The Business Matrix: Monday 23 March 2015

New measures to protect the local

Ministers have announced a package of measures aimed at boosting pubs and helping communities save any local threatened with closure. Just days after the Chancellor announced a third consecutive cut in beer duty in the Budget, the Government said new regulations had been laid giving communities a greater say in the planning process to protect local pubs.

Trading standards weakened by cuts

Trading standards in the UK have become weakened because of crippling budget cuts, a Government report has revealed. The study, commissioned by the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills, outlined how trading standards departments across the country are suffering as they now operate with around half the number of staff they employed five years ago.

Inflation to hit zero, says Bank

Britain’s inflation rate is close to zero, official figures will reveal this week. The news will intensify the debate on interest rates and put the economy on track for its first spell of deflation in more than 50 years. Tuesday’s figures will reveal that the Consumer Price Index has been driven down to either 0.1 per cent or 0.2 per cent.

The Sunday Times

L&G: bank levy risks exodus

The head of one of the largest investors in the UK stock market has warned that the Chancellor risks pushing banks overseas if the punitive levy imposed on the industry continues to rise. Nigel Wilson, Legal & General’s chief executive, cautions that the country’s biggest financial institutions may choose to leave the UK.

The Sunday Telegraph

Tory right-to-buy defence promised

Housing minister Brandon Lewis has vowed to block councils who deliberately try to thwart the Government’s “reinvigorated” right-to-buy policy, if he is still in post after the general election. The MP is furious that local authorities are exploiting a loophole exempting their properties from right-to-buy.

Kingfisher bosses leave with £5m

Two top executives who quit B&Q owner Kingfisher in an overhaul of the group’s management will receive payoffs totalling almost £5m. Former chief executive Sir Ian Cheshire is expected to bag more than £3m while French executive Philippe Tible is expected to get around £1.5m.

The Mail On Sunday

Balfour Beatty troubles aired

How is Balfour Beatty’s new man going to rescue the business? The infrastructure giant reports full-year results on Wednesday, following a dismal run that has included six profits warnings and two failed take- overs of the business. A review of its troubled UK division was completed in January.

A tonic in store for Fevertree?

The week begins with annual results from Fevertree Drinks today, the tonic water maker’s first finals since listing in November. HydroDec and Egyptian gold miner Centamin also have full-year numbers, while Nanoco and YouGov have half-year numbers. Cruise operator Carnival has first-quarter numbers.

Gambling on a dividend bump

Online gaming group 888 has finals tomorrow. William Hill looked at buying the business but talks ended last month. Northland Partners is expecting 888 to reveal earnings of $94m (£62m) and says: “If there are any surprises to look out for, it may be a bump to the final dividend.”

Bellway hopes are set to build

Alliance Pharma, Anglo Pacific, Card Factory, Chime Communications, Hilton Food, John Laing, Johnston Press and Powerflute all have finals on Wednesday. Housebuilder Bellway has an update, with Numis expecting a “robust” update, with accelerating double-digit growth in margins and order book.