PMI surveys set to point to recovery February 27, 2011 WORSE than expected GDP figures for the fourth quarter of 2010 shocked economists when released at the end of last week. But many expect the latest business surveys, out this week, to show a strong rebound in the UK economy. “Business surveys suggests that the economy is growing at a steady pace,” said Michael Saunders [...]
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THE FEBRUARY PMIs? February 27, 2011 ANDREW GOODWIN | ERNST AND YOUNG ITEM CLUB “The January PMI suggested that the economy had rebounded strongly after the snow. Given that January was boosted by this catch up effect, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the headline balances come in a little lower in February, as this effect fades. We should, however, continue [...]
Business demands pro-growth Budget February 27, 2011 BUSINESS groups will today begin lobbying the chancellor in earnest ahead of next month’s Budget, urging him to adopt policies that promote economic growth. The British Retail Consortium will deliver a 20-point plan to George Osborne, which it says will help its members to maintain and create jobs. It is recommending an 18-month notice period [...]
Housing market in South English towns outperforms North February 27, 2011 HOUSE prices in towns in the South of England have outperformed towns in the rest of the country over the last three years, according to data released today. Westbury in Wiltshire – famous for the Westbury White Horse – has seen the largest hike in prices, the Halifax will say today. In December 2010, the [...]
Calls for higher National Minimum Wage are dismissed as ludicrous February 27, 2011 CALLS for a hike in the national minimum wage were today dismissed as “ludicrous” amid warnings that any increase could put even more people out of work. The Social Market Foundation (SMF), once dubbed Sir John Major’s favourite think-tank, will today call for a “substantial” increase in the minimum wage, which it says would boost [...]
Businesses pay price for discounts February 27, 2011 Price discounting by UK businesses during the recession has led to dents in profit that could top £20bn, according to a research by KPMG. The survey of 200 UK businesses found that more than 50 per cent had made discounts, with 49 per cent entering direct price wars with competitors. Two-thirds of those polled saw [...]
UK unprepared for agency rules February 27, 2011 Only seven per cent of UK employers have conducted an impact assessment of how their businesses will be affected by the Agency Workers Regulation, due to be introduced in October. The new rules will mean agency workers are entitled to the same pay and benefits as permanent workers after 12 weeks’ service, yet 37 per [...]
New house prices ease 1.9pc February 27, 2011 New homes in the UK became 1.9 per cent cheaper in January with an average price of £215,786, according to figures from SmartNewHomes. However, prices have risen 1.7 per cent over the last three months. East Anglia saw the biggest drop last month, with prices falling 8.8 per cent on December values.
ITV to restart dividend after 2-year hiatus February 27, 2011 ITV will unveil plans to restart its dividend this week, thanks to a revival in the advertising market. Adam Crozier, the broadcaster’s chief executive, will on Wednesday say he expects to restart the payout, ending a two-year hiatus for the firm’s shareholders. Analysts expect the firm to have almost tripled its pre-tax profits to £300m, [...]
Crozier will have little time for backslapping February 27, 2011 THERE will be much to celebrate when ITV unveils fourth-year numbers on Wednesday. Advertising revenues recovered strongly, up some 16 per cent according to Numis, thanks to the World Cup and nascent economic recovery. Finance director Ian Griffiths has worked wonders on the firm’s balance sheet, with debt – which peaked at £730m in 2008 [...]
