Rental income boosts Assura August 18, 2010 ASSURA Group’s first-quarter revenue rose 17 per cent, helped by higher-than-expected increases in rental income, and the British healthcare firm said trading momentum had continued into the second quarter. The UK’s biggest private owner of pharmacy services said quarterly revenue was ahead of budget in both wholly owned and joint venture pharmacies. Assura said 13 [...]
India working with RIM over ban August 18, 2010 India will allow BlackBerry’s messenger service to continue beyond a 31 August deadline, but could shut down its secure email service if access is not given to its encrypted data by then. A team from the phone’s manufacturer began discussions with India’s telecoms ministry and intelligence agencies, seeking to address the security worries.
Asian firms probe Apple claims August 18, 2010 Two Asian firms whose wholly-owned units were accused of paying kickbacks for business from Apple said they were investigating the matter, while a third denied engaging in such practices. Paul Devine, an Apple global supply manager, pleaded not guilty to California court charges that he accepted kickbacks.
Coalition under pressure over cuts to middle class benefits August 18, 2010 LABOUR?started piling the pressure on the coalition yesterday, after the government admitted it was reviewing “middle class” benefits like child benefit and the winter fuel allowance. A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the benefits – which are available to everyone regardless of wealth – were “under review”. The government is [...]
German debt is in demand August 18, 2010 GERMANY’S cost of borrowing sank to a record low at a sale of €5bn (£4.1bn) in 10-year bonds yesterday, while Portugal eased concerns over its finances by selling more short-term debt than previously planned. Mirroring results of Irish and Spanish sales on Tuesday, the auctions showed there is solid demand for Eurozone bonds as the [...]
Poundland set for expansion as bargain hunters give it a boost August 18, 2010 DISCOUNT retailer Poundland has seen an 80 per cent surge in operating profit to £21.5m in the year to the end of March. Poundland, which was recently acquired by private equity firm Warburg Pincus, said it aims to open a further 50 new stores over the next two years, creating 2,000 jobs. Like-for-like sales were [...]
CITY VIEWS: DO YOU THINK THE COALITION HAS HAD A GOOD FIRST 100 DAYS? August 18, 2010 LEE WHITE | NOVAE INSURANCE “It seems to me that the coalition is being led by Cameron rather than Clegg. Though the government’s portrayal of the coalition is one of balance, I don’t think this is the case. I would rather see a fairer, more true coalition.” MARK GAME | BRIGHTSIDE GROUP “I didn’t think [...]
Mancini hits out at Fergie kamikaze jibe August 18, 2010 MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini last night hit back at Sir Alex Ferguson’s accusations of “kamikaze” spending, retorting that Manchester United are no strangers to splashing millions in the transfer market. Ferguson launched a thinly-veiled attack on his local rivals this week when he lambasted the “amazing amounts” being invested by some clubs, just as [...]
England top order crumbles as Riaz gives Pakistan edge August 18, 2010 MATT PRIOR has backed his England side to bounce back from a disastrous day with the bat as Pakistan seized control on the opening day of the third Test. Wicketkeeper Prior was England’s saviour with an invaluable unbeaten 84 as debutant Wahab Riaz took 5-63 to help dismiss the hosts for 233 at the Oval. [...]
Blackpool buck the spending trend as agents rake in record £12.7m in fees August 18, 2010 BLACKPOOL are living proof that big money payments to agents don’t necessary bring success. Ian Holloway’s (right) men sealed a shock promotion to the Premier League last May after beating Cardiff in the Championship play-off final. But new figures released by the Football League yesterday showed the Seasiders achieved it with their house well and [...]