The firm that has risen above the Magic Circle August 4, 2009 THE Magic Circle model is in need of a re-engineering.” In light of recent revelations about the impact of the economic downturn on City law firms, that statement might not qualify as controversial. However, it’s noteworthy because it is a view espoused by Nigel Knowles, co-chief executive of DLA Piper, the newly-anointed “biggest law firm [...]
Ofgem approves investment boost for UK’s electricity distribution networks August 3, 2009 OFGEM, the energy watchdog, has approved a 25 per cent increase in electricity distribution networks over the next five years, allowing it to spend £1.3bn a year on ageing infrastructure. Funds will also go towards developing “smart grid” technology. Ofgem set out the plans in its price control proposals for electricity distribution for 2010-15. It [...]
BP boosts FTSE as miners, telecoms and banks surge July 30, 2009 BRITAIN’S top share index ended close to a seven-month high yesterday, as better-than-expected earnings from the likes of BT boosted sentiment, lifting miners, banks and telecoms firms. The FTSE 100 closed up 1.9 per cent, or 84.08 points at 4,631.61 points, the highest level since January 6. The index is up 9 per cent so [...]
Falls in mining and energy halt FTSE’s winning streak July 28, 2009 THE FTSE 100’s two-week winning streak finally came to an end yesterday, with the benchmark index closing 1.3 per cent down on the day. The blue chip index had looked set to put in another consecutive day’s gain in earlier trading, but profit taking in mining and energy stocks dragged it lower. The FTSE 100 [...]
City’s most successful accountant still has plenty of fire in his belly July 20, 2009 IT IS EASY to tell when you are nearing , Deloitte boss John Connolly’s office because an awful lot of people you bump into in the firm’s corridors begin to ask about his welfare. “Is John in?” asks one, a tad nervously. “What mood is he in today?” asks another. There is a feeling of [...]
UK energy bills will soar July 15, 2009 THE UK’s energy bills could rise by 17 per cent over the next decade as a result of government plans announced yesterday to generate one third of the country’s electricity from renewables by 2020. Energy secretary Ed Miliband presented a white paper setting out the government’s plans to also cut carbon dioxide emissions by 34 [...]
WHAT THE OTHER PAPERS SAY THIS MORNING July 8, 2009 FINANCIAL TIMES ARCELORMITTAL ATTEMPTS TO EASE DEBT BURDENArcelorMittal has started talks with its banks about making conditions for re-paying its $26bn (£16.2bn) of debt less onerous, in a bid to reduce financial pressure on the company as the global downturn continues. The world’s biggest steelmaker has taken this step as an insurance policy against its [...]
WHAT THE OTHER PAPERS SAY THIS MORNING July 2, 2009 FINANCIAL TIMES M&B SEEKS TO FEND OFF INVESTOR REBELLIONMitchells & Butlers is prepared to head off a potential rebellion by offering its two largest shareholders board representation. Drummond Hall, M&B chairman, is understood to be in talks with Joe Lewis, the Bahamas-based billionaire, and Elpida, the investment vehicle for Irish horseracing tycoons JP McManus and [...]
FTSE gains on commodities rally after price of oil rises July 1, 2009 THE FTSE 100 closed 2.2 per cent higher yesterday, fuelled by a rise in the oil price which prompted a strong rally in commodity stocks, and on hopes that the recession may be drawing to a close. The index was up 91.50 points at 4,340.71, after closing 1 per cent lower on Tuesday. “When (the [...]
US consumer cheer dives June 30, 2009 CONFIDENCE among US consumers dived unexpectedly low in June, despite encouraging signs the worst of the housing slump may be over. The Conference Board’s sentiment index fell to 49.3 in June from 54.8 in May, suggesting the economy is still firmly in the grip of recession. The lack of consumer confidence reflects a weak labour [...]