News Tag: businesses
July 1, 2010
The Bank of Japan’s closely watched quarterly Tankan survey has revealed a significant improvement in business confidence in Japan.
The Tankan index revealed business confidence among major manufacturers had picked up for the fifth consecutive quarter, rising one point in June from -14 in March.
The Tankan, which surveys 10,000 firms, measures the percentage of companies that think business conditions ...
BoJ Tankan survey reveals sentiment at two-year high
by Kay Murchie
May 28, 2010
In his first major speech since becoming Prime Minister David Cameron has today promised to "transform our economy" and make the next decade the "most entrepreneurial and dynamic in our history".
Outlining the Government's strategy for economic growth, he has also pledged to help firms by cutting red tape, improving trade and transport links and getting banks lending again.
He also said ...
Cameron pledges to “transform our economy”
by Kay Murchie
May 6, 2010
Activity in the UK’s closely-watched service sector slowed in April, hit by the volcanic ash cloud which disrupted businesses.
Furthermore, activity was hit by concerns about the outcome of the general election, according to analysts.
The latest activity index from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)/Markit PMI showed a reading of 55.3 in April, down from 56.5 the ...
UK services sector activity hit by volcanic ash cloud
by Kay Murchie
March 18, 2010
The latest Bank of England quarterly lending survey has revealed lending to British businesses slumped in January.
According to the report, net lending fell by 9.3% during the month - the sharpest decline since records began in 1999.
Banks and building societies lent £6.5 billion in January and followed a drop of £3.4 billion in the previous month, the ...
BoE report reveals sharp fall in UK business lending
by Kay Murchie
November 23, 2009
Hopes that the recession has finally come to an end emerged today after the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) said confidence among British businesses has jumped to a six-year high.
According to The Times newspaper, the Business Confidence Monitor survey grew to a reading of 24.6 for the fourth quarter, up from 4.8 in the previous quarter - ...
Business confidence rises to 6-year high
by Kay Murchie
October 20, 2009
Businesses must get ready to make the most of an upturn in the economy, Lloyds TSB has advised.
The bank said businesses that are prepared for economic recovery will thrive when the upturn begins.
Although there is no certainty when recovery will begin, firms that do not plan could fall into the trap of overtrading, the bank said.
"One thing is clear - those ...
Lloyds TSB: Prepare for economic recovery
by David Masters
October 19, 2009
The Ernst & Young Item Club, a respected group of economists, believes that the UK economy will struggle to achieve 1% growth next year and it is still too early to declare a recovery.
The influential think tank is forecasting some growth in the latter half of 2009 but Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will struggle next year as ...
UK GDP will struggle in 2010 warns E&Y Item Club
by Kay Murchie
September 22, 2009
More than half of small & medium-sized business owners (57%) believe that the recession will continue until at least next spring.
The findings are a result of a survey conducted by Amplify - the communications company.
Amplify conducted the survey during the summer and also found that business owners would have done things differently if they had to endure another recession ...
Survey reveals SMEs concerned about economy
by Kay Murchie
September 21, 2009
Credit-checking company, Experian, has reported a decline in the number of UK businesses that fail.
According to a report by the agency, a total of 1,796 firms went insolvent in August, a fall of 23% when compared with the previous month. Experian said it was “encouraged” by the latest figures.
However, while this figure is the lowest level seen to date ...
Rate of failed businesses eases, reports Experian
by Kay Murchie
August 20, 2009
Employees should be asked to opt out of final salary pension schemes or risk losing their jobs, a leading pensions adviser said this week.
Des Hamilton, technical director of the Pensions Advisory Service, said most final salary pension schemes are in deficit, and the recession is an ideal opportunity for companies to encourage their employees to opt out of the plans.
Companies ...
Recession offers escape route from pensions deficit
by David Masters
July 21, 2009
In its latest "Trends in Lending" report, the Bank of England said the flow of credit to British businesses fell to £3.4 billion in May and followed a drop of £6 billion the previous month.
During 2007, the normal levels of lending were £7 billion per month and £4 billion in 2008 - when the credit crunch was well and ...
Lending to businesses falls for second consecutive month
by Kay Murchie
April 22, 2009
In today’s Budget, Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling said the country is suffering as the economy is in the midst of its worst year since World War II.
In an attempt to drive the UK to recovery, the Chancellor unveiled a series of measures including tax rises and spending cuts.
Those earning in excess of £150,000 face a top tax rate of ...
Darling announces tax rises in Budget
by Kay Murchie
January 16, 2009
US banking giant Citigroup has today announced a worse-than-expected fourth quarter net loss of $8.29 billion (£5.6 billion) and said it plans to split the firm into two separate businesses to restore profitability.
The bank’s net loss for the last quarter of 2008 works out at $1.72 per share, far worse than most analysts' forecasts of a ...
Citigroup reports quarterly loss and plans to split into two businesses
by Kay Murchie
January 14, 2009
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is set to unveil details of a loan which will kick-start lending to small businesses to help them weather the economic downturn.
According to Lord Mandelson, the plans will target ‘genuine business needs‘.
It is expected that Lord Mandelson will announce support for up to £10 billion in short-term loans for medium-sized firms to help them with their ...
Plans underway to boost lending to businesses
by Kay Murchie