Got the cash? Well then it’s lobster ‘n’ caviar all round February 23, 2010 ASTAR Tokyo chef, Shoichi Fujimaki, has delighted wealthy locals by charging £70 for a single serving of his signature ramen noodles, a price commanded by his special blend of broth. A less gourmet version of the staple can be bought for £4 down the road. So if cash-stripped Japan can rustle up dishes so extravagant, [...]
OUT OF OFFICE February 23, 2010 RON ARAD: RESTLESS The first major exhibition of Arad’s work in the UK includes a new reworking of his classic 1989 Well Tempered Chair – re-done in transparent polycarbonate – his ping pong table with a highly-reflective surface that slopes in the middle to slow down the game for visitors to play on, and an [...]
How to get bidding for the first time February 23, 2010 I’m thinking of going to an auction to buy some antiques for my home, but haven’t been before. What should I expect? IT’S not surprising that many of us are a little intimidated by the idea of an auction. If TV depictions are to be believed, the slightest scratch of your nose could see you [...]
New cars to look out for in Geneva February 23, 2010 THIS time next week the Geneva International Motor Show will be underway, with the latest designs, concept cars, fresh innovations and new launches. After the travails the motoring world has suffered over the past year, including the near collapse of General Motors and the calamities recently befalling Toyota, the industry will be hoping that the [...]
Gaviscon maker accused of market monopoly plot February 23, 2010 HOUSEHOLD products company Reckitt Benckiser has been accused by the Office of Fair Trading of creating a monopoly in the market for its heartburn drug Gaviscon. Reckitt could be fined tens of millions of pounds and be forced to pay up to £40m to the National Health Service. In a statement, Reckitt – whose stable [...]
Oil company starts Falklands drilling February 23, 2010 DESIRE Petroleum (DES) has begun drilling for oil in the waters off the Falkland Islands despite growing tensions between Britain and Argentina. The FTSE 250 group said its Ocean Guardian rig, which left Scotland at the end of November, arrived on Friday and the Liz 14/19-A exploration well was spudded yesterday afternoon. The well is [...]
Wolseley raises profit forecast February 23, 2010 SHARES in building supplies group Wolseley today shot up more than 11 per cent after it forecast that profits for the year to 31 July will beat market expectations. The FTSE 100 group, which operates in the UK, US and mainland Europe, says that trading profit before exceptional items will exceed the £326m currently pencilled [...]
AstraZeneca settles £505m tax dispute February 23, 2010 AstraZeneca has paid Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) £505m to settle a tax dispute. The Anglo-Swedish drugs company owes the Government over so-called transfer pricing – the price at which a group sells goods or services from one section to another. Astra will pay £350m next month and a second installment of £155m in [...]
AstraZeneca settles £505m tax dispute February 23, 2010 AstraZeneca has paid Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) £505m to settle a tax dispute. The Anglo-Swedish drugs company owes the Government over so-called transfer pricing – the price at which a group sells goods or services from one section to another. Astra will pay £350m next month and a second installment of £155m in [...]
Special One’s barbs do not bother Blues, insists Cech February 22, 2010 CHELSEA goalkeeper Petr Cech has warned former Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho that his mind games will not sabotage the Blues’ Champions League hopes. Inter Milan coach Mourinho has indulged in characteristic psychological warfare as he prepares to face his old club tomorrow for the first time since his acrimonious departure in 2007. The outspoken [...]
