I’ll face down critics says Pfizer’s boss May 7, 2014 THE BOSS of American drug giant Pfizer will jet into London next week for a crunch showdown with MPs over his plan to take control of UK drug giant Astrazeneca. Ian Read, the Scottish boss of Viagra maker Pfizer, will face off against backbench MPs on Tuesday and Wednesday next week to try and soothe [...]
Leigh and Spall turn on the style October 30, 2014 FILM MR TURNER Cert 12a | By Alex Dudok de Wit ★★★★★ François Truffaut once suggested that there’s something about England’s countryside – “The subdued way of life, the stolid routine” – that’s “anti-cinematic”. If only he’d lived to see Mike Leigh’s latest movie, which is about all of these things and yet is a [...]
What you need to know before the open May 8, 2014 A higher open is expected for European markets, following yesterday’s bumpy trading. A more appeasing message from President Putin yesterday, urging Ukrainian separatists to postpone plans for a referendum, has helped buoy markets. On top of that, better than predicted trade data from China – although expectations were very low – has caused some optimism. [...]
What you need to know before the open May 19, 2014 A mixed open is expected for European markets this morning, following the choppy trading seen globally last week. All eyes will be on Deutsche Bank, following its announcement that it plans to raise €8bn in new capital, and AstraZeneca’s latest announcement that it’s rejected Pfizer’s latest takeover bid. Deutsche Bank’s move could impact what the [...]
How Britain can fix its Nimby problem April 22, 2014 THE COALITION is considering plans to loosen the rules governing the development of new infrastructure, fracking sites, and potentially housing, to facilitate investment. The specifics are not yet clear, but they seem to be on the right track. The potential of UK shale, for example, is huge – if it can be realised. New research [...]
M&S’s Swannell to help the state sell off assets May 27, 2014 ROBERT Swannell, the chairman of Marks & Spencer, is to become the chair of the Shareholder Executive as the government body gears up for more privatisations and restructuring this year. Swannell, who joined the Shareholder Executive as a non-exec in January, will take over from Patrick O’Sullivan, who is leaving after two and a half [...]
My debate with Piketty: Beware radical policies claiming to be above ideology June 23, 2014 A LACK of authenticity among politicians is a common lament. Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston expressed this conventional wisdom recently when she said: “I think the public dislike the cardboard cut-out, the lobby fodder, the sycophantic [planted] questions [in the Commons].” There’s some truth in this. Nobody likes a lackey. And the turgid “Does my Right [...]
Buy a family home in seclusion next to Richmond Park April 10, 2014 Find out why creative types are leaving central London for new leafy townhouses PRIVACY is becoming the new buzzword in high-end property. As London’s population grows and house-building becomes a top political priority, homeowners are becoming increasingly reluctant to live on top of their neighbours. In search of a room of their own, away from [...]
What you need to know before the open April 22, 2014 A higher open for European markets is expected this morning, following the S&P 500 posting its best winning streak so far this year. With markets over here closed yesterday, it finished higher for the fifth day in a row. Investor focus will likely be on the latest earnings reports from companies both sides of the [...]
Heaven in a box: Rococo Chocolates’ Chantal Coady talks hurricanes and strong wine July 20, 2014 Luxury chocolatiers weren’t a common sight in 1983 England. Stalwarts like Thorntons and Prestat were around but, save imports from the continent, it was a market waiting to be tapped. And 24- year old Chantal Coady realised this. The founder of Rococo Chocolates was then participating in the Youth Training Scheme, an on-the-job training course [...]