INSURERS STRAP IN FOR BLUNT’S MILE-HIGH RECORD-BREAKING GIG June 30, 2010 EVER wanted to watch James Blunt sing his heart out – live – at 42,000 feet? No, neither have we, but let’s not diminish Royal Sun Alliance’s (RSA) achievement in breaking the Guinness World Record for the world’s highest altitude live music show. The insurance group has kicked off its 300th anniversary celebrations with gusto [...]
QUICKIE DIVORCES GET QUICKER WITH HELP OF NEW IPHONE APP June 21, 2010 FIRST we had divorce “gift vouchers”, with a company charging £125 for half an hour with a lawyer; now, it’s divorce apps for your iPhone. Dallas-based company Brainwash already offers one divorce application in its range – a “Cost & Prep” product for just under ten dollars, explaining to would-be divorcees how much it costs [...]
Crystal Amber slams Camelot June 15, 2010 CRYSTAL AMBER, an investor in retail outfit PayPoint, launched a stinging attack on National Lottery operator Camelot yesterday over its plans to offer more services through its in-shop gambling terminals. Camelot wants to let customers pay utility and council tax bills through its lottery machines, as well as top up mobile phones with swipe cards. [...]
WHAT THE OTHER PAPERS SAY THIS MORNING June 13, 2010 THE SUNDAYS The Sunday Telegraph $2.6M BUFFETT LUNCH WON BY ANONYMOUS BIDDER A mystery benefactor has paid $2.6m (£1.8m) to meet with billionaire investor Warren Buffett for a business lunch. The Sage of Omaha auctioned his time in aid of a San Francisco charity. This year’s auction brought in 25 per cent more than any [...]
Wolseley duo to return with a breakfast pad on city doorstep January 20, 2010 RESTAURATEURS Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, owners of the Wolseley, have managed to keep this extraordinarily quiet, but word reaches The Capitalist that they’re in the early stages of launching another power breakfast hotspot right on the City’s doorstep. Rex Restaurants has long been enjoying the spoils of the Wolseley’s popularity with just about everyone [...]
MANDY UNLEASHES HIS SHARP WIT AT BUSINESS FOR EUROPE DEBATE January 14, 2010 IT’S good to know that it’s not only opposition politicians who are subjected to the sting of Lord Mandelson’s acerbic tongue, but members of his own party as well. Mandy was yesterday morning in attendance at City superspinner Roland Rudd’s Business for New Europe event at the grand Victoria Embankment headquarters of investment bank JP [...]
French set for Camelot bid scrutiny January 12, 2010 THERE are “major questions” over a bid for National Lottery operator Camelot by a French state-run company, according to the European Gaming and Betting Association. La Française des Jeux, which is eyeing a bid within the next month, has a complete monopoly in its domestic market. European bodies and rival bidders are looking into whether [...]
ART IN THE CITY November 11, 2009 THE ANNUAL ING Discerning Eye exhibition, showcasing the work of unknown alongside established artists, opens to the public today at The Mall Galleries. Nearly 200 artists will display their artworks at this year’s exhibition, which attracted a record 2,300 submissions. The show will include pieces from award-winning artists such as Darren Baker, whose portraits include [...]
SIR STUART UNVEILS A CELEBRITY CRUSH AND A HOT ‘N’ SPICY FETISH November 4, 2009 SIR Stuart Rose was on fire yesterday as he churned out Marks & Spencer’s (M&S) half-year figures in his customary staccato tones, pausing only to dwell upon his favourite subjects. The presentation, you see, included the unveiling of the retailer’s latest Christmas advertising campaign, which will this year feature regulars singer Myleene Klass and model [...]
Branson plots Camelot deal September 27, 2009 SIR Richard Branson will enter the running to take over National Lottery operator Camelot in a “people’s lottery” run separately from his Virgin group, CityA.M. can confirm. Sources close to Branson said that the tycoon, who has made two previous attempts to take over the lottery, would be interested in making a bid, but was [...]