DSG: Currys owner gets a lift from TV and computer sales January 14, 2010 CURRYS and PC World owner DSG International had better-than-expected festive sales figures after strong demand for TVs and laptops. Sales surged by eight per cent in the 12 weeks to 9 January. Analysts had only predicted a rise of between two and three per cent. Chief executive John Browett said: “Looking forward, we expect 2010 [...]
FOOD & BOOZE NEWS January 7, 2010 THE AVENUE REOPENS The mighty D&D London, owners of Coq D’Argent, Pont de la Tour and Skylon, are relaunching St James’s stalwart The Avenue with a new chef, ex-Launceston Place cook Mikko Kataja, on 18 January. The new-look restaurant has gained a private dining room and a new menu that focuses on modern British cooking [...]
Comet fuels Kesa revival December 16, 2009 KESA, the electricals retailer that owns Comet, returned to profit in the first half of its financial year, with stronger sales mirroring recent improved performances by rivals Currys and PC World. Kesa reported a £6m pre-tax profit for the six months to the end of October, a big turnaround from the £103.8m loss in the [...]
Copenhagen isn’t just about climate change December 6, 2009 THIS week, the world and his carbon emissions reduction adviser descend on Copenhagen, where they will try to save the planet. In between meetings, though, they will also be able to enjoy the city. Copenhagen is a small, manageable sort of a place, ideal for a city-break. At this time of year, the key thing [...]
IT’LL BE ALRIGHT ON THE NIGHT: THE PITFALLS OF LIVE BUSINESS TELLY December 2, 2009 So the countdown is firmly underway; but unfortunately this one doesn’t include an advent calendar or any nice surprises at the end. Or even a man with a beard. I’m talking of course about the Pre Budget Report. The midnight oil may be burning at HM Treasury as they try to work out how to [...]
DSG enjoys a window of opportunity November 26, 2009 DSG International, the electricals retailer yesterday reported a recent surge in sales helped by store upgrades and consumer demand for Microsoft’s new Windows 7, giving it confidence for Christmas. DSG, which runs the Dixons, Currys and PC World chain, said sales at stores open at least a year fell four per cent in the 24 [...]
Christmas will be make or break for our retailers November 8, 2009 WHEN the Christmas lights on Regent Street were switched on last week, it marked the beginning of the most important period of the year for high-street retailers. Many can earn 60 per cent of their annual profits in the peak weeks of Christmas. After a dismal end to 2008 when it seemed like retail chains [...]
CITY MOVES WHO’S SWITCHING JOBS November 3, 2009 Gleacher ShacklockThe corporate advisory firm has appointed Peter Alcaraz as a senior adviser, effective from next spring.Alcaraz, who will be tasked with helping to develop the firm’s franchise in the services sector, joins from Close Brothers Corporate Finance, where he was most recently a managing director and head of the services sector team. He has [...]
THREE OTHER SOHO SCENE SETTERS October 26, 2009 ARBUTUSMichelin-starred yet affordable, Arbutus has come to symbolise London’s food revolution. The food is gourmet French but not pompous – think cod brandade and slow cooked lamb breast with potato puree.?The three course lunch for £16.95 is said to be the cheapest Michelin-starred menu in the world. 63-64 Frith Street, W1D 3JW, tel: 020 7734 [...]
Smart British food brightens Soho October 19, 2009 Hix66-70, Brewer Street, London, W1F 9TRTel: 020 7292 3518 www.hixsoho.co.uk FOOD SERVICE ATMOSPHERE Cost in restaurant per person without wine: £55 IF I had a friend who was sceptical about the claims of British food to be world-class, I might well take him to a Mark Hix restaurant. Hix was formerly the executive head chef [...]