Chinese to splash cash in London September 26, 2013 LONDON’S high-end retailers are expecting a boom in spending by Chinese customers next week, as tourists flock to the capital during Golden Week – the country’s annual October holiday. Last year, luxury stores saw an increase of 31 per cent in Chinese spending during the holiday, while during Chinese New Year in February sales rose [...]
Police can intensify the fight against crime with private sector expertise September 26, 2013 THE ECONOMIC crisis has had a lasting effect on London. Much has been negative. But less well-known is that, with the government determined to cut the deficit, the public and private sectors are increasingly finding common ground, by working together in unique and integrated new ways. London’s police force is a case in point. I [...]
LSE sees equity trading rise by five per cent as derivatives drop September 26, 2013 The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has reported UK Equity value trading up five per cent in the five months ending 31st August 2013, as compared to the same period last year (release). Derivatives trading was dramatically down by 31 per cent from last year. Equity capital raised amounted to to £9.3bn with a total [...]
Inside Track: More than one elephant in the Royal Mail sorting room September 25, 2013 IT’S NOT hard to identify the biggest of the elephantine threats to Royal Mail’s imminent stock market listing, which heralds the most contentious privatisation since the 1980s. With unions poised to ballot members over the prospect of industrial action within weeks, the prospect of a multi-day walkout at the precise time that the company’s shares [...]
Gilts could link to consumer price inflation September 25, 2013 DEBT management office (DMO) head Robert Stheeman said yesterday that the institution has not ruled out issuing bonds linked to consumer inflation, but is not planning to yet. Speaking at a financial conference in London, the chief executive of the DMO said that the organisation would not issue bonds linked to consumer price inflation (CPI) [...]
CentralNic sees earnings double September 25, 2013 London-based CentralNic yesterday reported profits of £636,000, a jump of nearly 100 per cent, in the six months to 30 June. The internet registry service also revealed revenues had risen to £1.7m during the same period. CentralNic went public last month on London’s Alternative Investment Market (Aim). CentralNic chair John Swingewood said increased demand for [...]
Centrica labels Labour plan as a recipe for ruin September 24, 2013 BRITAIN’S big six energy companies yesterday lambasted Labour leader Ed Miliband’s pledge to freeze energy bills until 2017, saying his planned reforms could financially ruin firms and discourage infrastructure investment. Sir Roger Carr, chairman of British Gas owner Centrica, said Labour’s plan to implement price controls could leave companies in a vulnerable position. “When costs [...]
Ebay and Argos to trial click and collect service September 24, 2013 ONLINE auction giant Ebay announced yesterday that it has entered into a national trial with Argos to let customers pick up goods bought on Ebay in Argos stores. The collection service will initially be trialled at 150 Argos stores for six months and will include goods bought from 50 of Ebay’s sellers. Ebay did not [...]
Lloyds believes shake-up gives it lowest costs September 24, 2013 LLOYDS’ cost of equity should soon be the lowest in the industry, chief executive Antonio Horta Osorio claimed in a speech yesterday. He argued the bank’s cost-cutting and its new focus on the UK mean it is set to become among the most efficient in the sector. It came as the bank announced the sale [...]
City Moves for 25 September 2013 | Who’s switching jobs September 24, 2013 Rowanmoor Group The pensions company has announced the appointment of Matthew Robinson as national sales director. Robinson has over 24 years’ experience in financial services, gained with Aegon UK and Scottish Equitable. Jones Lang LaSalle The real estate investment firm has recruited David McCosh as a director in its retail team. He joins from Stephen Kane. DAC Beachcroft [...]