A Facebook bank is far more likely than you imagine May 13, 2012 THE internet gives banks innovative ways of providing services to customers. But it also brings new dangers. Online giants like PayPal, Facebook and Amazon are leading the way on customer experience. Could they go further, and take on banks directly? Facebook has already moved into the world of “virtual currency”. Facebook Credits, costing 10 cents [...]
The City’s prosperity rests on the strength of London’s local communities May 13, 2012 AS newly-elected policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, it is my duty to help nurture a business environment that supports the UK financial services industry, stimulates jobs and growth and maintains London’s status as the world’s pre-eminent global financial centre. But the duties of the policy chairman do not stop there. During my [...]
Should the legalisation of gay marriage be a significant priority for this government? May 13, 2012 YES Ruth Hunt In his speech to the Conservative Party conference in 2011, the Prime Minister stated that “Conservatives believe in the ties that bind us; that society is stronger when we make vows to each other and support each other.” This is a position that Stonewall enthusiastically endorses. At a time when the government [...]
RAPID responses May 13, 2012 Initiative needed [Re: Coalition behaving as if we were in normal economic times, Thursday] This is a highly pertinent and accurate analysis. The government’s done absolutely nothing to tackle the burden of privately-held debt and nothing to redirect money spent on consumption to be spent on vital infrastructure. The coalition has undertaken no root-and-branch overhaul [...]
Insurance is not for life – shop around May 13, 2012 APART from taxes, there is nothing as certain as the grim reaper’s eventual scalp. It’s a depressing fact to contemplate on a Monday morning, but it must be faced at some time as it’s a vital consideration for anyone with dependants. Ben Smaje, managing director at Kennedy Black Wealth Management says “the first thing you [...]
Opulence and elegance in rural England May 13, 2012 I’ve been lucky enough to wake up to some spectacular sights: the glacial, serene Lake Lucerne in Switzerland; the endless, pulsing cityscape of Tokyo; the stark, rugged mountains of Aspen. On the right morning, though, few things can beat the understated grandeur of the rolling English countryside. The view from the window of the Cornflower [...]
Strange but good: a slice of Asia in Alicante May 13, 2012 My friend Jo and I did not feel we were en route anywhere nice one recent Friday morning. We were on an EasyJet flight to Alicante, surrounded by stags roaring for more Stella and Jack Daniels. Once in Alicante, a people carrier drove us through a parched landscape that looked a little worse for wear, [...]
A Mexican adventure in high style May 13, 2012 The last time I came to central America was 15 years ago on my gap year. Bed for the night tended to be a hammock, or mosquito-infested beach shack if we were pushing the boat out. Clothes were stuffed in a backpack, made heavier by my inspired first day purchase of a 5kg granite pestle [...]
Drama reigns as City snatch title at death May 13, 2012 MANCHESTER CITY (3) vs QUEENS PARK RANGERS (2) SUNDERLAND (0) vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1) STOKE CITY (2) vs BOLTON WANDERERS (2) Aguero’s winner caps rollercoaster day as United pipped by rivals on goal difference MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini caught his breath long enough to salute a “crazy season” after his team snatched their first [...]
Inferno mars Williams’ first win for eight years May 13, 2012 WILLIAMS’ first win in Formula One since 2004 was tainted yesterday after an horrific petrol fire at the Spanish Grand Prix left dozens of people requiring treatment. A superb drive by Pastor Maldonado ended in his first ever victory at this level, yet soon after the celebrations a fuel explosion ripped through the Williams garage [...]
