Profile: Balfour Beatty’s chairman Steve Marshall August 20, 2014 Balfour Beatty’s chairman Steve Marshall has had a lot of practice in fighting tough battles and working to turnaround businesses. But, following his trenchant rejection of Carillion’s bid proposals, he knows he has a lot to prove to many of his group’s shareholders who would have quite liked to have at least had the chance [...]
Uber’s battle against taxi industry and regulators steps up a gear with Obama adviser on board August 20, 2014 In Uber’s relentless battle against regulators and the taxi industry around the world, a political strategist was considered a crucial element for negotiating roadblocks in the disruptive taxi service’s plans for world domination. Now the search is over, and Uber has no doubt spent a pretty penny of its billions of dollars of investment (which [...]
Cash strapped commuters brace for ticket price hike August 19, 2014 RAIL fares set by the government could rise by 3.5 per cent next year, pushing commuting costs up at much more than average earnings. Figures released yesterday showed that the retail prices index (RPI), a measure of inflation, rose by 2.5 per cent in the year to July. The government typically uses the measure plus [...]
With regulated rail fares in England set to rise by 3.5 per cent in 2015, is it justifiable? August 19, 2014 Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce, says Yes. A reliable and expansive transport system is vital for London’s reputation as a leading global city. It’s essential that we handle the demands of major population growth in order to secure the capital's future. London’s success is dependent on the quality of its [...]
Uber ban suspended: Berlin court upholds opposition to taxi app prohibition August 18, 2014 Uber has received some welcome news from Berlin's Administrative Court. Last week, the Berlin State Department of Civil and Regulatory Affairs said Uber risked passenger safety through the use of “unverified drivers in unlicensed vehicles” and consequently banned the popular taxi app. The company had been threatened with fines of up to €25,000 for each [...]
Berlin bans Uber citing passenger safety rules August 14, 2014 THE BATTLE between smartphone car service Uber and city regulators heated up yesterday after the German capital turned against the San Francisco startup and banned the mini cab app on safety grounds. In a press release, the Berlin State Department of Civil and Regulatory Affairs said Uber risked passenger safety through the use of “unverified [...]
Design your own holiday home in The Cotswolds August 14, 2014 It’s a stifling summer’s day in London and work is exhausting. You shut your eyes and imagine escaping to an idyllic rural retreat complete with picturesque villages, a smattering of good restaurants, pubs, and a vibrant social scene. You’ve effectively transported yourself to the Cotswolds. This fantasy of a tranquil home-away-from-home is what the owners [...]
Prudential Ride London 2014 route: Where to watch the weekend’s cycling August 8, 2014 Cyclists of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to ride past some of London’s most famous landmarks this weekend as 2014 Prudential Ride London rolls into town. In total, there will be five events taking place in the city between 9am on Saturday morning and 6pm on Sunday evening. However, some Londoners [...]
Delaying Crossrail 2 would strangle London – and the private sector can help pay for it August 7, 2014 One of the most encouraging things about ministers considering an extension of Crossrail to Hertfordshire, giving commuter towns like Tring and Hemel Hempstead direct access to the City and Canary Wharf, is that it shows a commitment to long-term planning that has too often been absent in the UK. Admittedly, it’s rather late to be [...]
Investment Comment: European earnings could be set to come back with a bang August 5, 2014 There is a question mark looming over European equities – when will companies deliver on earnings? So far, underwhelming earnings growth has done little to support the market’s upward march. In our view, that is poised to change. The Eurozone has a real and sustainable economic recovery underway, following four consecutive quarters of positive [...]