Chris Blackhurst

London

Author, columnist, The Independent, The National, ex-Editor Independent, City Editor Evening Standard, Top 10 Crisis & Reputation advice - PR Week.

Articles

Curzon Mayfair cinema set for major overhaul after bitter legal dispute ends

5 days ago | aol.co.uk | Chris Blackhurst

The redevelopment of landmark cinema the Curzon Mayfair is set to go ahead after a lengthy dispute between the leaseholder and landlord over plans for the historic venue. Owner Fantasio, previously behind the refurbishment of KOKO, The Ned and the Wolseley, aims to turn the site, famed for its glitzy premieres, into a modern cinema, entertainment, media hub and dining destination. CEO Dan Zaum said: ‘We’re disappointed it has taken so long but relieved it’s over and that we can now progress.
firms using AI to cut corners are playing with fire

5 days ago | msn.com | Chris Blackhurst

Microsoft Cares About Your PrivacyMicrosoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Not OK, computer: firms using AI to cut corners are playing with fire

6 days ago | standard.co.uk | Chris Blackhurst

BusinessGenerative AI use is multiplying across UK companies, often without any training, policy or oversight. Where will it end, asks Chris BlackhurstRise of the machines: AI is being used more and more in business — but there’s no regulation yetGetty ImagesChris Blackhurst1 minute ago COMMENTSSign up for our email featuring expert insight and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEsI would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard.
Trump has hurt Elon Musk deeply - he may never recover from the harm done

1 week ago | independent.co.uk | Chris Blackhurst

Inside businessAs First Buddy, he was all smiles in the White House, but as he leaves his official role in the Trump administration, the tech billionaire may be just beginning to realise that being part of it was the biggest mistake of his lifeOne moment, you are the richest person in the world, a genius, a self-proclaimed “techno-king”, able to dock a returning space rocket as if it were a car. The next? You have protesters boycotting your products, and your company’s stock price is crashing.
Trump’s attack on Harvard is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for British universities

1 week ago | independent.co.uk | Chris Blackhurst

CommentThe UK’s demoralised and underfunded university sector could build some confidence – and some money – by sweeping up would-be Ivy League students, writes Chris BlackhurstFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing.
Meet Trading 212’s Ivan Ashminov, the entrepreneur disrupting the world of UK finance

2 weeks ago | independent.co.uk | Chris Blackhurst

InterviewFrom humble beginnings, Ivan Ashminov has established one of the UK’s biggest savings and investment platforms thanks to his obsession with transformative technology. He tells Chris Blackhurst about his incredible rise – and how the hard work is only just beginningIvan Ashminov has cause for celebration. His saving and investment platform Trading 212 has just passed a landmark £25bn worth of client assets under administration.
Glazers’ grip on struggling Manchester United remains strong despite fans’ loathing

2 weeks ago | thenationalnews.com | Chris Blackhurst

A Manchester United supporter holds up a banner in protest against the treatment of fans ahead of a Europa League match this month. AFP
Tax avoidance is on the rise - and the rich are leading the way

3 weeks ago | independent.co.uk | Chris Blackhurst

Inside BusinessNew figures show that tax worth billions of pounds a year is being dodged, writes Chris Blackhurst. And despite repeated promises by the chancellor, it is the wealthiest who appear to be getting away with it the mostIt has taken the government spending watchdog to highlight what has long been suspected, that ministerial claims to be cracking down on tax avoidance come nowhere near the mark.
Private investigator facing extradition to the US "worked for a London leading law firm"

3 weeks ago | standard.co.uk | Chris Blackhurst

BusinessAmit Forlit is alleged to have targeted ‘over 100 victim corporations, organisations and individuals’ to steal ‘confidential business and personal information’ for profit. Amit Forlit was indicted by a New York Grand Jury in 2022. TNSChris Blackhurst1 minute ago COMMENTSSign up for our email featuring expert insight and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEsI would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
By all means raise a glass of bubbly, chancellor… but beware of boosterism

3 weeks ago | independent.co.uk | Chris Blackhurst

CommentWith the UK economy now expanding at its fastest rate in years, the chancellor has a smile on her face – but, thanks to tariffs, there could be bad news just around the corner, says Chris BlackhurstRachel Reeves could be forgiven for allowing herself and her team a glass of cava or prosecco today – assuming, that is, the chancellor long ago forsook champagne in pursuit of a cheaper alternative. The GDP figure is a cause for celebration.