What the other papers say this morning – 06 January 2014 January 6, 2014 FINANCIAL TIMES Europe to ease reform on bank splits Brussels is set to ease financial reforms so that big European banks are not forced automatically to split lending operations from risky trading. In a draft European Commission proposal, seen by the Financial Times, the separation is no longer mandatory, would be less costly and restrictive [...]
New year starts with boost to firms’ optimism January 6, 2014 BUSINESSES are preparing for another year of economic growth and falling unemployment, with confidence climbing to its highest level in nearly two decades. Lloyds’ latest survey of 1,500 companies, released today, indicates the strongest intentions to increase investment since 1994. In the next half a year, 16 per cent more firms expect to hike capital [...]
Rail fare pain takes the savings shine off a move to the country January 6, 2014 THE COST of commuting could be putting off Londoners from buying a house outside of the capital, according to figures out today. Moving to a town in the Home Counties will save the average homeowner more than £10,700 a year on their mortgage, thanks to lower property prices. However, those who keep a job in [...]
Tony Blair’s businesses collect £13m in cash as profits increase January 6, 2014 FORMER Prime Minister Tony Blair’s business empire is thriving, according to new accounts that show two of his businesses stockpiled more than £13m in cash last year. Accounts published on the Office of Tony Blair website last week show that one of the main companies through which Blair runs his business operations saw profits jump [...]
3D printing tested in BAE’s military aircraft January 6, 2014 DEFENCE firm BAE Systems has used 3D printed components in its latest Tornado aircraft during a test flight at the company’s UK airfield. BAE said the development could open up opportunities to use 3D printed parts in other military equipment in the future. 3D printing could lead to savings which BAE said already amount to [...]
M&S sales lose their shine after poor Christmas January 6, 2014 MARKS & Spencer is set to report poor festive trading this week as heavy discounting activity in the run-up to Christmas failed to spark a late surge in spending. Analysts predict the retailer will report a drop in third quarter general merchandise sales of as much as 1.5 per cent, despite a highly publicised revamp [...]
Bottom Line: From wardrobe staple to the bargain bin January 6, 2014 AS WE wait for the Marks and Spencer Christmas trading figures later this week, expectations are that its fashion sales won’t show much sign of festive cheer. If so, it needs to start the new year with a long, hard look in the mirror. It is true that general conditions won’t have helped: figures from [...]
Jigsaw pieces come together as profits rise January 6, 2014 FASHION retailer Jigsaw has emerged as one of the winners in the battle for consumers’ purses this Christmas. Like-for-like sales leapt by 17 per cent in the five weeks to 28 December, the privately-owned group said yesterday. Total sales for the year to 28 September were up seven per cent to £64.2m while net profit [...]
Apple’s mobile sales in Europe grow in strength January 6, 2014 APPLE’S smartphone sales continue to increase month-on-month, making up 18.1 per cent of the smartphones sold in Europe’s five biggest markets during the three months to November, data from Kantar Worldpanel showed today. In October Apple’s share was 15.8 per cent. November’s strong sales are linked to high levels of customer satisfaction of its iPhone [...]
Sainsbury’s to stop selling DVDs and books through its website January 6, 2014 SAINSBURY’S is to stop selling physical DVDs, CDs, books and games through its website, as consumers increasingly shift to downloading and streaming entertainment directly to their phones and computers. The supermarket chain will stop accepting orders for physical products from the end of February, in another sign of waning demand for physical media. “Due to [...]
