Wonga re-branding: Experts predict payday lender to pick a very boring new name April 21, 2015 Wonga is likely to pick a dull name to deflect attention in future, brand consultants told City A.M. The online payday lender ran a hugely successful branding campaign, rapidly becoming the most high-profile firm in its sector. “Its success was also its downfall,” said Sholto Lindsay-Smith from brand consultancy Industry. “It was the most catchy name [...]
Savills beefs up rural presence with Smiths Gore acquisition April 21, 2015 Property company Savills yesterday announced a deal to buy Smiths Gore – a rural property specialist. Smiths Gore has operated as a partnership with 532 staff, across 31 UK offices and 14 estate offices, all of whom will transfer into Savills Rural Energy and Projects (REP) division or its Country Residential Agency business. The takeover [...]
German investor sentiment dips April 21, 2015 INVESTORS in Germany reported a slight decline in optimism in April, ending a run of five consecutive months of growth, according to survey figures published yesterday. The ZEW indicator of economic sentiment dropped to a score 53.3 points, a 1.5 point decline compared with March. Despite the moderation, the index score is at a relatively [...]
General Election 2015: Nick Clegg’s tax pledge to deter second homes April 21, 2015 Second homeowners could see their tax bills multiply if the Liberal Democrats return to government after the General Election. The Lib Dems want to give local authorities new powers to charge up to 200 per cent council tax on second homes, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said in a speech in the south west of England [...]
Labour odds-on in key London election battles April 21, 2015 BOOKMAKERS are putting Labour ahead in the key electoral battlegrounds in the capital. Spreadbetter Sporting Index said Ed Miliband’s party will gain six seats in the capital. These include seats held by the Liberal Democrats in Hornsey and Wood Green, and seats like Ealing Central and Acton Croydon Central from the Conservatives. Betway also make [...]
Release Chilcot report demand the Lib Dems April 21, 2015 THE LIBERAL Democrats are increasing the pressure on the Chilcot inquiry in to the Iraq war to release its findings as soon as possible. Reports emerged yesterday that the process that allows those criticised to respond is being further delayed. The party’s foreign affair’s spokesman, Tim Farron, described the possibility that the report may now [...]
Cold war over Russian energy as EU increases pressure on Gazprom April 21, 2015 Tensions between the West and Russia are expected to heighten further today when European Union anti-trust officials ramp up proceedings against state-owned energy giant Gazprom The new EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager is likely to deliver a formal statement of objections to the Russian energy giant. An investigation into the firm’s pricing policies was [...]
Q and A: EU talk tough with Gazprom and Google April 21, 2015 Q This EU Commission anti-trust investigation into Gazprom has been going since September 2012, why is it only acting on it now? A Sanctions against Russia over Ukraine, and a new competition commissioner, have given the issue new political impetus. Q What is Gazprom accused of doing? A The EU investigation centres around the allegation [...]
Sky scopes out price hikes as loyalty increases April 21, 2015 BROADCASTER Sky opened the door to further price hikes for viewers yesterday as it reported the best customer retention numbers in 11 years. Sky boss Jeremy Darroch said there was scope to raise prices more in future as the group introduced better services and products for viewers. “We think generally the prospect for a little [...]
Analyst Views: What did you make of Sky’s quaterly results? April 21, 2015 IAN WHITTAKER | LIBERUM The results read very well, especially on the subscriber metrics, although significant changes to KPI disclosure make reading of longer-term trends hard. However, there are some signs the quality of the subscriber base might be coming under pressure. JULIEN ROCH | BARCLAYS Churn is again low, confirming that the connected boxes [...]
