Government could be sued for £11bn in legal showdown over tobacco packaging August 12, 2014 The government has been warned by one of the world's largest tobacco companies that it could be sued for as much as £11bn over plans for the mandatory plain packaging of cigarettes. Philip Morris International (PMI) said in an official submission to a government consultation on the measure it was prepared to "protect its rights [...]
Independent Scotland should keep the pound, say majority of Scots August 12, 2014 A new survey has shown a majority of Scots back the continued use of the pound should the country vote for secession. The Scottish Social Attitudes Survey showed 68 per cent supported using the pound, compared to just 14 per cent supporting the creation of a new currency. On Sunday, Alex Salmond wrote in an [...]
Just Eat revenue soars as mobile strategy accelerates August 12, 2014 The world's largest mobile marketplace for takeaway, Just Eat has reported a surge of 58 per cent in revenue to £69.8m for the six months ended 30 June. The company, which recently floated, also enjoyed a boost of in pre-tax profits to £8.6m compared with £3.1m in the same period the previous year. Orders were [...]
Ladbrokes profits collapse by almost 50pc August 12, 2014 Ladbrokes has reported a collapse in pre-tax profits of almost 50 per cent of to £27.7m for the six months ended 30 June. The bookmaker said it had completed its switch to a new partnership with software developer Playtech, but admitted the move caused more disruption than it had anticipated. Underlying earnings per share were [...]
New poll shows majority support for fracking August 11, 2014 There is wide-scale support for the exploitation of natural gas through fracking, according to a new survey commissioned for the group UK Onshore Oil and Gas (UKOOG). Conducted by Populus, the poll of 4,000 people found 57 per cent were in favour of fracking while just 16 per cent were opposed, and 27 per cent [...]
Microsoft launches £15 Nokia 130 with an eye for emerging markets August 11, 2014 Microsoft is offering a new mobile phone that will set the buyer back just £15. The Nokia 130 reaffirms the world's largest software company's commitment to low-cost products after recently revealing plans to put an end to the Nokia X and Asha. The Nokia 130 is supposed to appeal to lower wage workers primarily in [...]
Alcohol warning labels and minimum pricing gets backing from MPs August 11, 2014 The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Misuse has called for mandatory labelling of alcoholic drinks to warn users of the harmful effects of their abuse. The group is seeking support from all parties for a host of restrictions and regulations contained in the document. "Health warnings are a familiar and prominent feature on all tobacco [...]
Heathrow reports record passenger numbers as airport expansion debate heats up August 11, 2014 Heathrow and Gatwick have reported record high passenger numbers for the month of July, adding fuel to the argument that both London airports are in need of expansion if the UK is to maximise its position as business and tourist destination. Passenger numbers at Heathrow were up 0.5 per cent on July 2013 to 6.97m. [...]
Treasury Wine Estates receives fresh takeover bid August 11, 2014 Australian winemaker Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has received a second takeover offer from an unnamed private equity firm. The new offer amounts to $5.55 a share. The offer worth £1.88bn comes shortly after American private equity firm KKR, in a combined effort with Rhone Group, renewed its efforts to buy the world's largest listed winemaker. [...]
Stock markets dip after US approves air strikes on Iraq August 8, 2014 Stock markets have taken a hit in the wake of Barack Obama's decision to authorise air strikes on Iraq, with investors seeking safe haven assets. The price of crude has also risen to $105.76 a barrel. According to a Pentagon spokesman, the US has conducted an airstrike on Islamic State artillery used against Kurdish forces [...]
