13 February 2012 12:00 AM
One thing that would definitely help Britain's small and medium-sized enterprises grow into large companies one day is more business from a customer that spends £236bn a year procuring good and services. Step forward the public sector – if it were to raise the amount of business it awards to SMEs, even by a small percentage, the results could be dramatic.
11 February 2012 12:00 AM
Optimism that conditions might be easing for clothing retailers persuaded investors to stock up on Next yesterday, despite claims the level of service on the high street is waning.
10 February 2012 12:00 AM
10 February 2012 12:00 AM
The blue-chip index is stuck in a rut. Indecision among punters means the FTSE 100 has barely moved this week, with a mere 20 points between its highest and lowest closing levels. Yesterday was no different as the benchmark index rose just 19.54 points to 5,895.47 despite Greek politicians finally reaching an austerity deal.
09 February 2012 12:00 AM
His Chelsea team has not exactly been at the top of its game recently, and yesterday another of Roman Abramovich's investments found itself under pressure. Evraz – the steelmaker which is part-owned by the Russian oligarch – was on the slide amid fears a lack of short-term demand for the metal will blow the whistle on its recent rally.
08 February 2012 12:00 AM
Takeover talk was circling Inmarsat again last night, as the return of vague bid rumours sent the satellite telecoms group into orbit. A frequent subject of speculation, the latest revival prompted a late spurt that saw the company close 15.2p better off at 437.2p – a new, two-month high.
07 February 2012 12:00 AM
07 February 2012 12:00 AM
Don't put your money on the bookies, was the advice being given out to punters yesterday. William Hill was left near the back of the pack after it and its rivals were attacked for giving worse odds to gamblers in their shops than those who choose to make their wagers online.
06 February 2012 12:00 AM
In an economy where the Government talks loud and long about how it wants small companies to power the recovery, what precisely does it mean by small? All too often, for small companies, read start-up businesses, new ventures founded by entrepreneurs from scratch.
04 February 2012 12:00 AM
It may have been boom time in the Square Mile, but not everyone was along for the ride. While the Footsie closed last night at its highest since last July, Cairn Energy was among the stocks missing out on the rally amid fears the oil explorer is about to come under sustained pressure.
03 February 2012 12:00 AM
03 February 2012 12:00 AM
The heavyweight miners may have been largely buoyed by the possibility of a wave of consolidation across the sector yesterday, but not everyone was cheered by the prospect. After years of speculation, the news that "Glenstrata" looks set to become a reality sparked fears over who will be left out in the cold by the deal.
02 February 2012 12:00 AM
The short-sellers won't be happy, but there is no stopping Ocado at the moment. One of the most divisive stocks in the Square Mile, the online grocer continued its fantastic start to the year yesterday as yet more short covering helped it up to its highest share price for four months.
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