The range of premium mixers produced to raise gin’s spirits October 21, 2013 Annabel Palmer talks luck, liquor and a lightbulb moment with Charles Rolls, co-founder of drinks label Fever-Tree WHILE gin may not be the most popular global spirit (that prestigious title goes to Korean rice wine brand Jinro), the world consumes 440m litres of it each year. But back in 2000, Charles Rolls, co-founder of the [...]
What the other papers say this morning – 21 October 2013 October 21, 2013 FINANCIAL TIMES Cameron to build on Royal Mail sale David Cameron is planning to build on the huge popularity of the Royal Mail privatisation by prioritising retail investors for the sell-offs ahead of the general election in 2015. Attracting retail investors will be a key aim as the government prepares to complete the sales of [...]
Rugby stars dress down for day at Lloyd’s of London October 16, 2013 ENGLAND Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster and backs coach Andy Farrell took to the Lloyd’s of London underwriting floor yesterday to announce the official QBE Internationals England squad in the shadow of the famous Lutine Bell. But it seems the team took the dress code for the Lloyd’s building – clearly stated on the invitation as [...]
Travelex owners weigh up plans for market float October 13, 2013 TRAVEL money shop Travelex is considering plans to float on the stock market after a string of favourable floats in London laid the ground for a lucrative sell-off of the business. The shop’s co-owner Apax, which also owns fashion chain New Look, is looking to exit its 50 per cent stake either through a sale [...]
Inside Track: Independent analysts don’t always say what you want October 10, 2013 FOR several months now I have been arguing that an understanding of the new issues market would be enhanced by the presence of independent analysts, writing research about companies coming to market ahead of the first day’s trading. Most of the recent London flotations have gone ahead with no research from any bank that is [...]
Catlin tops list of best known underwriters October 7, 2013 CATLIN is the best known underwriter among London insurance brokers, according to research released yesterday. The poll of 450 brokers by consultancy firm Gracechurch also found that being a member of the Lloyd’s of London market is now less important when it comes to insurers engaging with brokers. Insurers that operate outside the Lloyd’s system [...]
City Matters: Stable and predictable regulation is key to safeguarding the future of finance October 6, 2013 PARTY conference season has typically been a testing period for the City of London – and in particular for the banking industry – over the last few years. Thankfully, however, this year saw the focus shift at least partially away from bankers, as the spotlight turned towards other sectors that are currently public (and political) [...]
Tories alone on home loan plan September 29, 2013 DAVID Cameron yesterday announced that a controversial scheme offering taxpayer-subsidised mortgages will launch this week, without consulting his coalition partners and despite mounting criticism that he is stoking a new housing bubble. The second part of Help to Buy, which will enable buyers to purchase a house with a deposit of just five per cent, [...]
Lloyd’s boss in warning over industry boom September 26, 2013 LLOYD’S of London could do more to cut transaction costs for member syndicates, its chairman admitted yesterday, as he warned the insurance industry to prepare itself for an astonishing period of transformation. “We cannot be complacent,” John Nelson told City A.M. “There is work to be done. In other industries they – to be frank – pay more [...]
Inside Track: Global funds still have the appetite for UK’s new issues September 26, 2013 IT’S LIKE the floodgates have opened. Dead for so long, the London new issues market is now buzzing with intentions to float, rumours of upcoming floats and talk of dual track processes where advisers start a float only to sell to a trade buyer if a better offer comes up. Yesterday there was news of [...]