You can either read the news or make it September 15, 2013 JP Morgan’s top investment banker in London tells David Hellier how he gets a buzz from his work life ON the morning I meet Viswas Raghavan, JP Morgan’s European head of investment banking, he is buzzing. The spectacular view from his office is of the docklands and the City of London but his gaze is [...]
The German election and potential market reactions September 23, 2013 With Angela Merkel in the midst of forming a coalition, it looks like most Germans will get a preferable result, as opinion polls show most are in favour of a grand coalition. Whilst Merkel's CDU/CSU 41.5 per cent win will likely see her remain chancellor and vindicates her policy stances so far, the victory [...]
Tory chair Shapps wants to make the UK love capitalism October 13, 2013 Cutting the jobs tax will help UK Plc WHEN Grant Shapps was appointed Conservative party chairman last autumn, one of his first acts was to install a giant clock counting down to the 2015 general election. He wanted to focus party workers on the challenge ahead and now – with polling stations opening in just 18 [...]
The unlikely bedfellows driving a cab revolution November 24, 2013 Annabel Palmer talks taxis with Russell Hall and Ron Zeghibe, two of the founders behind Hailo IN 1639, a licence was granted to the Corporation of Coachmen, allowing its members to compete with the then-dominant licensed sedan chairs. Today, there are over 23,000 licensed taxi drivers in London. They’ve become a British institution – described [...]
The former trader hailing in a new way to book your minicab August 18, 2013 Annabel Palmer talks getting about town with Justin Peters, founder of minicab price comparison website Kabbee OUR City’s cabbies have been hit hard by the recession. London residents’ trips by licensed taxis and private hire vehicles (combined) fell by an estimated 23 per cent between the 2007-08 and 2008-09 financial years – and have [...]
Google competition does not worry Moneysupermarket.com November 14, 2012 PRICE comparison website Moneysupermarket.com said yesterday that it had not seen any “meaningful impact” from Google encroaching on its business with the search giant’s launch of rival offerings. The company, which compares prices on savings, loans and other financial instruments, said group revenues had risen around 11 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of [...]
Make 2013 the year for educating your children financially January 1, 2013 CREATING a New Year’s resolution is as much a tradition at this time of year as Auld Lang Syne or fireworks. Whether done in jest, or with serious commitment, setting resolutions can inspire us to be and do better in the year ahead. Unfortunately, waning willpower and seemingly insurmountable ambitions will likely conspire against our [...]
Shrinking company lifespans signify the start of the magnesium economy July 16, 2013 BRITAIN is enduring an economic enema. Bloated and unhealthy, blockages – to consumers, to finance, to starting businesses – are being slooshed away by the disintermediating power of the internet and social media. It doesn’t feel pleasant now, but a refreshed, if mildly emaciated, economy should result. Like a triathlete, the Britain of the future [...]
Lender IPF close to wrapping up share buyback October 17, 2012 DOORSTEP lender International Personal Finance (IPF), which operates in Eastern Europe and Mexico, hoovered up £15m of its own shares during the third quarter, it said yesterday, in a share buyback. IPF, listed on the FTSE 250, began a £25m share buyback programme at the end of July and yesterday said 60 per cent of [...]
Pension saving gender divide widens in 2012 October 21, 2012 THE GAP between men’s and women’s retirement savings widened further over the past year, data from Scottish Widows revealed yesterday, as the second dip of the recession hit personal finances. Women are saving £776 less than men a year, the report said, up from £700 reported last year. If the divide persists, a 30-year-old woman [...]