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Weak pound is silver lining for manufacturers

Business confidence hit a fresh low last month as firms became increasingly pessimistic about the outlook for the economy in the wake of the current downturn, according to a report published today. Read

Interest rate cuts as bank fights Japan syndrome

MERVYN KING pulled no punches this week as the Bank of England Governor sounded the latest alarm bells over the perilous path ahead for the UK economy. Read

Government to keep an arm’s length from banks

THE Government will manage the taxpayer’s multi-billion-pound stakes in some of the UK’s biggest banks on an “arm’s length” basis rather than through direct boardroom control, it was revealed yesterday. Read

Cardiff firm HartleyWilprint pioneers the Deli Wrap

A PRINT company in Cardiff says it is pioneering a green approach to the growing problem of discarded food wrappers. Read

St Modwen to redevelop BP sites

BROWNFIELD regeneration specialist St Modwen has been chosen as preferred developer for a 2,400-acre portfolio of sites across South Wales. Read

Sinclair Group acquires rival car dealership

ONE of Wales’ largest car dealerships has expanded after acquiring a rival firm with outlets in Cardiff and Newport. Read

Logica accelerates cost-cutting drive as it prepares for tough 2009

IT services firm Logica has announced plans to step up its cost-cutting drive by £10m in 2009 and upped targets for full-year sales growth. Read

Credit crunch bites into Moneysupermarket.com

PRICE comparison website Moneysupermarket.com yesterday said the banking crisis left third-quarter revenues in its money division down 15% on a year ago. Read

Homes site records fall in agencies

PROPERTY website Rightmove yesterday reported that up to 300 estate agents were quitting the service each month as they struggled to survive the property downturn. Read

Expert advises businesses on low-carbon buildings

FUTURE office construction should integrate environmentally-friendly design instead of adding on green features as an afterthought, a leading carbon expert has told an audience in Cardiff. Read

Co-op benefits from customers' ‘flight to safety’

THE corporate banking division of the Co-operative Bank yesterday said it had enjoyed a record half-year – unlike its high street rivals which suffered the effects of the credit crunch. Read

PC World and Currys shares fall as insurance withdrawn

SHARES in the owner of PC World and Currys were rocked yesterday, after an insurer scaled back its cover against the firm being unable to pay its suppliers. Read

Energybuild signs Tower Colliery deal

COAL producer Energybuild has signed a two-year deal with Tower Colliery’s owners to use its rail head facility, the company announced yesterday. Read

Ladbrokes results to be as expected

LADBROKES yesterday said trading remained in line with market expectations, despite a recent run of poor football and horse racing results for the bookmaker. Read

Maskreys celebrates 110 years of trading

FURNISHING retailer Maskreys is celebrating 110 years of trading this month after investing more than £30,000 in a store revamp. Read

WH Smith’s strategy enables continued delivery of profits

RETAILER WH Smith said it was trading in line with expectations, despite a 4% fall in like-for-like sales at its high street division. Read

Water customers’ dividend to rise

GLAS CYMRU, the company which owns Welsh Water, has reported a fall in profits of about £12m, which it has blamed on increased fuel costs and bad debt provision. Read

Green buys 28% stake in Moss Bros

BILLIONAIRE retailer Sir Philip Green yesterday said he was considering a takeover bid for Moss Bros after snapping up a 28% stake in the menswear chain. Read

Assembly plans to fight economic challenges welcomed by CBI director

THE Welsh Assembly Government’s moves to help business through the tough economic climate were last night backed by one of Wales’ leading business figures. Read