New treaty threatens the economic opportunities of a laissez-faire internet November 29, 2012 AT the beginning of this year, in this very column, I outlined the threats to freedom online both in the UK and abroad through the International Telecommunications Union. Sadly, my predictions were correct. We are facing the risk of media regulation at home while an international treaty negotiation abroad threatens to regulate the internet as [...]
Ireland shows why press controls are not the solution November 29, 2012 LORD Justice Leveson met his deadline yesterday, issuing the findings of his eight month inquiry into the “culture, practices, and ethics” of the press. It came as no surprise that he concluded the state has a role to play in overseeing newspapers. Leveson decided that a statutory body, much like Ofcom, should take responsibility for [...]
Should we be worried that zombie firms will worsen the effects of the recession? November 29, 2012 YES Jon Moulton We should be afraid of zombie companies that eat away at good assets and valuable finance. Allowing bad business models to persist spurns one of the very few positive effects of a recession: clearing out the economically unproductive companies to make way for strong, innovative ones. Forbearance is a nice phrase, but [...]
Rapid responses November 29, 2012 The tax debate [Re: Firms call for tax breaks in infrastructure, Monday] I would happily support an overhaul of the tax system to try and bring better balance to, and a fairer sharing of, the burden of paying our country’s bills. However, the vilification of anyone who legally manages their tax affairs is worrying. The [...]
Now you can be your own Lord Grantham November 29, 2012 YES, “DOWNTON Abbey” has ended, and unless Julian Fellowes has one last trick up his sleeve, all that remains are memories and DVD box sets. But for anyone seeking to live out his or her fantasies of being a Crawley, all hope is not lost. Gothic Victorian architecture, the style of Highclere Castle, is a [...]
‘Tis the season November 29, 2012 ROASTED CHESTNUT DELUXE CANDLE Jo Malone, £80 www.jomalone.co.uk CRANBERRY WREATH Selfridges, £69.95 www.selfridges.com VINTAGE ROSE NAPKIN RINGS (SET OF 4) Walton & Co, £12 www.selfridges.com CHRISTMAS CARD HOLDER Selfridges, £34.95 www.selfridges.com SNOWFLAKE FELT COASTERS (SET OF 4) John Lewis, £15 www.johnlewis.com TARTAN CHRISTMAS STOCKING Gisela Graham, £15.95 www.selfridges.com LARGE TABLE RUNNER Walton & Co, £32 [...]
Focus on: Kentish Town November 29, 2012 The area has become a popular choice for buyers wanting to be within close proximity of the Heath in Hampstead but whose budgets do not extend to the prices that properties in Hampstead command. There’s a lot to do in the area. Kentish Town has a buzzing nightlife and music scene thanks, in part, to [...]
Property focus on Kentish Town November 29, 2012 LAWFORD ROAD, NW5 Price: £515,000 This two bedroom first floor apartment stretches over 700 sq. ft. in a semi-detached Victorian house. There are sash windows, a fully fitted kitchen, private loft access, oak flooring and a shared garden. Contact Faron Sutaria on www.faronsutaria.co.uk or 020 7267 7074. RAGLAN STREET, NW5 Price: £399,000 Spread across the [...]
UK guarantors for offshore properties November 29, 2012 Q I’m based in Jersey and am buying a property under £2m in an offshore name. The landlord is asking for a UK based guarantor and wants bank references for them. Is this normal? A Buying top end property in London means dealing with the big landed estates. They often have arcane rules meaning they’ll [...]
It’s all about the great outdoors at Durrington House November 29, 2012 THIS GRADE II listed country house is situated near the Essex/Hertfordshire border, outside the rural villages of Sheering, Lower Sheering and Sawbridgeworth. With four reception rooms, 10 principal bedrooms and five bathrooms, plus seven further rooms on the second floor and substantial cellars, this £4.65m property is ideal for private and guest accommodation. The 46-acre [...]
