Co-op hits out at Cameron’s austerity talk August 26, 2010 THE Co-operative Group blasted the government for damaging consumer confidence with talk of an “age of austerity” yesterday, despite revealing an 18 per cent rise in profits. Britain’s largest mutual retailer said it had beaten tough conditions to grow in the first half of the year but predicted a gloomy trading environment until at least [...]
Co-op launches apprentice plan July 19, 2010 THE Co-operative Group yesterday launched a £21m apprenticeship scheme. Under the plans 2,000 new apprenticeships for people aged under 25 will be set up. The apprentices will be given work experience at one of the group’s companies – which include banks and supermarkets – as well as the opportunity to gain a nationally-recognised qualification. The [...]
Co-op launches apprentice plan July 19, 2010 THE Co-operative Group yesterday launched a £21m apprenticeship scheme. Under the plans 2,000 new apprenticeships for people aged under 25 will be set up. The apprentices will be given work experience at one of the group’s companies – which include banks and supermarkets – as well as the opportunity to gain a nationally-recognised qualification. The [...]
Takeover rule changes set to hurt M&A March 21, 2011 COMPANIES launching takeover bids will be subject to stricter timetables and increased disclosure requirements, under new proposals announced by the UK Takeover Panel yesterday. The reforms, which have been planned since criticism of the Kraft takeover of Cadbury in January last year, aim to make the bid process fairer on the target company, but could [...]
Thomas Cook in £20m blow from unrest February 8, 2011 TOUR operator Thomas Cook warned yesterday that political unrest in holiday destinations Egypt and Tunisia would dent second-quarter profits by around £20m. Cities in Egypt including Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez have become virtual no-go zones for tourists, starving the travel firm of valuable revenue from the area. The misery has been exacerbated after riots [...]
Blair wants public-private co-op June 28, 2010 Tony Blair yesterday called for a flush of private sector talent to brush the cobwebs away from dusty Whitehall. The former Labour leader effectively backed a plea by Tory front-bencher Francis Maude to reinvigorate the policy-making corridors of power. Blair said rules limiting interaction between public and private employees, designed to prevent conflicts of interest, [...]
Blair wants public-private co-op June 28, 2010 Tony Blair yesterday called for a flush of private sector talent to brush the cobwebs away from dusty Whitehall. The former Labour leader effectively backed a plea by Tory front-bencher Francis Maude to reinvigorate the policy-making corridors of power. Blair said rules limiting interaction between public and private employees, designed to prevent conflicts of interest, [...]
How to rob your bank January 19, 2011 SANTANDER has brought back its switching deal, giving new customers £100 when they move their main current account to its offering which pays 5 per cent interest for the first year. However, the bank has been voted worst for customer service in a string of surveys by organisations including Moneywise, MoneySavingExpert.com and consumer group Which? [...]
John Lewis is ranked among influential list November 14, 2010 RETAIL giant John Lewis has surged into a ranking of Britain’s most influential brands, as the group’s partnership approach to doing business and a record year for till receipts propelled it into the top three. TLG’s annual index of UK Business Thought Leaders ranks John Lewis below Apple and Google but above other respected names [...]
Wednesday facing High Court D-Day November 16, 2010 RESTRUCTURING group Zolfo Cooper is standing by to act as administrator to Sheffield Wednesday today if a High Court case verdict goes against the club. Wednesday face a £600,000 demand from the tax authorities and arrive in court after the board turned down an offer from Leicester City chairman Milan Mandaric. According to sources close [...]