Business and Economics

Research shows that Pallinghurst Resources Ltd, the private equity firm started up by the former boss of BHP Billiton Brain Gilbertson, has palmed off Fabergé by selling it for $142 million in shares to its own London AIM listed gemstone miner Gemfields plc (LON: GEM). This when Faberge had already clocked a $58 million loss over 4 years from 2009 to 2012, thus severely hurting minority public shareholder interests. Palinghurst, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, is the investment vehicle...

Think of the stress you feel when you are behind in projects, and it seems as though you are spinning in circles getting nowhere. Now, imagine how amazing it feels when you accomplish a lot, emptying your workload and freeing yourself to do more fun things. Knowing that the projects lingering over your head are up-to-date and organized gives you a feeling of satisfaction and gratification. It’s when very little gets accomplished, and the to-do list keeps expanding- creating stress....

Much has been made of many young professionals moving from London to Berlin. Some have said it is Berlin’s internationalism, as well as strong economy and low rents, that make it so desirable. You don’t have to speak German to live there, but the German language itself is a hugely valuable attribute for British workers. So, if you are already a fluent speaker, or are looking to learn a new language, speaking German might just open up a whole selection...

The ONS have indicated that the sharp fall in the pound since Brexit has not helped boost exports in March. The trade deficit increased and industrial output contracted more than was forecast. The economy appears to be faltering and Brexit is to blame. It is feared that when the UK finally breaks from the EU, there could be a shocking collapse of the UK economy. The deal PM May secures with the EU is increasingly important, but the anti-European rhetoric...

2017 appears to be the year of big European elections. The Dutch and French have already had theirs, the UK’s is just around the corner and then the German federal election arrives in September. Even the Hungarian and Bulgarian presidential and parliamentary elections this year have generated plenty of media attention. For London, it’s the UK, French and German elections which will likely have a big impact on its economic outlook. From individual Oanda traders to local businesses and large...

No matter what industry you’re in or how fantastic your services are, it’s practically inevitable for every business to run into a customer complaint. Whether it’s the result of an error on your side of the process or a particularly picky customer, there are certain dos and don’ts that every business owner and customer service representative should know. The question is, however, are you prepared to handle a customer complaint? What do you brush off and what do you take...

Do you think you have what it takes to run your own business? Now you can find out. New research has unearthed what it takes to be a natural business owner, with traits such as passion, confidence and being able to rise to the challenge as just some of the attributes needed. Being a natural leader and having a strong character were also cited as must-have characteristics, with determination ranking high for people looking to turn an idea into a...

As they say in capitalist economic theory there's only one thing worse than beating up a customer and killing a beloved bunny rabbit - and that's upping your staff's wages. Last week following the announcement by American Airlines that they are offering its pilots and flight attendants an increase in pay their share price dropped significantly more than their Chicago-based counterpart, hitting turbulence after confirming it would give its pilots an eight per cent raise and its flight attendants a five...

Post-Brexit "dumping" is threatening thousands of UK jobs, with British firms been left defenceless because of a dearth of protection for British industries. Seven manufacturing trade associations have been joined by GMB, Unite and Community trade unions in demanding that politicians include strong new ‘trade remedies’ within their manifestos. Up until now defending UK manufacturing against floods of unfair imports has been the responsibility of the European Commission under rules set out in EU regulations. If the new government doesn’t act...