The airline boss with a hit list of 12 bid targets in his desk drawer September 13, 2010 It is clear that British Airways (BA) chief executive Willie Walsh always likes to keep his foot hard on the pedal. The Dublin-born airline boss is in the middle of a bitter 18-month dispute with his cabin crew, and only a few weeks ago received US and European regulatory clearance to pursue a transatlantic tie-up [...]
Four hot hair looks for autumn September 13, 2010 IN the spirit of renewal and productivity after a long, lax summer, autumn style is all about change. We’re leaving all things floaty behind and moving into the manic run-up-to-Christmas push. The sea change applies to hair as much as to clothes. No more the laid-back sun-streaked locks of summer. Rather, big and bold are [...]
British businesses fear doube-dip is looming September 13, 2010 British businesses believe the country could be headed for a double-dip recession, according to a survey from accountants and business advisors BDO LLP. BDO’s optimism index – which reflects how businesses expect trading to develop two quarters ahead – tumbled to 93.1 in August from 95.5 in July, reaching levels not seen since the deepest [...]
British business eyes double dip September 12, 2010 British businesses are predicting a double-dip recession, according to a survey from accountants and business advisors BDO LLP published today. BDO’s optimism index – which reflects how businesses expect trading to develop two quarters ahead – tumbled to 93.1 in August from 95.5 in July, reaching levels not seen since the deepest parts of the [...]
Tax boss performs U-turn to apologise for PAYE blunders September 12, 2010 BRITAIN’S top tax official was forced into an embarrassing U-turn this weekend after initially refusing to apologise to more than a million people facing surprise bills. Dave Hartnett, permanent secretary for tax at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), said he was “deeply sorry” that administrative errors meant 1.4m people would have to pay an average [...]
Terry Smith to launch an asset management firm September 12, 2010 STOCKBROKING veteran Terry Smith is expected to step down from Collins Stewart within the next few months to concentrate on launching an asset management business. The venture, entitled Fundsmith, will give both high street and professional investors the opportunity to invest alongside Smith. The tough-talking former analyst has ploughed several millions of pounds from his [...]
HMV hit by World Cup fever September 9, 2010 ENTERTAINMENT company HMV has said that this summer’s World Cup triggered a 14.9 per cent fall in sales in the UK and Ireland. The firm said potential customers had spurned DVDs, CDs and books to watch the football, hitting the figures which covered the 19 weeks to September. HMV, which owns the Waterstone’s chain, has [...]
HMV sales plunge by 10pc in World Cup blow September 9, 2010 Music, books and games retailer HMV Group reported a 10.6 per cent fall in sales for the first quarter as the World Cup distracted customers from DVDs and books. The group, which is trying to widen its product mix with live music and ticketing, said it was pinning its hopes on a successful Christmas period. [...]
Home Retail Group says profit to dive by a quarter September 9, 2010 Home Retail Group forecast a 20-25 per cent reduction in first-half profit, with sales at its Argos stores continuing to fall as low income shoppers cut back on spending. The firm, which also owns the Homebase DIY business, said it expected to make a year to the end of February 2011 underlying pre-tax profit of [...]
Richemont in lift as watch sales thrive September 8, 2010 SWISS luxury goods group Richemont’s five-month sales jumped 37 per cent, beating forecasts and confirming a rebound in the sector as wealthy Asians splash out again on luxury watches and jewellery. Richemont, normally cautious in its outlook, said yesterday net profit for its first half to September should be significantly higher than last year. However, [...]