German business confidence at 18-month high November 22, 2013 German business confidence is at its highest point for 18-months, according to the Munich-based thinktank, Ifo. The business climate index climbed from 107.4 in October to 109.3 in November – better than had been expected, according to a poll conducted by Reuters. (Capital Economics) The "expectations" part of the survey reached 106.3, beating expectations and [...]
Royal mail failing to meet targets says Ofcom November 22, 2013 The Office of Communications (Ofcom), has warned recently-privatised Royal Mail that it must meet its delivery requirements if it is to avoid fines. Royal Mail failed to achieve its requirement of 93 per cent delivery of first class letters the day after the they are posted, instead reaching 91.7 per cent. The figures were revealed [...]
Pub food drives Fuller’s revenue increase November 22, 2013 Independent brewer Fuller Smith&Turner has reported revenue growth of six per cent, reaching £146.3m for the six months ended 28 September. The London-based brewer saw an eight per cent rise in in adjusted profit before tax to £18.1m, with adjusted earnings per share rising nine per cent to 24.79p. The company enjoyed like-for-like sales growth [...]
Ofgem sends back electricity providers’ cost cutting plans November 22, 2013 Ofgem has rejected the price plans of five out of six electricity distributors. The UK's energy regulator said that the plans "did not sufficiently demonstrate value for consumers." A plan from Western Power Distribution (WPD) was the only one to be approved by Ofgem, out of the six companies that submitted new cost cutting plans [...]
What you need to know before the open – 22/11 November 22, 2013 After another record close for the Dow yesterday, Europe is set to open higher, as consensus is that tapering looks more likely for the New Year than December. #FTSE called 10 higher this morning. #EURUSD has rallied to resistance at 1.3490. #Gold has been steady overnight around 1245. Morning all! — FuturesTechs Updates (@FuturesTechs) [...]
Paul Flowers arrested in connection with drug allegations November 22, 2013 The former chairman of the Co-op Bank has been arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs, police have said. West Yorkshire Police said in a statement that the 63 year old was arrested by officers in the Merseyside area last night. "He has been taken to a police station in West Yorkshire where detectives will continue [...]
German GDP in line with expectations as construction picks up November 22, 2013 The Eurozone's powerhouse economy gained 0.3 per cent in the third quarter, in line with expectations but marking a slowdown from the second quarter's 0.7 per cent growth. Year-on-year, third quarter growth was unchanged at 0.9 per cent. Berenberg's Christian Schulz comments that "a strong surge in investment was the key driver of Germany’s Q3 [...]
Monty Python’s property circus November 21, 2013 Milkwood Studios, purpose built for the comedy legends, is a chance to live in a part of British culture BRITAIN rejoiced this week as a part of our cultural heritage was brought back to life. The comedy supergroup that is Monty Python will reunite for the first time in 30 years for a one-off show [...]
A new public square for north London November 21, 2013 New homes in West Hampstead will be inspired by Bauhaus architecture and contemporary design ACCORDING to rock legend, The Rolling Stones wrote their first song while locked in a West Hampstead flat in 1964. The tale goes that, despite The Stones’ success, The Beatles were making more money because the talented rascals had the cheek [...]
Q & A November 21, 2013 DIRECTOR, DOUGLAS & GORDON Q: Do I have a shot at buying a property in one of those new developments on the Riverside? A: Many people are under the impression that all the Riverside flats have been bought up by foreigners. Many have, proving that Knightsbridge isn’t the only international attraction. Indeed, the strongest growth [...]