Jet2, the London-listed leisure travel group, has announced a significant £250 million share buyback program following a robust fiscal performance. The company expects to report a profit before foreign exchange revaluation and taxation of between £565.0 million and £570.0 million for the year ended 31 March, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. This move underscores Jet2's confidence in its sustainable cash-generative business model and strong balance sheet, which boasts total cash of £3.2 billion and an 'Own Cash' balance of £1.1 billion at the end of FY25.

The share buyback initiative is set to enhance earnings per share by cancelling the repurchased shares, a strategy that has been well-received by the market. Peel Hunt analysts described the buyback as 'very positive,' highlighting the company's robust financial health. Jet2's decision reflects a broader trend among corporations with strong cash positions to return value to shareholders, albeit in a manner that favors institutional investors over private ones, especially those investing through tax-free wrappers like ISAs.

Looking forward, Jet2 is optimistic about its growth prospects, with 'on sale capacity' for summer 2025 currently 8.3% higher than the previous year, totaling 18.6 million seats. This expansion is partly attributed to the company's new bases at Bournemouth and London Luton airports, which contribute approximately 4% of the growth. Despite the positive outlook, Jet2 acknowledges the challenges posed by limited visibility and a trend towards later booking profiles in the travel sector.

The announcement has had a palpable impact on Jet2's stock, with shares climbing nearly 15% following the release of its trading statement. Analysts from RBC and Peel Hunt have lauded the company's strong return on invested capital and attractive valuation, suggesting that Jet2's integrated model and customer experience position it well for continued growth and value creation in the competitive leisure travel market.

Shed Seven, the Yorkshire Britpop legends, have announced a special one-off summer 2026 performance at Halifax's Piece Hall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1996 album 'A Maximum High'. The band will deliver a full album performance followed by a second set of greatest hits during the Live At The Piece Hall concert series on June 6. This Halifax date will represent Shed Seven's only headline show of summer 2026, making it a particularly significant event for both the band and their dedicated fanbase.

The anniversary concert will feature special guest performances from Seb Lowe and The Guest List, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for this exclusive event are scheduled to go on general sale at 10am on Friday, October 24, available through major ticketing platforms including Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Piece Hall's official website. The band's return to the Halifax venue follows their previous 2021 performance at the historic courtyard, establishing a continuing relationship with the West Yorkshire location.

'A Maximum High' represented a defining moment in Shed Seven's career, reaching the UK top 10 and selling more than 250,000 copies while spawning five Top 40 singles. Band frontman Rick Witter expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, stating the band is 'looking forward to giving A Maximum High the birthday party it deserves' and noting particular excitement about 'revisiting some of the songs we haven't played for decades.' The event promises to attract fans from across the country for what organizers describe as a 'one night only' celebratory event.

Shed Seven joins a diverse lineup of artists scheduled for the 2026 Live At The Piece Hall series, including Embrace, Ethel Cain, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Opeth and The Ks. The band's upcoming schedule also includes appearances at the Isle Of Wight Festival in June, featuring headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, followed by a supporting performance for Richard Ashcroft at Englefield Estate in Berkshire as part of the Heritage Live series in July. Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, emphasized the significance of hosting these 'Yorkshire heroes' back at the venue for this milestone celebration.