Compass expects strong revenues September 26, 2013 Compass Group, the world’s biggest caterer, said yesterday it expected revenue growth of 4.5 per cent for the full year after a strong year of contract wins in its core North American market. The firm, which operates in 50 countries and serves 4bn meals a year, said that excluding acquisitions, organic revenue growth at constant [...]
WS Atkins on track for full year September 26, 2013 Engineering consultancy WS Atkins yesterday said its first-half performance remains in line with expectations, boosted by strong growth in the UK. The FTSE 250-listed firm said that it expects profits in its Middle East business to be weighted towards the second half of the year, with first-half performance impacted by project delays and restructuring. Its [...]
Best of the Brokers for 27 September 2013 September 26, 2013 ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT Shore Capital has kept its “buy” rating on the investment manager despite outflows in the firm’s latest update. The broker believes Aberdeen will come through the turbulence in emerging markets well, claiming the stock “is not a Greek tragedy, but A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. AGGREKO Morgan Stanley has started covering the power [...]
London Report: Bullish stance on China lifts mining stocks September 26, 2013 BRITAIN’S top share index edged higher yesterday, with a rise in metals prices on improving seasonal demand from China, the world’s biggest consumer of industrial metals, helping mining stocks. The UK mining index rose 0.6 per cent, the best sectoral performer, after copper and zinc rose more than one per cent on signs of stronger [...]
New York Report: S&P and Dow reverse losses despite DC row September 26, 2013 THE S&P 500 and Dow Jones snapped five-day losing streaks last night on positive US job market data but gains were limited as investors worried if Washington DC politicians would pass bills to avoid a government shutdown and possible US debt default on time. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped last week near a [...]
Live with your head in the clouds September 26, 2013 Booming demand for residential property causes developers to reach for the sky LONDON has lifted its head firmly into the clouds in recent years as more gargantuan skyscrapers have sprouted up around the city. The Shard, the Heron Tower, the Walkie Talkie and their contemporaries have pierced the skyline and made a similar hole in [...]
Luxurious living locked-up at The Courthouse, Westminster September 26, 2013 Central London homes sit on historical site DEVELOPERS hope they have done justice to the site of a grand old courthouse with its new luxury development at the heart of London. The Courthouse, the latest premium scheme by Barratt London, is located in popular Westminster on the site of the City of Westminster Magistrates Court [...]
Locals buying up riverside apartments in Wandsworth September 26, 2013 Borough bucks international buyer trend OVER the past couple of years a large majority of luxury properties in London have been snapped up by international investors. But the Wandsworth Riverside Development is hoping to buck the trend by creating property aimed at and marketed to south west Londoners. Dr Stanley Quek, chief executive of Frasers [...]
Q&A September 26, 2013 DIRECTOR, DOUGLAS & GORDON I have around £350,000 to invest and I am wondering whether I’m better off investing in central London or venturing south of the River. IN THE past I’d have said central as you’d be better hedged against capital value fluctuation and have a good steady flow of tenants. However, the last [...]
Focus on… Hammersmith: It’s Hammersmith time in London September 26, 2013 HOMES in Hammersmith are increasing in value as young professionals and families compete for properties in the area. Bordered by Shepherd’s Bush in the north and Fulham in the south, the west London area has found its housing stock in short supply in recent years, leading to an average of six applicants per property and [...]