M&S profit up as Bolland unveils masterplan November 9, 2010 Marks and Spencer has reported half-year pre-tax profits of £348.8m, up from £306.7m last year. Marc Bolland, the company’s new chief executive, also revealed his blueprint for the future of the company. The company’s profit hike represented a 17 per cent rise. Bolland, who took over from Sir Stuart Rose earlier this year, said he [...]
Gala Coral changes board as new chief is appointed November 8, 2010 CASINO group Gala Coral yesterday announced the appointment of former Marks & Spencer director Carl Leaver as its new chief executive, to replace interim CEO and chairman Neil Goulden, who is leaving the company. Leaver was the high street retailer’s director of international, home and direct businesses until 2009, having previously worked for De Vere [...]
WALL STREET TO KEEP ON CLIMBING POST-FED’S QE November 7, 2010 With the Fed confirming the latest round of quantitative easing and the Dow breaking above the April high of 11,258, this now becomes the first level of support for the index. WorldSpreads offer a two-point spread on the Dow Jones index. US crude oil was given a boost by the Fed decision and positive US [...]
US data lifts investors’ spirits November 7, 2010 Shares are likely to open higher this morning, with investors remaining in buoyant spirits following on from Friday’s stronger than expected non-farm payrolls data from the US economy. GFT is quoting the FTSE 100 index to open up 14 points from Friday’s close, at a level of 5,889. The German DAX 40 is expected to [...]
WHAT THE OTHER PAPERS SAY THIS MORNING November 7, 2010 FINANCIAL TIMES DHL CHIEF PROMISES ACTION OVER BOMB FEARS The head of one of the three big air-express companies has reacted to the parcel bombs sent from Yemen and Greece by pledging better screening of customers and packages before they reach airports. “What we need to do is improve surveillance at the pick-up point, have [...]
M&S to reveal new masterplan November 7, 2010 MARKS & SPENCER will tomorrow unveil its blueprint for expansion with new chief executive Marc Bolland at the helm. The retail giant’s half-year results mark the start of a new era as Bolland shapes the company’s future – with international expansion expected to be high on the agenda. Analysts and investors are expecting a detailed [...]
Growth in China on the cards at Boots November 7, 2010 HIGH STREET health and beauty retailer Boots hopes to make headway in China when its executive chairman travels to the country as part of David Cameron’s first official visit as Prime Minister. Stefano Pessina has reportedly organised talks with potential partners in Beijing and Shanghai while he is in the country, as part of a [...]
FASHION NEWS IN BRIEF November 5, 2010 TIFFANY COMES TO THE WHARF Canary Wharf workers are in for a treat, with the opening of a Tiffany & Co. boutique at Cabot Place. Set to open on 12 Nov, the store – London’s ninth – will be in the Cabot Place East mall and occupy 2,000 square feet. To celebrate, Tiffany will be [...]
Paphitis reveals lingerie plans November 4, 2010 Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Theo Paphitis has said that his new lingerie range will be launched under the name Boux Avenue. The mid market brand will be launched at Shopping centres including the Trafford in Manchester. The brand will be up against La Senza, which Paphitis used to own, as well as Marks and Spencer and [...]
CITY MOVES | WHO’S SWITCHING JOBS November 4, 2010 Aviva The insurer has hired Helen Hislop as chief financial officer and Patrick Dixneuf as chief operations officer for its European arm, with effect from 1 January. Both will be based in Paris, and will work under EMEA chief executive Andrea Moneta. Hislop replaces Tim Harris, who has moved to Aviva as deputy chief financial [...]