Unilever sales surge but no Cadbury bid November 5, 2009 CONSUMER goods giant Unilever yesterday beat City forecasts with a 3.6 per cent rise in third-quarter underlying volume sales, and ruled out launching a bid for confectionary group Cadbury. News of a potential candidate ruling itself out of a bidding war will not help matters for Cadbury who may have been counting on a white [...]
Heathrow estate sold for 16.2m November 2, 2009 The Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust, managed by Scottish Widows Investment Partnership, yesterday completed the disposal of Mereside Park to Royal London Asset Management for a capital value of £16.2m reflecting a Net Initial Yield of 6.78 per cent. The fully let Heathrow estate, originally developed by BAA Lynton and funded by Scottish Windows in [...]
RBS FEARS THAT BREAKUP PLANS WILL GO TOO FAR November 1, 2009 ROYAL Bank of Scotland is deeply anxious that a proposed restructuring plan being drawn up by the European Commission and the Treasury could materially damage its ability to operate as a standalone entity. Sources close to the bank have warned that getting RBS back to standalone strength, a key factor in reimbursing the taxpayer for [...]
Now is the time to buy the home of your dreams in affordable Essex October 29, 2009 GOOD schools, an easy commute, beautiful countryside, a rich history and realistic prices. Banish any ideas of brash barrow boys and women in white leather stilettos – Essex has become the discerning commuter’s paradise. This is a good time to buy, too. Gavin Surtees, of Savills’ Loughton office, says: “If anyone is looking to trade [...]
Ancelotti in dreamland as Chelsea soar October 28, 2009 CHELSEA (4) vs BOLTON (0) CHELSEA boss Carlo Ancelotti demanded his side continue their good work after seeing them destroy Bolton to cruise into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup. First-half goals from Salomon Kalou and Florent Malouda put the home side in charge before Deco and substitute Didier Drogba completed the rout after the [...]
EXPERT?VIEWS: IS THE VIRGIN BRAND ENOUGH TO DRAW CUSTOMERS TO BANK WITH BRANSON? October 26, 2009 GRAHAM HALES MANAGING DIRECTOR, INTERBRAND“The Virgin brand has always managed to pull customers towards it. Every time the company enters a market it always embarks on a consumer championing. People expect to get a better deal with Branson, and picture it to be a bright, fun environment, which will draw customers in.” ANGELA KNIGHT BBA“Competition [...]
RETAIL BANKS FACING EXODUS October 26, 2009 BRITISH high street lenders are facing an exodus of top talent to international investment banks if shadow chancellor George Osborne’s proposals to ban cash bonuses for retail bankers come to fruition, City headhunters warned last night. The proposals outraged the City, which decried the willingness of the Tories to put the UK at a disadvantage [...]
BSI to launch ‘kitemarks’ for UK financial services October 26, 2009 NATIONAL standards body BSI has developed a voluntary standard of ‘kitemarks’ for compliance teams working within retail and wholesale financial services firms. The body consulted with members of the industry to set out a common methodology and good practice standard, which can be used to complement existing regulation. It aims to help reduce the risk [...]
Long-term care provision: a chance for redemption October 25, 2009 WHEN it comes to old age, it is not just the elderly who can get confused. For years, politicians, policy makers and economists alike have struggled to provide a sustainable solution to the problem of funding long-term care for elderly people in an ageing UK population. As part of this debate, the City of London [...]
Lloyd Webber diagnosed with cancer October 25, 2009 ANDREW Lloyd Webber has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, a publicist for the composer and theatre tycoon confirmed yesterday. “The condition is in its very early stages,” said the publicist. “Andrew is now undergoing treatment and expects to be fully back at work before the end of the year.” Lloyd Webber is best known for [...]