Christmas toys to inspire little professionals October 13, 2013 GONE are the days, it seems, when young boys and girls dreamed vaguely of becoming a policeman or ballerina. These days, according to John Lewis’s top five toy list, those careers are being moulded by their favourite television programmes and the stars they see. According to the retail store, youngsters aspiring to be the next [...]
Five reasons delivery drones won’t take off December 2, 2013 The news is buzzing with hopes for Amazon's drone-based delivery service – Prime Air. But skies in the UK will remain quieter for the time-being. Here's why. 1. Regulation John Moreland, a spokesperson for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Systems Association (UAVS) says that regulator fears over drone technology still hold back development. The Civil Aviation [...]
Primark profits steal the show at AB Foods November 5, 2013 ASSOCIATED British Foods (ABF) said yesterday that “remarkable” results at its discount clothing chain Primark helped the FTSE 100 giant report a 13 per cent jump in profits. Primark’s adjusted operating profit rose 44 per cent to £514m in the year to 14 September, overtaking the £435m of profits at ABF’s sugar division, which was [...]
Hays bullish after increase in UK hires January 19, 2014 Alistair Cox sees plenty of growth to come for British jobs, but skills shortages are a worry AFTER a torrid few years for the jobs market, the boss of the country’s biggest white-collar recruiter is feeling optimistic enough about the growing signs of recovery that he’s even planning to add some staff to his own [...]
Get-fit Diary: Learning to cook well proves an unexpected pleasure in week six November 27, 2013 I’m six weeks through an intensive get-fit programme, which involves not only hitting the gym four times a week, but completely overhauling the way I eat. It’s the latter aspect of the challenge that has proven most interesting, especially given my prior fondness for fast food and aversion to home cooking. For some reason the [...]
Scorecards ready as D-day arrives October 3, 2013 IT’s just like waiting for Christmas, only possibly more exciting… the 2013 City A.M. awards are getting closer. Yesterday our panel of eminent judges descended on City A.M. headquarters to discuss the shortlist of winners. Fuelled by coffee and that City breakfast staple, the good ole bacon sarnie, our panel made its final decision on [...]
Amazon ready for busy Xmas September 24, 2013 ONLINE giant Amazon said yesterday it plans to hire 15,000 seasonal staff across its UK fulfilment and customer service centres, as it gears up to meet demand this Christmas. Last year the group hired 10,000 temporary staff across its eight UK warehouses and Edinburgh call centre, offering permanent roles to 1,000 of the staff at [...]
Supermarkets slump as half of UK shoppers head to discounters December 17, 2013 FOR THE first time ever, more than half of the UK shopped in either an Aldi or Lidl in the last three months, putting pressure on bigger retailers as the shift toward discount shopping continues unabated. Sales at Aldi surged by 30.7 per cent in the 12 weeks to 8 December while its smaller discount rival [...]
Debenhams demands a little help from its suppliers (again) December 17, 2013 SUPPLIERS to Debenhams got a nasty shock yesterday when the retail giant wrote to them asking for a contribution to the group’s recent investment programme. It’s not the first time they have been asked for extra support. Earlier this year they were asked to extend payment terms from 90 to 120 days. In the latest [...]
Tired of the rain? Try these winter getaways November 10, 2013 NOW THE embers of Bonfire Night have fizzled out, the nation can get on with the serious business of preparing for Christmas. But what about afterwards? Once the pudding has been gobbled up and the fairy lights have been put away, all that remains is frost, a terrifying credit card bill, and indigestion. Our winter [...]