Would a vote for Scottish independence in its referendum be boon for its businesses? July 2, 2012 YES Stewart Hosie Scotland is a country rich in opportunity and bursting with innovation, but sadly this does not translate often enough into greater commercial opportunities. Independence will provide us with new tools – tax credits for example – to deliver a step-change in Scotland’s research and devlopment. Independence provides greater scope to shape the [...]
Office demand shows glimpse of a recovery June 5, 2012 DEMAND for office space in central London has risen to its highest level since 2009, as a pick up in occupier interest began to catch up with the continuing shortage of supply. Figures from property consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) show that registered demand from potential tenants increased by over 12 per cent over the [...]
Volunteers alone will not guarantee a 2012 Games legacy August 9, 2012 AS the London Olympic Games 2012 draw to a close, the debate about their legacy is beginning in earnest. It is a discussion taking place against a background of economic austerity, but the tremendous euphoria of the past few days means there is an air of optimism about the place. The mood recalls for me [...]
Derwent makes more lettings May 9, 2012 Property group Derwent has credited London’s burgeoning technology sector for its rise in lettings at the start of 2012, as it ploughed ahead with new development projects. The firm has made 23 lettings in the year to date, worth over £8m per year, and gained planning permission for half a million square feet of building [...]
The Olympics has made East London a hub for investors July 29, 2012 I AM lucky enough to have spent the last decade immersed in the east of London. Home of the 2012 Olympics, this is the area I believe will be the next addition to London’s core market, bringing huge opportunities for investors. Will London succeed where (some) others have failed, by delivering an Olympic Games where [...]
Wall Street is waiting for technical signals as doubt remains over rally August 19, 2012 IN the absence of data or policy catalysts and with the S&P 500 near four-year highs, market participants are hoping technical indicators hold the clues on whether stocks will sell off into September following a slow-speed rally. The S&P 500 is a scant 0.06 per cent away from closing at highs last seen in the [...]
The cup may overflow at Greene King June 25, 2012 INVESTORS will be hoping that final results from Greene King will allow them to raise a glass in celebration, with the company building on good figures for the fourth quarter. Sales at this particular publican have outstripped rivals, which could mean that some special figures are brewing. IG Index quotes 529p-532p for Greene King. The [...]
Surging labour costs are keeping UK unemployment high May 29, 2012 THERE is a straightforward reason why unemployment remains so high in Britain. Unit labour costs are rising – hiring someone to produce a set amount of output is becoming more expensive. And higher prices mean reduced demand – in the jobs market as in everything else. This may come as a bit of a surprise: [...]
Surging labour costs are keeping UK unemployment high May 29, 2012 THERE is a straightforward reason why unemployment remains so high in Britain. Unit labour costs are rising – hiring someone to produce a set amount of output is becoming more expensive. And higher prices mean reduced demand – in the jobs market as in everything else. This may come as a bit of a surprise: [...]
Pinewood Studios to give 20pc stake and advice to Isle of Man June 6, 2012 PINEWOOD Shepperton yesterday unveiled an arrangement which would see the Isle of Man government buy a fifth of the British film studio for £24m. The British Crown island said it is seeking a stake of up to 19.9 per cent in Pinewood, which would in turn become an adviser to the Isle of Man’s Media Development [...]