Strauss takes captaincy stranglehold June 10, 2010 NATIONAL selector Geoff Miller insisted there was “never any doubt” that Andrew Strauss would continue as England’s one-day captain despite missing out the World Twenty20 triumph. Strauss was confirmed as skipper for the five-match series with Australia this month, fronting a 13-man squad, which includes a surprise selection for back-in-favour Ian Bell and the addition [...]
Home Retail is hit by slump at Argos June 10, 2010 HOME Retail Group posted a bigger-than-expected drop in first-quarter sales at its Argos stores, hit by a drop in demand for video games and televisions. The group, which also runs Homebase, said economic conditions were challenging and uncertain but that it was still aiming to deliver flat profits over the full financial year, in line [...]
PZ Cussons is confident of its full-year results June 10, 2010 SOAP and shampoo maker PZ Cussons said it was on track to meet full-year forecasts, even though trading conditions in the UK remain tough. The firm, owner of the Imperial Leather, Carex and original Source brands, said yesterday its results for the year to 31 May “are anticipated to be in line with expectations.” PZ [...]
No World Cup magic June 10, 2010 WITH the start of the World Cup just days away, fans have been splashing out on flat-screen TVs. It’s strange then that the bigger-than-expected slump in Argos revenues was driven by weak TV sales. If the catalogue retailer can’t shift tellys in the run up to the year’s biggest sporting event, when can it? This [...]
Net-a-Porter to cater for men June 10, 2010 The net-a-porter group is to launch a menswear site. “Mr Porter” will launch for the spring/summer 2011 season, with brands including global designer labels such as Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, YSL, Gucci, Margiela, Balmain, Dunhill, Margaret Howell, Rick Owens, John Lobb and MR by the designer, Roland Mouret. There will also be style advice on [...]
Park profit dips but revenue rises June 10, 2010 Christmas hampers and financial services firm Park reported a fall in pre-tax profit yesterday, while revenues increased. Pre-tax profit fell to £5.3m from £6.2m a year earlier, for the year to 31 March. However, revenue increased to £263.2m from £250.5m and operating profit leapt by 38 per cent. A final dividend of 0.88p per share [...]
VAT hike hit by think tank June 10, 2010 A leading policy think tank has slammed the expected VAT hike, claiming a bank tax would be a fairer way of cutting the deficit. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) says the improved economic conditions should allow banks to pay an additional £20bn a year in tax. It claimed the tax revenue could be [...]
Italy dealt a Pirlo blow June 10, 2010 ITALY suffered a setback after influential midfielder Andrea Pirlo was ruled out of his country’s opening two games against Paraguay and New Zealand with a calf strain. The 31-year-old, named man-of-the-match in the 2006 final against France, will be replaced in the Azzurri side by Fiorentina playmaker Riccardo Montolivo. Pirlo is hoping to return in [...]
Spain boosted by Iniesta June 10, 2010 FAVOURITES Spain have been boosted by the news that Andreas Iniesta’s thigh injury is not as bad as first feared. The Barcelona midfielder had a scan on his right thigh on Wednesday after pulling up in the 6-0 warm-up win over Poland the previous night. But only slight swelling was detected and it is hoped [...]
Sven’s hopeful on Drogba June 10, 2010 SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON says star striker and captain Didier Drogba could be fit for the Ivory Coast’s World Cup opener against Portugal on Tuesday. The Chelsea hitman broke his arm in a warm-up match but has recovered in double quick time and could return for the Elephants sooner rather than later. Coach Eriksson said: “If the [...]
