Gifts with a sense of history November 22, 2010 IT’S no coincidence that the recession has overlapped with a surge in the popularity of all things old fashioned. If our confidence in a bold, sparkling future has faltered, our interest in the aesthetics of the past – and the values of quality, provenance and craftsmanship that go with it – has rocketed upwards. 1940s-themed [...]
Equities to leap as Santa Claus rally comes to town December 12, 2010 European stocks are forecast to power on ahead on the open this morning, building on recent gains as positive economic data are for now seen out-weighing fears that the region’s debt crisis could spread. GFT is quoting the FTSE 100 index to open up 32 points from Friday’s close, at a level of 5,844. The [...]
Cowen will cling on until election defeat December 8, 2010 IRISH Prime Minister Brian Cowen looks set to see off opposition from party rebels, barring an unlikely cabinet revolt, and lead his Fianna Fail party into an election drubbing that could halve its parliamentary presence. Cowen, whose popularity has plunged into the single digits since his debt-stricken government had to request an EU/IMF bailout, has [...]
Cowen will cling on until election defeat December 8, 2010 IRISH Prime Minister Brian Cowen looks set to see off opposition from party rebels, barring an unlikely cabinet revolt, and lead his Fianna Fail party into an election drubbing that could halve its parliamentary presence. Cowen, whose popularity has plunged into the single digits since his debt-stricken government had to request an EU/IMF bailout, has [...]
Game Group profit hit as price promotions weigh December 8, 2010 COMPUTER games retailer Game Group said its profit margins would fall by more than expected as it steps up promotions to lure cash-strapped shoppers and maintain share in a cut-throat competitive market. Game, which has been hit by the absence of new games console launches this year, said yesterday sales trends had improved in recent [...]
Time for festive frocks November 28, 2010 CHRISTMAS party season attracts its share of Grinch-like moaners. But let’s face it: a chance to roll out one fun frock after the next is good fun. Regarding the phrase “fun frock” – feel free to substitute “fun” with “glamorous” or “hot” or “lovely”. Anyway, the point is that you have to have a party [...]
It’s snow fun for the shops, but a winter wonderland for gas December 5, 2010 WITH THE great freeze ongoing this morning, a lot of people will not be too happy struggling through the cold to work. 73 per cent of companies had staff off work last week, and many more undoubtedly will have failed to get to work today. The costs of cold weather to the economy are far [...]
HMV shares plunge as its losses mount December 9, 2010 HMV shares dropped nearly 17 per cent yesterday as poor trading figures laid bare the company’s failing turnaround plan. The music, DVD, games and books retailer posted a worse-than-expected widening in first-half losses. Its share price dropped 16.57 per cent yesterday, to 36.50p HMV made an underlying pre-tax loss of £41.3m for the six months [...]
Clarity on plea bargaining is needed February 8, 2011 WHATEVER the final shape of the Bribery Act, which was once again delayed last week, one area that needs to be clarified is the question of plea bargaining. A number of cases have sown confusion in the minds of British businesses. Clarity on plea bargaining is now sorely needed. The confusion dates to July 2009 [...]
Angry Spurs fans planning to step up Olympic protest January 18, 2011 TOTTENHAM supporters are planning sit-in protests if the club presses ahead with controversial plans to leave their home of 112 years and move five miles across London to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford. Aggrieved fans desperate for Spurs to stay in their home borough say they are also considering boycotting games, as they and West [...]