We must all be wary of tax hikes on businesses December 21, 2015 It's easy to see why politicians levy taxes on companies, especially big multinationals. No one sheds a tear for any large firm that suddenly has to cough up a bit of extra cash for the Treasury. By aiming tax at firms, a government can limit taxes on individuals while resisting spending cuts – a tried [...]
FTSE 100 set to close out 2015 around 6,000 – London Report December 21, 2015 THE FED “feel good factor” and the Santa rally that historically has resulted in 80 per cent of December trading sessions closing positive have not been enough to sustain positive numbers for the FTSE. On Friday the FTSE 100 closed down 50 points at 6052, bringing to an end the brief surge following the Federal Reserve [...]
Best of the Brokers for 21 December 2015 December 21, 2015 To appear in Best of the Brokers, email your research to notes@cityam.com Engineering firm Fenner has been given a “sell” rating from analysts at Panmure Gordon, due to further weakness in commodity-related markets. The current 141p share price has been given a target of 100p. The firm is now forecast for a pre-tax break-even for [...]
Seizing the Moment: Why Antoine de Kermel thinks 2016 is the year of “moment marketing” December 21, 2015 In digital marketing, time is precious. And as brands vie to be noticed in the digital space, many are recognising the impact that offline events can have on online activity. “Moment marketing” may be the shot in the arm their campaigns need. Named as one of the six major marketing trends in Warc and Deloitte’s [...]
Neuroscience: The secret to becoming a better leader December 21, 2015 Those looking for the secret to becoming a successful business leader have thousands of management books to choose from. The key is knowing which ones to trust – which is why we started the annual Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Management Book of the Year competition. It’s now in its sixth year. Trends come and [...]
Intellectual property claims made by small businesses are on the up, as the internet makes original content harder to police December 21, 2015 The number of small businesses heading to court to protect their intellectual property (IP) is on the up, driven in part by an increase in digital copyright cases. According to research released today by law firm Hugh James, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) heard 308 claims in 2014, compared to 287 in 2013, and the [...]
Universal Credit will simplify the system but will not stop delays in benefit delivery, says Work and Pensions Select Committee report December 21, 2015 Universal Credit will help to simplify the benefit system and will be less likely to be subject to mistakes, but it may not stop delays in benefit delivery. A report published today by the Work and Pensions Select Committee has highlighted that the introduction of Universal Credit, which is designed to roll six separate benefits [...]
Dear readers: it’s time to hear all about your Christmas excesses December 21, 2015 Bankers are having their biggest year on record for global mergers and acquisitions, but instead of celebrating in the usual fashion with an over-the-top staff Christmas party, some are avoiding going out altogether so as not to draw attention to themselves. Earlier this month we reported that the Square Mile’s marketers were letting loose. While [...]
Shoppers feel flush in the run up to Christmas December 21, 2015 Consumer confidence has been growing in the run up to Christmas according to the latest survey from Lloyds Bank. The report shows the overall spending power index rose by three points in November, standing at 161. However, economic data from the bank shows year-on-year spending on essentials fell for the twelfth consecutive month in November, [...]
Treasury says senior civil servant will be chief executive of National Infrastructure Commission December 21, 2015 A senior civil servant has been tapped to lead the government’s efforts to deliver more infrastructure projects. Phil Graham, a longtime civil servant in the department for transport, will be chief executive of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), a new independent body chancellor George Osborne first announced at this year’s Conservative Party Conference. At the [...]