THE TIPSTER October 23, 2011 THE week ahead could prove to be the most crucial in the relatively short history of the continent’s common currency. We now know that banks will have to raise capital – but markets are still hoping for news of just how much money the better-funded elements of the Eurozone are prepared to throw at the crisis. [...]
OIL PRICES ARE GOING TO SHINE October 23, 2011 ON THE CONTRARY WHILE some see uncertainty in the future direction of oil, (see feature, left) I take a bullish view. The recent crude oil review prepared by analysts at Morgan Stanley points to a very slowly improving supply outlook. Their analysts are forecasting a growth in supply by 1.1m barrels per day, on average, [...]
ROTHSCHILD GIVES STAFF ITS TURKEY OF A BONUS October 23, 2011 EVERY little helps, as the Tesco slogan goes. So the price-conscious supermarket giant will be pleased to learn that the competitively remunerated London employees of Rothschild receive daily luncheon vouchers for the sum of £3 that can be refunded in any of its stores. But Rothschild’s solicitous attempts to ensure its workforce is well fed [...]
BILL OF THE WEEK October 23, 2011 THE TOUGH times have finally reached Mayfair. When four private investors hit Bellamys on Bruton Place, they economised by settling for only the second-most expensive vintage on the wine list that prides itself on “accessible prices” – the 1982 Château Cos d’Estournel St Estèphe at £975. Add in a £150 bottle of 2007 Clos des [...]
Presume you can do it until proven otherwise October 23, 2011 DRAGONS are supposed to be scary, but in real life Deborah Meaden is warm and approachable. She is surprisingly open about her weaknesses too: “Well, I never imagined I wouldn’t set up a business,” she explains. “Not least because I don’t take instruction very well,” she laughs. “I wasn’t academic. I didn’t like school, but [...]
INHERITANCE TAX: ENEMY OF ENTREPRENEURS October 23, 2011 AS chancellor George Osborne and his team try to simplify our over-complex tax system, they are looking at taxes whose harmful effects outweigh any good that comes from their revenue. Obviously the 50 per cent top rate of income tax must be a prime candidate, given that the Institute for Fiscal Studies has joined the [...]
CAREERS NEWS | IN BRIEF October 23, 2011 NUMBER OF MBOS HAVE TRIPLED The number of business owners prepared to consider a management buyout (MBO) has tripled in the last three years since entrepreneurs have had to consider all options in a difficult economic market, according to new research by Coutts. However, most entrepreneurs will only instinctively sell their business to their own [...]
Opening up a new vista in air travel October 23, 2011 THE Nina J is bobbing up and down in the clear sparkling Riviera water, flanked by other super yachts that occasionally eject bevies of python and white linen-clad babes ready to take Monaco by storm. Around the pier, portly perma-tanned sugar daddies squeeze the waists of their young Ivankas as they ponder how to blow [...]
Washington DC October 23, 2011 Food DC’s West End lies within an easy stroll of the White House, so there are plenty of opportunities for “power dining” among the area’s officials, lobbyists – and visitors alike. The Old Ebbitt Grill’s Oyster Bar is rightfully renowned, has an authentic Victorian interior, and being two blocks from the White House was a [...]
Balotelli sparkles as ruthless City inflict United’s worst home defeat for 56 years October 23, 2011 MANCHESTER UTD (1) vs MANCHESTER CITY (6) SHELLSHOCKED Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson reflected on “the worst result in my history, ever” after his side were subjected to their heaviest home defeat since 1955 by their bitter rivals. Two goals apiece from Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko plus strikes from Sergio Aguero and David [...]