Christmas quiz 2015: How much do you remember of the year in business, politics and economics? December 23, 2015 Deloitte chief economist Ian Stewart asks some of the trickiest business, politics and economics questions of the year. Answers can be found below. 1 According to the OECD, Mexicans work the longest hours. In 2014, the average Mexican worker put in 2,228 hours, equivalent to a 43-hour working week with no holidays. Which country’s workers [...]
There’s been a shake-up at Sports Direct – so who’s who at the top of the discount retailer now? September 23, 2016 Sports Direct's senior management team has been given a serious overhaul, with this morning's announcement that chief executive Dave Forsey has resigned – to be replaced by the group's founder, Mike Ashley. As well as Forsey's departure, which took place with immediate effect, the retailer announced two senior promotions this morning. Karen Byers has been appointed [...]
Our resident chef Mark Hix champions the Kentish cob nut, a great seasonal ingredient and friend to Brussels sprouts August 23, 2016 The Kentish cob nut is one of those great seasonal ingredients, with an even greater history behind it. In the early 1800s, the Victorians loved this variation on the hazelnut and planted thousands of acres of cob nut trees. They were cultivated in large amounts by Mr Lambert of Gourdhurst in Kent and that’s how [...]
Christmas 2015: These are the must-have toys your children are going to demand this year November 4, 2015 With less than two months go until Christmas Day, the list all parents are clamouring to get their hands on has been released – these are the top 12 toys for 2015. And while many of the must-have presents have a distinctly modern theme, there's also a retro undercurrent, with three of the top spots being taken [...]
Can Toronto seriously become the North American city break of choice? October 14, 2016 As the cab from the airport inched forward in nose to tail traffic towards the distinctive skyline in the distance, I already knew I was going to be charmed by Toronto. While beaches and mountains are all very well, I’m a city girl at heart and the lure of late night shopping, museums and a [...]
Denial and disgrace: Here’s everything that’s happened at Sports Direct over the past year September 23, 2016 Mike Ashley has always controlled Sports Direct, but today he finally took the top job at the company he founded. It's been a rollercoaster year for Ashley. If you're wondering how we got to this point, here's everything that's happened so far: Politicians launch an investigation into working practices at Sports Direct The move comes after [...]
Black Friday UK 2015: Bargain bonanza signals a never-ending sales season with Cyber Monday, Panic Saturday and Manic Monday to name a few November 26, 2015 Sales periods have sprung up around the world that give shoppers the bargains they crave while allowing sellers to offload old stock or generate footfall. But retailers face a period of discounting that could undermine the advantages they used to bring. In America, it is Black Friday, while in Europe January sales have kept cash tills [...]
No sign of Brexit fallout at retailer Next – but prices will have to rise next year August 3, 2016 Shares in Next have popped at the open after it said it was yet to see signs the UK's vote for Brexit was weighing on consumer spending in its stores, but warned prices look set to rise in 2017 after sterling's dramatic depreciation. The business, which is seen as a bellwether for the health of the [...]
Can a family friendly ski school in the Austrian Alps transform your kids into tiny champions? January 25, 2016 The trouble I’ve found with family ski holidays is, without wanting to put too fine a point on it, my family. Actually, that’s a bit harsh. They aren’t bad skiers. We’ve been able to ski red and blue runs together for two seasons, but always at the pace of my youngest, the five-year-old, which as [...]
BHS saga continues: Chappell comes under spotlight as MPs scrutinise funds he used June 23, 2016 Ever since BHS collapsed into administration, recriminations have flown about who is to blame for the parlous state of its finances, particularly with regard to the £571m pension deficit. Today, the spotlight fell again on Dominic Chappell, the former racing car driver and bankrupt whose outfit Retail Acquisitions bought BHS for £1 off from its [...]