WPP’s Sir Martin Sorrell slams critics of his pay deals March 9, 2015 WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrell hit back at criticism that his remuneration was excessive yesterday, saying that if you personally risked investing in and building a business from scratch to the global leadership position in its sector it would be only natural to be rewarded for it Sorrell, who saw off a shareholder revolt over [...]
Stuart Gulliver: I am the right person to run HSBC March 9, 2015 HSBC boss Stuart Gulliver said he was the "right person" to run the embattled bank today, as he was quizzed by MPs on the Public Accounts Committee. Asked whether he should remain chief executive of the bank, he said: "I am committed to finishing what I began five years ago in a firm I've served [...]
David Cameron’s free schools General Election pledge: Is there one in your area – and what kind is it? March 9, 2015 David Cameron today announced his government will build another 500 free schools if they win the next election – a policy Labour is staunchly opposed to. The schools, which are free from local authority control, are variously said to boost school places or be a waste of money that risk segregating children from the realities [...]
Ukip spoof Tory attack ad: Nigel Farage has some fun at Cameron’s expense March 9, 2015 The Tory party has been consistently attacking Ed Miliband over whether Labour will enter into a deal with the SNP if the General Election fails to produce a clear result. There was no let-up in the attack today as the Tories unveiled a new poster produced by advertising agency M&C Saatchi showing Ed Miliband in [...]
Tesco loses Harris + Hoole and Giraffe chief Michael Holmes amid Dave Lewis restructure March 9, 2015 Tesco has lost another senior executive, after the man in charge of its Harris + Hoole coffee shops and restaurant chain Giraffe stepped down. Chief executive of new food experiences Michael Holmes, the man behind Tesco’s strategy to offer dining experiences in-store in a bid to pull in customers, has fallen on the wrong side [...]
Bullish results for Martin Sorrell’s WPP: World’s largest advertising group reports 12 per cent jump in profits March 9, 2015 2015 has started well for the world’s largest advertising group and its chief Martin Sorrell. The figures WPP has announced a 12 per cent boost in profit before tax during 2014: it rose to £1.5bn, with sales of £11.5bn, five per cent higher than in 2013. The company also started January well, with like-for-like sales rising an [...]
General Election 2015: David Cameron to open 500 extra free schools if Conservatives win March 9, 2015 The Conservatives are set to double down on free schools, opening a further 500 if they win the General Election. In a speech today, David Cameron said that the government plans to create 270,000 new school places, on top of the final wave of 49 free schools to be opened during the final throws of [...]
David Cameron set for double trouble over plain cigarette packaging and defence spending March 9, 2015 Disgruntled Tory backbenchers are set to defy David Cameron over two controversial issues this week, intensifying pressure on a Prime Minister who faces growing criticism for refusing to accept invitations to TV leaders debates. Around 100 Conservative MPs will vote against the government’s proposals to force cigarettes to be sold in plain packaging on Wednesday. [...]
General Election TV debates: Ed Miliband ups David Cameron pressure with call for new law March 9, 2015 With lesss than two months until polling day, the row over television leader debates has taken a new turn. It has emerged that the broadcasters may have to give David Cameron his own television slots if he refuses to take part in debates, to comply with strict election rules. Miliband has formally agreed to take [...]
Manufacturers ask Osborne for bigger cuts to the cost of energy March 9, 2015 MANUFACTURERS today called on the chancellor to help out with their energy bills and with more advice and support on exporting. Rapid drops in global oil prices have driven down UK energy bills, dragging inflation into negative territory and so putting giving a break to hard-pressed firms and consumers. But in its budget submission, manufacturers’ [...]