Britain needs an industrial strategy – and it doesn’t mean picking winners May 26, 2015 The Queen’s Speech today will outline how the new Conservative government will put the contents of its pre-election manifesto into practice. It will contain many measures, including an EU referendum bill that will attract a lot of attention. But the big question is this: how will the new government meet the tax and spending commitments [...]
Central planners don’t get incentives – but markets can be faulty too May 26, 2015 Perhaps the most enjoyable outcome of the General Election is the abuse now being heaped on the metropolitan liberal elite from many quarters. Theirs is truly a difficult mindset to comprehend, based as it is on an unshakeable belief in their own omniscience. Yet this is confounded on an almost daily basis by the response [...]
EU referendum: London banks may flock to Dublin but Brexit wouldn’t be all positive for Ireland May 26, 2015 If the UK leaves the EU, the impact will be felt far beyond its borders. Indeed, one country that will be particularly affected is Ireland. In the short term, there will be a painful economic dislocation, as the two close trading partners adjust to the UK’s new status. But it could be far more positive [...]
As Ryanair’s profits soar, are analysts right to attribute it to its new customer-friendly policy? May 26, 2015 Milorad Ajder is managing director of the Ipsos Mori Reputation Centre, says Yes The penny dropped for Ryanair when it was forced to issue a profit warning in September 2013. Until then, it had prospered on the back of a no-nonsense offer, where price was the only thing that mattered to customers. All well and [...]
The right credit card can slash holiday costs: Air miles cards are popular but fees and rewards vary considerably May 26, 2015 Competition has become fierce among credit card providers and many are having to raise their stakes when it comes to perks for new customers. Air miles are the latest area of growth for credit card companies. While they may not have the best annual percentage rates (APRs), these cards will act as an extension [...]
Why there’s some rot you don’t want to stop May 26, 2015 Rarely is the term “rot” a good thing when it comes to food. Cheese is the obvious exception, while dry-aged beef and fermented foods such as miso and sauerkraut also prove that mould can be tasty. Similarly, rotten grapes are typically discarded in the vineyard or removed on a sorting table rather than given the [...]
Mix it up: Forget the old wives’ tales and mix the grape and grain May 26, 2015 @philip_salter Spirits and cocktails get a bad rap. After you’ve knocked back half a dozen pints and a bottle of wine, it’s that final shot of tequila that gets all the blame for your stinking hangover the next morning. I’ve even heard claims that the mixed spirits used in cocktails cause hangovers – that’s nonsense [...]
How can bosses become social media-savvy? May 26, 2015 Don’t let fear of criticism stop you from speaking out online. Chief executives who use social media can boost their company’s reputation, better connect with employees, and establish a media profile, according to a recent report by Weber Shandwick. But while most companies now have a corporate social media presence, bosses have been slower [...]
Bayliss raring to plot Aussie Ashes demise May 26, 2015 ENGLAND head coach Trevor Bayliss insists he will relish plotting the downfall of his native Australia during this summer’s Ashes series after his appointment was confirmed yesterday. Bayliss succeeds the sacked Peter Moores, who was axed earlier this month, and becomes the first Australian to lead England, having usurped compatriot and early frontrunner Jason Gillespie [...]
Hartley World Cup ban fear adds to Lancaster selection problems May 26, 2015 ENGLAND hooker Dylan Hartley is in danger of missing this autumn’s home World Cup after being cited for foul play during Northampton’s semi-final defeat to Saracens on Saturday. Saints skipper Hartley will appear before a three-man disciplinary panel in Coventry today after clashing with Saracens counterpart Jamie George during his side’s 29-24 defeat and being [...]