Brussels and Westminster both fail to offer the public direct democracy January 24, 2013 DAVID Cameron’s promised referendum on Europe will be the first in my lifetime, which began the year after the 1975 vote to remain in the Common Market. So to me the Prime Minister’s new commitment for a vote feels like both a victory and a defeat. It is a historic decision: after more than four [...]
Incentive to work will be dampened by pension reform January 24, 2013 THE coalition received bad news this week, as figures revealed the UK added £15.4bn to its debt pile in December 2012 – up from £14.8bn in the same month in 2011. The chancellor will now be forced to ask ministers to prepare further cuts for 2014-15. But the problem is not just fiscal. It’s political. [...]
The Debate: After Apple reported disappointing profits and sales, is it doomed to relative decline? January 24, 2013 YES Julian Birkinshaw Apple’s latest results were spectacularly good by any standard – except their own. The company has been hyped up so far, and for so long, that failing to meet expectations was almost inevitable. But the real problem for Apple is that now the top has been called, the markets are looking to [...]
Letters to the editor January 24, 2013 No renegotiation [Re: Cameron’s decision to call a referendum is absolutely right, yesterday] There is no guarantee of any referendum, even in the event that David Cameron is re-elected. Francois Hollande is adamant that powers stay at EU level, and he is backed by legal precedent. EU institutions, like the European Council, are also legally bound [...]
Top schools fuel house price hike January 24, 2013 AGOOD education can cost parents more than just tuition fees. Trends show that top performing schools drive house prices in their local neighbourhoods by nearly a third more than the national average. Little wonder, then, that developers are constructing luxury schemes in these sought-after areas. Wimbledon Hill Park is going down well with parents keen [...]
Focus On: Blackheath January 24, 2013 NEED TO KNOW | AREA INSIGHT Named after the grassland that separates it from Greenwich and Lewisham, Blackheath is often described as one of the few remaining villages in the heart of London. Many refer to it as south east London’s answer to Hampstead because of its charming, green surroundings and bustling village. While it [...]
Take in the views at this Surrey manor January 24, 2013 LOCATED IN the picturesque Surrey countryside is this unique property tucked away behind the private gates of the highly sought after Wentworth Estate. The location is known for being the home of the internationally renowned Wentworth Club with its exclusive facilities and world famous golf course, and the property is equally impressive. Set on approximately [...]
London Barometer January 24, 2013 Having correctly called the market last year, we are sticking our neck out again this year. Despite the general consensus that there will be little growth in London in 2013, we are of the opinion that the lack of supply and continued demand for property from abroad and at home are even more pronounced, so [...]
The must have items for 2013 January 24, 2013 Key Trend 1: Pioneer Just like with fashion, the world of interiors is going global by tapping into the explorer trend that has been doing the rounds for a while. “At John Lewis our inspiration is rooted in our pioneering ancestors,” says Rickwood. “We’re interested in the meeting point between different ideas and cultures, and [...]
Kingsland Wharves offers waterside living near the City January 24, 2013 After THE success of its one-bedroom apartments, Kingsland Wharves is now entering into the final stages of completing the development by launching a series of two and three bedroom homes. The prestigious new development is comprised of exclusive apartments overlooking the banks of the historic Kingsland Basin and is already going down well with City [...]
