Digital probe sparks row over broadband as Sky and Talk-Talk press Ofcom to break up BT and Openreach March 12, 2015 A battle between the UK’s largest telecommunications businesses intensified yesterday, as Sky and Talk-Talk pounced on a decision by the regulator to launch a wide-ranging probe into the sector. Both firms ramped up pressure on Ofcom to break up BT from the part of its business – called BT Openreach – that runs the UK’s broadband [...]
Apprenticeship Week: We can celebrate a revolution in the UK’s skills market March 12, 2015 As many of us look forward to the weekend, I’m here reflecting on the eighth National Apprenticeship Week and the hundreds of events that have taken place across the capital, recognising how apprenticeships have transformed the skills market in the UK. As the mayor’s ambassador for training and enterprise, and as head of emerging talent [...]
2015 General Election TV debates: Broadcasters won’t empty chair David Cameron – they’ve good commercial reasons not to March 11, 2015 The extended row over the proposed TV election debates has reached a deadlock. David Cameron has said he will take part in just one, but the broadcasters (supported by Tory opponents) are committed to running three. What will break this impasse? In my view, commercial factors will force the UK’s broadcasters to give up their [...]
London house prices: Foxtons share price dips as slowing luxury market takes its toll March 11, 2015 The figures Upmarket estate agent Foxtons had a topsy-turvy year in 2014, with the gradual slowing in London house price growth dragging down its share price. Earlier in the year when prices were still rising fast the skies were only blue. Chief executive Nic Budden said it best: last year was a year of "contrasting [...]
Charles Stanley closes in on deal to offload its securities division March 10, 2015 CITY broker and wealth manager Charles Stanley yesterday confirmed it was in exclusive talks with a suitor to sell its securities business. Responding to a report by Sky News that Oriel Securities owner Stifel Financial was the potential buyer, the group confirmed it was in talks, but did not name the potential acquirer. Sky News [...]
Vyta Du Roc looks the value call in wide-open Neptune March 10, 2015 ANOTHER Cheltenham Festival novice hurdle and another Willie Mullins-trained favourite. Nichols Canyon is a warm order to land this afternoon’s opening Neptune Novices’ Hurdle (1.30pm) and follow in the hoofprints of Douvan, yesterday’s hugely impressive Sky Bet Supreme Novices winner. The five-year-old son of Authorized looked very good when quickening up smartly from the front [...]
Prudential share price slides despite profit rise as Tidjane Thiam prepares move to Credit Suisse March 10, 2015 The numbers Prudential has reported a profit before tax of £2.6bn for 2014 – 60 per cent up from the previous year. Operating profit rose 14 per cent to £3.1bn. The company's full year dividend climbed by 10 per cent to 36p per share. The Pru's capital surplus is estimated to stand at £4.7bn. Why it's [...]
Prudential boss Tidjane Thiam jumps into Credit Suisse role March 9, 2015 Prudential boss Tidjane Thiam is set to leave the FTSE 100 giant later this year to head Swiss banking titan Credit Suisse, it emerged last night. The surprise exit, which would bring the curtain down on a six-year tenure at the helm of the Pru, is expected to be announced as soon as this morning, [...]
Alvisio Ville and Seedling to put it up to Douvan March 9, 2015 PUNTERS up and down the land will be waking up this morning and deciding which of the short-priced Willie Mullins horses to put into multiples. The most likely scenario is that the majority will put in all four together: Douvan, Un De Sceaux, Faugheen and Annie Power. But this is Cheltenham, the place where hotpots [...]
Faugheen to prove he is the real deal in Champion March 9, 2015 BILL ESDAILE PREVIEWS THE CHAMPION HURDLE AND MARES’ HURDLE THERE may only be a field of eight for this afternoon’s Stan James Champion Hurdle (3.20pm), but what we lack in quantity is more than made up for in terms of quality. Red-hot favourite FAUGHEEN may well be the name on everyone’s lips this afternoon, but [...]