London Olympics 2012: Now is the time for sport to take centre stage July 26, 2012 WHAT persuades a normally rational person to part with hard-earned cash to watch Turkey play Angola in the preliminary stages of a women’s basketball tournament? With apologies to the female basketball players of said countries, and the otherwise right-thinking friend of mine in question, it can only be the excitement of a home Olympics. It’s [...]
The Games are a chance for Britain to showcase its freedom and openness July 26, 2012 IT’S fitting that the Olympic flame, which passed through the City yesterday, is lit in Olympia by focusing the sun’s rays in a mirror. The modern Games is a mirror of nations, in which the host nation and its guests reveal themselves to the world. Take the torch relay. For the Nazis, who ran the [...]
Spain faces bigger problems than its bankrupt regions July 26, 2012 OVER the past week, the crisis in Spain has reached a critical level. Fortunately, thanks to hints of further European Central Bank (ECB) intervention from ECB President Mario Draghi yesterday, the situation has abated somewhat. Unfortunately, this relief will probably only be temporary – not only because Draghi’s comments are unlikely to be followed up [...]
Is the Prime Minister right to predict that the Olympic Games will boost the UK economy? July 26, 2012 YES John Longworth The London 2012 Olympics is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Britain and make it clear to visitors and spectators from across the globe that we are ready to trade with the world. We believe the Olympics will provide a timely confidence boost for businesses, particularly in the retail, hospitality [...]
RAPID RESPONSES July 26, 2012 Plans for growth [Re: It’s time for some genuine radicalism from George Osborne, yesterday] This article is spot on, but we need more emphasis on one of the main reasons for this country’s inability to quickly and efficiently increase its economic growth. National insurance is a tax on jobs that punishes owners and workers alike. It [...]
One man’s fund and Games July 26, 2012 WHEN Jessica Ennis skips down from the podium next weekend, clutching her gleaming new heptathlon gold medal and wiping a tear of joy from her eye, don’t be surprised to see her reach for her phone – she’ll probably be texting Barrie Wells to say thanks. Wells is the Merseyside self-made millionaire who has personally [...]
A truly unique home in idyllic surroundings July 26, 2012 This gorgeous Grade II-listed property with Capability Brown gardens is set in an idyllic country setting, with views towards the Exe Estuary and Lyme Bay. In addition to the main house, there is also a boat house, complete with a large open-plan kitchen, two bedrooms and reception room. The main house has four bedroom “suites”, [...]
A luxe Alpine hideaway for next season July 26, 2012 This 400 sq m chalet has all the trimmings and fixings you could require – and at a price you’d be unable to find at Courchevel or Switzerland. Special features include a spa with sauna and hot tub, as well as a massage table should you require some special attention after a hard day of [...]
LONDON BAROMETER July 26, 2012 DIRECTOR OF DOUGLAS & GORDON AS suspected, the extended Jubilee and Bank Holidays combined with the bad weather in June haven’t helped the London property market and although there are still interested buyers, they are not being rushed. Deals are taking longer but they are happening. Pricing correctly is paramount in getting viewings and if [...]
FOCUS ON: NOTTING HILL July 26, 2012 NEED TO KNOW | AREA INSIGHT TRAVEL AND EDUCATION Located in the heart of West London, Notting Hill is among the most desired areas to live in the world. It is served by a wealth of transport links, with the central line from Notting Hill Gate taking just 16 minutes to get into the City. [...]
