Waitrose draws up plans to open 300 small stores September 24, 2009 UPMARKET grocer Waitrose yesterday unveiled plans to take a bigger share of the convenience store market, saying it could open up to 300 smaller format stores, stepping up its challenge to top end rival Marks & Spencer . Waitrose, part of the employee-owned John Lewis Partnership, also said it would open more stores in motorway [...]
Waitrose draws up plans to open 300 small stores September 24, 2009 UPMARKET grocer Waitrose yesterday unveiled plans to take a bigger share of the convenience store market, saying it could open up to 300 smaller format stores, stepping up its challenge to top end rival Marks & Spencer . Waitrose, part of the employee-owned John Lewis Partnership, also said it would open more stores in motorway [...]
Profits slide at John Lewis as crunch hits September 17, 2009 THE John Lewis Partnership, seen as a bellwether for middle-class consumer confidence, yesterday reported a 20 per cent dive in first-half profits. Despite a strong performance from its grocery chain Waitrose, the group said pre-tax profits were down by £21m to £86.3m in the six months to 1 August. The group’s department store, famed for [...]
Profits slide at John Lewis as crunch hits September 17, 2009 THE John Lewis Partnership, seen as a bellwether for middle-class consumer confidence, yesterday reported a 20 per cent dive in first-half profits. Despite a strong performance from its grocery chain Waitrose, the group said pre-tax profits were down by £21m to £86.3m in the six months to 1 August. The group’s department store, famed for [...]
JOHN LEWIS SMASHES RECORDS January 5, 2010 BELLWETHER retailer John Lewis posted a surge in sales over the Christmas period, including its best ever week’s trading, and forecast a slow recovery in consumer spending in 2010. “As the year progresses we expect to see a long slow recovery with the retailers who continue to focus on giving customers what they want prospering,” [...]
BlackRock to invest in hospitals November 22, 2009 BlackRock, one of the biggest fund managers in the world, is looking to invest £20m into the UK’s fastest growing independent hospital operator. Health Investment Holdings Group (HIHL) runs hospitals via a partnership between doctors, nurses and ancillary staff. At the start of November, Labour voiced its backing for John Lewis-style partnerships to operate some [...]
Post strikes will do most damage to Royal Mail October 18, 2009 IF THIS week’s postal strike goes ahead from Thursday, as expected, the Square Mile will not come to a grinding halt. The rise of the internet, email and electronic trading platforms mean that the Royal Mail’s integral role of facilitating business between City firms are long gone. I suspect that more damage will be caused [...]
Who can conquer Ireland to land the greatest prize? February 4, 2010 England Manager: Martin Johnson Captain: Steve Borthwick Last season: Italy (h) won 36-11; Wales (a) lost 15-23; Ireland (a) lost 13-14; France (h) won 34-10; Scotland (h) won 26-12 = 2nd. Where they stand: Endured a disappointing autumn international campaign when they lost to Australia and New Zealand and looked unconvincing in their narrow victory [...]
CITY MOVES WHO’S SWITCHING JOBS September 13, 2009 Berwin Leighton PaisnerThe law firm has hired Russell Clifford as an asset finance partner and David Irving, pictured, as a director in the trusts and private tax team. Clifford, who was previously at Allen and Overy, specialises in structured asset finance, particularly rolling stock financing transations. Irving, who formerly ran a private equity and real [...]
CITY MOVES WHO’S SWITCHING JOBS September 13, 2009 Berwin Leighton PaisnerThe law firm has hired Russell Clifford as an asset finance partner and David Irving, pictured, as a director in the trusts and private tax team. Clifford, who was previously at Allen and Overy, specialises in structured asset finance, particularly rolling stock financing transations. Irving, who formerly ran a private equity and real [...]