said it would rather that Uber close down by April 8, citing the lack of manpower on the company's backend to handle customer services.

Many patrons of Uber slammed the deal with Grab, arguing that the latter has "monopolized" the ride-hailing market.

The LTFRB has yet to approve 4 new ride-hailing apps. 

from Taxi Leaks https://ift.tt/2He16WB
via IFTTT https://ift.tt/2He1kgp https://ift.tt/12cqxIH

See the Terracotta Army: Direct flights to China from £364rtn - incl. luggage

Head off the beaten track on your next trip and discover China! Our Flights Finder is offering direct flights to Xi'an, home of the Terracotta Army (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Flights are direct from London with Tianjin Airlines, so your checked luggage is included. We've seen decent availability for these fares in May and… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Harry Potter studio tour & Jury's Inn stay - incl. breakfast from £92pp (1 Child stays FREE)

Alohomora, dear pirates! We've unlocked this great Harry Potter break over at Voyage Privé giving you 1 night at the stylish 3* Jury's Inn in Watford with breakfast included, one Warner Bros Studio Tour per person per stay with 1 child (up to 12 years old) staying for FREE ! From your hotel the studios… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT