UK efforts to nurture a tech startup revolution are worryingly trivial October 20, 2013 IF THE government thinks investing in Silicon Roundabout is the best way for the UK to produce the next Facebook or Twitter, it’ll be waiting a long time. As a Brit at the helm of a software company co-headquartered in California and Sheffield, I’m often asked my thoughts on what the UK should do to [...]
Why we need a new deal for the UK to end the crisis of excessive EU regulation October 31, 2013 WHEN the British public voted in the European referendum 40 years ago, they were told they were voting to remain part of a Common Market. Businesses would thank them, the public was told, because trade is key and a country mired in debt and discord needed to be part of Europe to grow once more. [...]
Ice cream seller scoops prize for business savvy October 7, 2013 HEARD about the apocryphal salesman who flogged coal to Newcastle? Well it seems James Lambert has gone one better by managing to infiltrate the notoriously nationalistic Italian marketplace with his ice creams. Lambert, chairman of R&R Ice Cream – which sells brands like Fab, Skinny Cow and Kelly’s of Cornwall – scooped the top prize [...]
UK economy improving but far from cured December 5, 2013 THERE can be no doubt that this Winter Budget – as it should really have been called – was a great win for George Osborne. For the first time since around 2007, Britain is moving in the right, rather than the wrong, direction. Growth has bounced back, the deficit is falling, employment is surging, unemployment [...]
EU lobby steps up as funds fear capital carnage September 26, 2013 MONEY market funds (MMFs) fear planned EU rules to treat them like banks could hit returns, push some funds under and dent investment in companies and government debt. Banks and industry groups have told City A.M. they are stepping up their lobbying efforts to explain to legislators funds are not like banks and should not [...]
Serco slims portfolio with sale of occupational health business October 4, 2013 Serco Group has slimmed down its portfolio, having sold off its UK occupational health business for consideration of £3.5m. (Release) Serco had anticipated that the disposed business, which provides occupational health services to 450,000 public and private sector client employees, would deliver restricted growth, owing to it not being entirely in line with other similar [...]
What the other papers say this morning – 21 October 2013 October 21, 2013 FINANCIAL TIMES Cameron to build on Royal Mail sale David Cameron is planning to build on the huge popularity of the Royal Mail privatisation by prioritising retail investors for the sell-offs ahead of the general election in 2015. Attracting retail investors will be a key aim as the government prepares to complete the sales of [...]
Infinis to lure investors with £55m payout October 21, 2013 INFINIS Energy, the UK’s biggest independent wind power generator, yesterday unveiled plans to pay a healthy £55m maiden dividend to investors as part of its stock market flotation plans. The business, which is owned by Guy Hands’ private equity firm Terra Firma, is floating a third of the business on the London market next month [...]
Clifford partners pick Layton to lead global firm November 27, 2013 LONDON corporate lawyer Matthew Layton has been named as the next global managing partner of Clifford Chance, replacing David Childs when he steps down early next year. Layton beat two opponents to the post in the partnership vote, seeing off competition from fellow London partner Andrew Carnegie and Paris boss Yves Wehrli. Layton will begin [...]
35,000 customers switch banks in first week of new scheme September 26, 2013 According to reports, around 35,000 Britons have moved their current accounts during the first week of a new industry switching scheme aimed at promoting greater competition in the banking sector. Last week the Payments Council announced the launch of the Current Account Switching Service, which involves 33 banks and building societies, including Halifax, Barclays, Bank [...]