Former banking star takes John Lewis job February 16, 2012 HELEN WEIR, the former head of retail banking at Lloyds Banking Group, has been appointed by John Lewis as group finance director, making a return to the sector eight years after leaving the same post with the DIY retailer Kingfisher. John Lewis said Weir will formally join the company in April, replacing Marisa Cassoni at [...]
The company tax debate must focus on realistic reform December 3, 2012 THE Public Account Committee’s (PAC) ongoing criticism of large multinationals for their corporation tax payments is an ill-considered departure from a more sensible debate. Multinational companies, like Starbucks and Google, are by definition different to domestic businesses (like John Lewis or Morrisons). This is especially true of internet retailers like Amazon. Under the current law, [...]
Comet to start sale as buyers eye up stores November 5, 2012 COMET will this week kick off a fire sale of its remaining stock, though staff and shoppers remain in the dark about the future of the electrical goods retailer. Comet, which called in the administrators on Friday, intends to open its 236 stores as normal this week. The firm’s website has been closed to new [...]
City Moves | Who’s switching jobs November 4, 2012 Legal & General Property Bill Page has been appointed business space research manager at the property fund management firm. He joins from Jones Lang LaSalle, where he was most recently head of Europe, Middle East and Africa offices research. Page has also held roles at the Estates Gazette Group. Quindell Portfolio Robert Thompson has been [...]
Debenhams to open 17 stores as sales pick up October 25, 2012 DEBENHAMS yesterday revealed it is to open 17 UK stores next year and announced its first Christmas campaign in six years as the department store group posted a 1.6 per cent rise in like-for-like sales. Chief executive Michael Sharp said the group plans to lure shoppers and bolster sales during the crucial Christmas trading period [...]
Debenhams to open 17 stores as sales pick up October 25, 2012 DEBENHAMS yesterday revealed it is to open 17 UK stores next year and announced its first Christmas campaign in six years as the department store group posted a 1.6 per cent rise in like-for-like sales. Chief executive Michael Sharp said the group plans to lure shoppers and bolster sales during the crucial Christmas trading period [...]
After its profits once again disappoint, can Marks & Spencer return to its former glory? November 6, 2012 YES Rafael Gilston Marks & Spencer sits squarely in the mid-market. Because of this, it’s under constant attack from more specialist brands like Next (for families), John Lewis (for labels), Zara (for the career woman) and even New Look (for teenagers and young adults). The historical legacy of the Marks & Spencer brand is that, by [...]
Barnes & Noble names retailers August 30, 2012 US BOOKSELLER Barnes & Noble yesterday said it has struck up partnerships with three more British retailers to sell its Nook ereader, after high street giant John Lewis emerged as the first UK retail partner earlier this week. Foyles, Blackwells and Argos have signed up to sell the two devices – Nook Simple Touch and [...]
The digital printing duo with a thriving portfolio December 2, 2012 NICK and Tim Green are executive director and chief executive respectively of Tangent Communications, an alternative investment market (AIM)-listed digital printing and marketing company. They have gone against the old adage that you should never go into business with family to set up businesses that have made waves within their industries. Indeed, having made plans [...]
We must ditch unfair loopholes – and then cut tax overall November 19, 2012 BRITAIN’S corporation tax system is broken. It is arbitrary, opaque, incomprehensible and unfair. At best, it is uncompetitive compared with other countries, such as Ireland; at worst it is a complete nightmare of complications and distorted incentives. Britain’s tax system is one of the worst things about the UK: It needs to be smashed up [...]