Banks gear up to battle European Banking Authority over bonus cap September 21, 2014 Banks in Britain, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands are preparing for another legal battle over bonuses, as the European Banking Authority (EBA) considers banning them from paying fixed allowances to staff. The firms’ lawyers are adamant that paying a regular allowance in cash or shares, based on the recipient’s role and reassessed annually, does not [...]
Landlords fight retailer Game over rent rules February 9, 2014 LANDLORDS and computer games seller Game will head to the Court of Appeal this week to find out whether the retailer owes rent for the first three months after its collapse into administration in March 2012. Four of the country’s biggest shop landlords – Hammerson, British Land, Intu and Land Securities – argue that the [...]
How Hong Kong is planning to become Asia’s answer to Silicon Valley November 12, 2014 Hong Kong has long been a magnet for those seeking business success, and this week the former UK colony is making its case to be Asia’s technology hub of choice. A year on from the inaugural StartmeupHK Venture Forum, Hong Kong will once again welcome hundreds of international founders, investors and policymakers to make [...]
2014 Nobel Prize in economics: Who’s in the frame to win? October 13, 2014 Later today the Nobel Prize in economics will be announced. Winners of the prestigious award are notoriously hard to predict but a slew of gifted economists have been mentioned as strong contenders. Last year, the prize in economic sciences was awarded to Eugene Fama, Lars Hansen and Robert Shiller for their work in predictions. Or [...]
Stevens: Autumn results not essential for England October 19, 2014 FORMER British Lions prop Matt Stevens insists England’s World Cup destiny does not hinge on landing knockout blows and toppling the world’s best during the upcoming autumn internationals. Stuart Lancaster’s side begin their southern hemisphere examination with a clash against New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday 8 November before showdowns with South Africa, Samoa and [...]
The Australian food revolution: Heston Blumenthal and Jamie Oliver are joining a new wave of top antipodean chefs October 28, 2014 A grizzled miner in grubby, cement-splattered overalls clutches the stem of a wine glass with blackened fingertips, sipping chardonnay while recounting a recent dining experience at one of the city’s top tables. “It was the worst pizza I’ve ever tasted. The base was too limp and the feta too salty; it totally overpowered the [...]
Manchester United plane diverted after hoax bomb threat on Qatar Airways flight QR23 August 5, 2014 Manchester United's flight home was diverted off course as a result of the RAF escort of Qatar Airways flight QR23 into Manchester airport. The playing and management staff were flying back from Miami after beating Liverpool 3-1 in a friendly last night. They were aboard Atlas Air flight 8758. After security forces received [...]
Will fracking lead to a UK energy renaissance? July 31, 2014 For the first time in six years companies are able to bid for natural gas exploration licenses in the United Kingdom. The UK became a net importer of petroleum and natural gas last year and domestically-produced natural gas now accounts for only a third of consumption. Prime Minister Cameron’s decision to go “all out for [...]
London Report: Hammerson top FTSE riser after positive results February 17, 2014 BRITAIN’S top shares extended a two-week rally yesterday, with stocks that are sensitive to optimism over the economy receiving a boost from signs of growth both domestically and abroad. A string of positives from Hammerson’s results helped its shares rise 3.1 per cent to their highest level since 2008, with the shopping centre landlord benefiting [...]
Libyan unrest could put its oil exports at risk August 3, 2014 A SURGE in violence in Libya has led to Britons being evacuated, with analysts warning that the country’s oil exports hang in the balance. Libya has been in the throes of political instability and social unrest since a coup toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The current flare-up between rival militant groups has led [...]