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Finance and banking

Business Focus >>

The new manufacturers The new manufacturers

A great British renaissance has been taking place. From Aberdeen to the West Country, the zing is back in manufacturing. It’s about time this spectacular story was told.

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And London calls itself the world's financial centre...?!

by Matthew Rock - Monday, 8th September 2008 -

The US government announces that it's underwriting its two giant mortgage providers, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, unleashing a global sigh of economic relief. And what happens in London? The London Stock Exchange computers crash.

For the first time in a year, this morning might have brought some good news to investors such as me who've seen their share portfolios tumble to depressing lows. The decision to put the two mortgage giants into "government-operated conservatorship" could just mean that a line has been drawn under the plunging US (and thus, western) property market.

All the news channels are buzzing with news of sharp rises in equities, especially in the battered financial services sector. At last, some respite, I thought.

But no. For retail investors visiting online accounts, this was this morning's message. (This one is from Barclays Stockbrokers):

"Due to market-wide issues with the LSE price feeds we are currently unable to take any dealing orders. "We are in continual communication with the LSE and are working to resolve this issue as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

And we say London is the world's financial centre. Ye Gods...

BUSINESS NEWS >>

Banks back luxury tea enterprise

By Kate Pritchard - November 21, 2008 5:11pm GMT

Melissa Choi, the 34-year-old entrepreneur behind luxury green tea firm Choi Time, is one of just two companies to secure a Small Firms Loan Guarantee from NatWest this year.

Projecting a rosier future

By Simon Kearsley* - November 21, 2008 4:37pm GMT

During a downturn it’s natural to think about ways in which you can reduce your monthly bills, but the act of scrutinising costs isn’t just about shedding pounds, it can also help you understand how to maximise profits.

FD watch

By Catherine Woods - November 21, 2008 3:58pm GMT

New finance directors have been appointed at Barrie & Hibbert and I-Financial Services group.

James Caan nabs a bargain

By Rebecca Burn-Callander - November 21, 2008 3:06pm GMT

House prices may be falling. The economy is in tatters. But there is a silver lining if you happen to have some spare cash lying around.

What to do if an employee is a BNP member

By Catherine Woods - November 20, 2008 4:12pm GMT

If you've spotted the name of one of your employees on the BNP membership list that's been made public, the worst thing you can do is dismiss them on the spot.

Brochures on Saving and investing

BUSINESS COMMENT >>

Real Business’s search for a diarist

By Catherine Woods - November 21, 2008 5:10pm GMT

Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a writer? Would you like the chance to publicly or anonymously share what’s happening in your business with the world wide interweb?

TGI Friday: Let the gags begin

By Rebecca Burn-Callander - November 21, 2008 10:57am GMT

The Friday funnies are something of a Real Business tradition these days. Check out our hilarious gems from Chuckletown. 

Mandelson backs the Dancing Pig

By Kate Pritchard - November 20, 2008 5:11pm GMT

At the National Business Awards on Tuesday, Peter Mandelson revealed where his real loyalties lie. And it’s not just with small businesses.

Global Entrepreneurship Week begins...

By Matthew Rock - November 17, 2008 9:50am GMT

And, boy, do we need it...

Hold onto your sides: it's the Friday funnies

By Rebecca Burn-Callander - November 14, 2008 3:44pm GMT

Take five and have a little chuckle at the best business humour around.

Business Comment 

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