Islamic State earnings call: The terrorist group’s finances point to a difficult year ahead February 24, 2015 The first quarter of every year brings a blizzard of financial reporting, as companies reflect on the past year’s achievements and (most often) make promises of greater things to come. Governments are no different, particularly in an election year. This quarter has seen record earnings from Apple, tax cut promises from the Tories, and anti-austerity [...]
The Oscars are over, but popular culture is still a driving force behind inequality February 24, 2015 The Oscars have come and gone for another year. Winning an Academy Award is very often the basis for either making a fortune or turning an existing one into mega riches. Jack Nicholson has an estimated net worth of over $400m, and stars like Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro are not far behind. Even [...]
There’s nothing dirty about profit – we have to stop demonising it February 24, 2015 It’s very difficult for companies to thrive and grow without the trust of consumers and employees. That’s why we launched the Great Business Debate, the CBI’s trust in business campaign, to combat myths and encourage a constructive conversation about what business does and how it does it. We also recognise that people’s direct experience of [...]
With Eurogroup approval for Greece’s reform plans, is Grexit now significantly less likely? February 24, 2015 Christian Schulz, senior economist at Berenberg, says Yes Greece’s list of reforms allows the Eurozone to extend the bailout. That keeps the economy afloat, as the European Central Bank can continue funding Greek banks. Capital flight should slow, and economic sentiment and tax revenues should stabilise – averting a catastrophic funding crisis that could have [...]
The National Theatre’s head chef Simon Flint on organising chaos February 24, 2015 There are two main challenges to running the restaurants at the National Theatre: people have very high expectations because the theatre is so good, and they’re often in a hurry, so we need to serve great food quickly. Our restaurants are open at other times, but pre-theatre – which is 5–7.30pm – is very much [...]
Mix it up: How vermouth, like the Negroni, is experiencing a comeback February 24, 2015 Each generation rebels against the values and fashions of the last, often unaware that they’re drawing on the fashions of their grandparents. Take the Negroni. It’s now the height of cocktail sophistication, but the chances are your grandparents knocked them back like alcopops. And it’s not just the Negroni – people are starting to drink [...]
The rise and rise of the beard: Facial hair gets its own Somerset House exhibition February 24, 2015 Beards are big. Literally. You can’t walk down Kingsland Road without being tickled by the bristles of a hirsute gentleman. And now you can’t walk through the grand exhibition space of Somerset House without a beard to the retina. Style photographer Mr Elbank has a new exhibition showcasing the magnificence of the beard, with dozens [...]
Four secrets to bag that dream technology job February 24, 2015 Project work and up-skilling will trump a relevant degree. The UK’s IT jobs market is thriving, requiring a constant stream of candidates to fill new roles. Technology is at the forefront of growth, but the current skills shortage has led to the highest demand for IT staff since 1998. Moreover, in the last five years, [...]
Champions League: Suarez leaves City on brink of Euro crash February 24, 2015 MANCHESTER CITY 1 BARCELONA 2 MANCHESTER City boss Manuel Pellegrini refused to accept his side’s Champions League ambitions have been extinguished despite a Luis Suarez-inspired Barcelona seizing the initiative in their second round first-leg tie at the Etihad Stadium last night. Talismanic £75m hitman Suarez fired Barcelona into a two-goal lead with a clinical double [...]
Murray brothers set to join forces in Davis Cup bid February 24, 2015 FORMER Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is set to partner his brother Jamie in Davis Cup doubles after the duo were named in Great Britain’s team to face the United States in Glasgow next month. The selection highlights Great Britain’s determination to win the clash and paves the way for a potential showdown between the Murray’s [...]
