Italian industry sees output fall for 10th quarter November 11, 2013 ITALIAN industrial production was up marginally in September, but down significantly for the third quarter, according to figures released yesterday, adding to fears that Italy could prove a drag on the Eurozone. Italy’s national statistics institute (Istat) reported that production – excluding construction – increased by 0.2 per cent in September compared to the month [...]
Supermarkets grow ahead of shopping malls December 8, 2013 THE AMOUNT of space being added by UK supermarkets has overtaken that being added by shopping centres for the first time, despite some retailers calling an end to the space race as consumers shift to shopping online. The pipeline of grocery developments has grown by 67 per cent, or 19.24m square feet (sq ft) since [...]
Forget Gatwick bluster: A mega-hub east of London is our only real option December 1, 2013 THE AIRPORT debate is hotting up: the last few days have seen the chief executive of Gatwick Airport practically carpet bombing every media outlet in sight, trying to convince us that expansion at his airport is the only game in town. It sounds a good story (even if one mired in self-interest and distortion of [...]
Our innovative Heathrow plan could expand capacity without huge costs November 28, 2013 IN JUST three weeks, Sir Howard Davies and the Airports Commission will publish a shortlist of ideas to solve a problem critical to Britain’s future success – how to enhance our airport capacity. We hope that our innovative Heathrow Hub concept – which is unconnected to any proposals from the current airport owners – will [...]
Pay picking up but UK living costs still high October 21, 2013 BRITON’S incomes edged up for the first time in three months in October as the labour market strengthened, although pay growth still lagged far behind inflation, a survey showed this morning. An index measuring the change in income from employment compared with last month rose to 50.6 from 49.5 in September, just topping the neutral [...]
Nokia and Samsung in new five year licensing deal over patents November 4, 2013 SAMSUNG has agreed to extend its patent agreement with Nokia, due to expire at the end of 2013, for an additional five years. Nokia is planning to retain its patent portfolio despite the proposed sale of its phone business next year to Microsoft. According to the deal, Nokia will receive additional compensation from Samsung, starting [...]
Siemens to supply wind turbines for Dong’s biggest ever investment November 18, 2013 Siemens has secured a multi-million euro deal from Danish Dong Energy, which will see its wind turbine manufacturing subsidiary, Siemens Wind Power, install 97 turbines in Dong's new North Sea wind farms, Gode Wind 1 and 2. The deal is for the largest turbine models ever installed – Siemens' new six megawatt turbines have a [...]
Tata Steel announces 500 job cuts October 29, 2013 Nearly 500 jobs could be cut by Tata Steel as the company announces restructuring plans which will affect its Scunthorpe, Teesside and Workington sites. (Release) The losses – around 340 in Scunthorpe, 90 in Workington and 40 in Teesside – come amid ongoing weak demand in the construction industry. The steel industry is faring particularly [...]
The end is near for Norway’s housing boom November 5, 2013 Norway's prolonged housing boom may be coming to an end according to Capital Economics. The London-based consultancy believes that a total collapse in house prices is unlikely, but the slowdown in the housing market suggests the economy may deteriorate more than had been expected. Annual Norwegian house price inflation fell from 8.4 per cent to [...]
Q&A: the Hinkley Point deal in full October 21, 2013 Q Why do we need more nuclear power? A Britain’s energy security is at risk. Network operator National Grid recently warned that the country is at its highest risk of blackouts this winter in five years. Nuclear energy is one (albeit costly) way of diversifying and reducing our reliance on gas imports. Britain also needs [...]