Energy sector to boost M&A growth in 2014 March 2, 2014 ENERGY firms are more optimistic about M&A than companies in other sectors, with regulatory changes being the key driver, according to a new report today. The research from law firm Hogan Lovells shows that 85 per cent of energy sector executives worldwide consider M&A to have delivered what they had hoped for in the past, [...]
Business group calls for carbon tax freeze to boost UK industry March 2, 2014 THE CONFEDERATION of Business Industry (CBI) today called for the government to freeze a tax on carbon emissions, arguing that it prevents businesses from competing internationally and raises customers’ energy bills. The carbon price floor is a levy on greenhouse gas emissions, aimed at encouraging investment in low-carbon energy generation. But the business group claims [...]
London black cab maker drives off with electric van company March 2, 2014 THE CHINESE owner of London’s distinctive black taxis has snapped up another slice of the British motoring industry, buying UK-owned electric van technology company Emerald Automotive. Geely Group, which saved the London Taxi Company from bankruptcy in February last year, will invest $200m (£119.5m) in the group between now and 2019 and maintain its current [...]
Britain is the fourth-best in the world for billionaire residents March 2, 2014 BRITAIN is home to 77 dollar billionaires, having gained 22 since last year, though the USA has strengthened its position in the upper ranks of the world’s wealthiest, a new rich list claims. Ukrainian-born Leonard Blavatnik was named the richest UK resident by Chinese publisher Hurun, with an estimated worth of £18bn, up 16 per [...]
Jaguar weighing Saudi factory March 2, 2014 Jaguar Land Rover is sizing up a new factory in Saudi Arabia to help keep pace with demand for its cars in new markets. The firm has signed a memo of understanding with the country’s National Industrial Clusters Development Programme to look at sites for a new plant. The British-based firm has already opened a [...]
Bitcoin exchange opens helpline March 2, 2014 Stricken bitcoin exchange Mt Gox has opened a phone helpline and said it will update investors on the possible whereabouts of their money today. The cryptocurrency trading platform, which filed for bankruptcy protection in Tokyo on Friday, pledged to publish “an overview of the situation”. Disgruntled users have held protests outside the Mt Gox office [...]
Farage: voters don’t believe Dave March 2, 2014 UKIP leader Nigel Farage has warned the biggest problem for the Conservatives at the next election is not the increasing popularity of his party, but the authenticity of leader David Cameron. Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show Farage said “voters don’t see David Cameron as a Conservative,” adding that it is “utterly meaningless” for [...]
Asteroid watch? Knight Frank’s space odd-yssey March 2, 2014 RICHARD Branson’s efforts to turn us into space tourists present many possibilities for mankind. Lady Gaga plans to become the first performer to do a concert in space, while Wolf of Wall Street star Leo DiCaprio (who has a Virgin Galactic ticket) could deliver his best “Jordan Belfort visits the cosmos” impression. But what about [...]
Former hedgie turned chutney whizz makes Veuve’s shortlist March 2, 2014 IT WASN’T that long ago Jenny Dawson was more interested in hedging than vegging, but now the former Odey Asset Management employee is busy using discarded fruit and veg to make chutneys and jams for her business Rubies in the Rubble. Dawson has just been announced as one of the shortlisted women for Veuve Cliquot’s [...]
Three things you didn’t know about… March 2, 2014 Head of Private Banking, Metro Bank Kirsty MacArthur 1 Before joining the world of private banking, Kirsty spent a year working as a script writer for Children’s BBC. She worked on the Short Change programme which focused on kids’ consumer issues. 2 The most adventurous thing Kirsty has ever eaten is Fugu, the (potentially) poisonous [...]