Can I discuss my personal issues at work? January 25, 2010 DEAR VEXED: I’m going through a divorce and I can’t help crying at my desk sometimes. I don’t want to be inappropriate, but keeping it all from my colleagues and boss feels bizarre. Should I confide? And if so, to what degree? Lucy, 34, IT support THIS is a tricky one. On one hand, drinks [...]
BA in winter of discontent December 14, 2009 BRITISH AIRWAYS (BA) is facing hundreds of thousands of pounds of losses after its cabin crew voted overwhelmingly in favour of a 12-day strike, threatening to paralyse the airline over the peak Christmas and New Year period. A bitter row over jobs, pay and working conditions escalated yesterday, when more than 12,000 BA members of [...]
DSG enjoys a window of opportunity November 26, 2009 DSG International, the electricals retailer yesterday reported a recent surge in sales helped by store upgrades and consumer demand for Microsoft’s new Windows 7, giving it confidence for Christmas. DSG, which runs the Dixons, Currys and PC World chain, said sales at stores open at least a year fell four per cent in the 24 [...]
Blacks sales heat up after a boost from the big freeze January 11, 2010 OUTDOOR retailer Blacks Leisure has benefited from Britain’s cold snap as it reported a 12 per cent hike in sales. Blacks, which runs its own brand shops as well as the Millets chain, said it had “significantly enhanced its recovery prospects” after a restructuring with the closure of 87 loss-making stores in the fourth quarter [...]
BARROW-BOY BROKERS CONSIDER THEIR CHANCES IN SLEEPY ZURICH December 15, 2009 EVER since inter-dealer broker Tullett Prebon revealed on Monday it would allow its staff to relocate to more favourable tax regimes if they wish to avoid the government’s crackdown, the City has been a hotbed of gossip about whether or not the move will indeed spark a much-feared exodus of talent from our shores. Inside [...]
FOOD & BOOZE NEWS November 30, 2009 FOOD AND MUSIC IN CAMDENA taste of Sicily is coming to Camden Town, in the shape of new restaurant Caponata, which opens tomorrow night. And Camden being the centre of London’s live music scene, it’s got its own music and arts space, called The Forge. Signature dishes in the main restaurant will include the, um, [...]
JD Sports “back on track” after seasonal lift January 7, 2010 JD Sports Fashion said it was on track beat the City’s profit expectations for the year after enjoying a festive boost. Like-for-like sales rose 6.6 per per cent in the five weeks to January 6, driven by the performance of its fashion-focused chains Bank and Scotts, where trading rose 9.7 per cent. The group said [...]
Taking a punt on industrial strife can be a winner December 20, 2009 THE High Court may have helped restore Christmas cheer for passengers of British Airways by ruling that the proposed 12-day strike by the airline’s cabin crew was invalid, but investors should arm themselves with trading strategies for a 2010 that could be rife with industrial action. But the dispute is far from over. After the [...]
Jump in cosmetic surgery December 2, 2009 The Harley Medical Group yesterday reported a surge in non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the run up to Christmas with bookings for the most popular treatments up by 14 per cent. Botox remains the most popular, accounting for 73 per cent of non surgical injectable treatments carried out during November.
FOOTBALL FUND LAUNCHES OUT TO CHAMPION THE BEAUTIFUL GAME February 7, 2010 GIVEN the City’s penchant for all things football-related, it’s something of a miracle that the new London Nominees Football Fund has managed to keep its launch virtually entirely under wraps – particularly as it’s got some of the beautiful game’s best known names on board. The fund officially launched at the beginning of the month, [...]