Panamania SETS IN July 26, 2009 THINK of the Republic of Panama and the two words most likely to follow are “hats” and “canal”. The last thing you’d associate with this odd-shaped country at the very bottom of Central America is a Manhatten-esque skyline, sophisticated nightlife and luxury hotels and spas. But make the 14-hour journey to this isthmus and these [...]
SANTANDER CHIEF BREAKING CITY HEARTS WITH HIS EXOTIC CHARM August 3, 2009 WHILE all the big British bank bosses are pitted against each other this week in terms of first-half profits, Spanish bank Santander’s UK boss António Horta-Osório has been enjoying the glory of a rather more frivolous accolade. Horta-Osório became chief executive of Abbey in August 2006, after long stints at the helm of the bank’s [...]
Latest Conran opening brings hip, tasty French food to Fleet Street July 20, 2009 LUTYENS85 FLEET STREET, EC4Y 1AETEL: 020 7583 8385www.lutyens-restaurant.com Cost per person without wine: £40 FROM its name you’d think it was English – Edward Lutyens was a brilliant Victorian architect known chiefly for his country houses. Indeed, Lutyens the restaurant, in the old Reuters building, is an elegant construction, a sleek refuge inside a typically [...]
Cash in on Euro parliament with Brussels buy-to-let June 4, 2009 IF you think that politicians in this country have a good life, then take a look at the European Parliament. It is estimated that, if they have little shame, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) can take home €200,000 (£173,000) a year. The first reaction to this might well be outrage. But the second should [...]
Cash in on Euro parliament with Brussels buy-to-let June 4, 2009 IF you think that politicians in this country have a good life, then take a look at the European Parliament. It is estimated that, if they have little shame, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) can take home €200,000 (£173,000) a year. The first reaction to this might well be outrage. But the second should [...]
WHAT THE OTHER PAPERS SAY THIS MORNING June 29, 2009 FINANCIAL TIMES BT’S PENSION SCHEME TO HOLD LESS IN EQUITIESThe BT Group Pension Scheme had only enough money at the end of 2008 to pay about 57 per cent of promised benefits if the telecommunications company were to become insolvent, and said it intended to pare back sharply its future investments in equities in the [...]
Picking profitable sectors is a new game, post-crunch June 14, 2009 BRITAIN is on the verge of economic recovery we heard last week, and investors’ confidence was boosted by improving data. The stock markets have been taking their cue from economics over recent weeks and further signs confirming a recovery could help lift the FTSE 100 above the current 4,500 resistance level that has proved somewhat [...]
Magritte & frites in Brussels June 14, 2009 IF it is known for anything, Brussels is probably most famous for its beer and frites. Either that, or the spectacular Grande Place, an ornate masterpiece designed to awe visiting merchants. Or the Manneken Pis, the statue of the urinating boy that stands close to the Grand Place. Or the Atomium, the strange construction in [...]
WHAT THE OTHER PAPERS SAY THIS MORNING June 1, 2009 FINANCIAL TIMES CANDOVER FACES RUN-OFF IF BUYER CANNOT BE FOUNDCandover faces a crucial month as the ailing private equity group pushes to raise capital and cut costs before a key test of its debt covenants on 30 June. The group needs cash urgently and is considering a range of options, including an outright takeover, selling [...]
Beyond Tokyo Japan offers tranquility, history and cute monkeys July 12, 2009 KYOTOWhen America was at war with Japan, it left Kyoto off of its list of air raid targets. Even as an enemy, the US realised that it would be inhuman to destroy the city, with its countless temples and winding streets that drip with history, some of it dating back to the Eighth century. Having [...]