Failure to save is socially irresponsible: Only bold policies will fix this crisis February 1, 2015 PEOPLE are not saving enough. We hear that all the time and yet we ignore this uncomfortable truth and carry on with our daily lives. Only half of us have a pension scheme and, even allowing for other savings and investments, most of us have probably not put away enough, especially given the spiralling cost [...]
With P2P lending passing £1bn in 2014, is it a real alternative to traditional financial services? February 1, 2015 Christine Farnish is chair of the Peer-to-Peer Finance Association, says Yes. Alternative finance is growing and the current regulatory and consumer environment in the UK means it is set to grow even further. Last week, the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Finance Association put out figures showing that, in 2014, our members had lent more than £1.2bn in [...]
TaskRabbit founder Leah Busque talks dog food and London’s penchant for gardening February 1, 2015 While most of us spent good chunks of our childhood playing shops or doctors, Leah Busque was busy heading up Pollution Solutions. “Really, it was just an excuse to boss around my little sister and cousins,” laughs Busque, who is the founder of TaskRabbit, one of the first sharing economy platforms. Pollution Solutions was Busque’s [...]
Entrepreneurs’ relief: Unnecessary fiddling with this vital policy will damage growth February 1, 2015 Given that they drive our economy’s growth, it’s vital that entrepreneurs are rewarded for their efforts – especially since they take on so many risks to succeed. Thankfully, since 2008, there has been a tax relief that does precisely this. Entrepreneurs’ relief enables business owners to pay a lower rate of capital gains tax when [...]
Gimme 5: Blogs for entrepreneurs February 1, 2015 Richard Branson’s blog The business heavyweight shares his expertise on everything from how to write a complaint letter, to why a three-day week could work. He’s happy to share personal stories and ways of working, to help you on your way. www.virgin.com/richard-branson The Entrepreneurial Mind This is the blogging home of Jeff Cornwall, chair of [...]
Procrastination: Simple steps to banish it at work February 1, 2015 It’s easier to stop putting things off if you know your demons. Procrastination is biting businesses without them even realising. New research published today by leading peer-to-peer platform RateSetter finds that Brits spend on average 43 minutes procrastinating at work every day. RateSetter has done the maths and found that these daily workplace avoidance tactics [...]
Nippon’s sublime amber nectar: Why is Japanese whisky gaining so many global plaudits? February 1, 2015 Kampai!’ says my effusive barman, as I lift the highball glass to my lips. I’m in a narrow, low-lit, eight-seater bar called Hanare, just a few minutes’ walk from Gion-Shijo station, in the heart of Kyoto’s entertainment district, and about to try my first taste of Japanese whisky. It’s an apposite time to do so, [...]
48 hours in… Boston February 1, 2015 WHERE TO STAY Situated in the Back Bay area, Boston’s family-owned Lenox Hotel combines historical charm with modern luxury. The Lenox has been a Boston landmark ever since it opened for business in 1900. Now it’s known for its friendly, personalised service. Rooms start at $195, lenoxhotel.com WHERE TO GO Protopunk legends The Modern Lovers [...]
Murray blasts failure to blot out distraction February 1, 2015 A DEFLATED Andy Murray admitted the mid-match fitness problems endured by opponent and world No1 Novak Djokovic caused him to lose focus after succumbing to a fourth Australian Open defeat in Melbourne yesterday. Murray, ranked sixth at the tournament, collapsed to a 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-0 loss after levelling at one-set apiece, losing [...]
Premier League: Wenger harbours title hope as Gunners smash five past Villa February 1, 2015 ARSENAL 5 ASTON VILLA 0 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger refused to rule the Gunners out of the Premier League title race after an emphatic five-star showing dispatched struggling Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium yesterday. Strikes from Olivier Giroud, Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott, a Santi Cazorla penalty and Hector Bellerin gave Arsenal victory, while Villa have [...]
