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 [...]
PERSONAL FINANCE NEWS July 29, 2010 STAYCATION IS STILL IN FAVOUR Britons are feeling the pinch when it comes to holidays with almost 40 per cent of us actively trying to spend less money on our holidays this year. And of those looking to cut back, more than half have decided not to go abroad to cut costs. A survey by [...]
Grape escapes: make the vineyard dream come true July 29, 2010 I’D guess that at some point in your career in the City you’ve sat back and daydreamed about a life outdoors, working the land, relaxing at sunset on a terrace overlooking your vines and sipping the product of your labour. Vineyard properties are among the most magical, particularly those in the well-known grape regions of [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
Leahy checks out of the top job at Tesco June 8, 2010 TESCO shocked the City yesterday by announcing that boss Sir Terry Leahy would retire in March. Sir Terry has led the chain for 14 years, overseeing its rise to become the UK’s leading supermarket group and will be replaced by international and IT director Philip Clarke. The chief executive, who will be 55 when he [...]
Shopping around is the future of law June 1, 2010 COMMENTATORS talk excitedly about “Tesco Law” and the ongoing liberalisation of legal services as though it were a latter day gold rush led by big name supermarkets and banks. But what is it that consumers want? New research suggests that there is little enthusiasm on the part of the public to associate legal services with [...]
Be chairman of the board in this City penthouse May 6, 2010 SPENDING one’s working day in the boardroom is one thing, but living in one? That’s the option awaiting anyone who snaps up this smart-as-they-come penthouse on the edge of the City. The triplex three bedroom apartment called The Provenance (you’ll just have to get used to the name) sits at the top of a Victorian [...]