A machine has identified galaxies on its own for the first time July 9, 2015 Looks like Skynet draws nearer yet again – although on this occasion, it's a bit more literal. UK researchers have taught a computer how to “see”, turning it into a machine that doesn’t just scan the night skies, but can also recognise galaxy types without any human help. Astronomers and computer scientists at the University [...]
Premier Oil share price up despite falling oil price hitting sales July 9, 2015 The figures Shares in North Sea oil giant Premier Oil were up 1.6 per cent at 139p in early trading, despite a trading update showing falling oil prices and lower production had hit the company hard, with first-half results posted in August expected to show revenues fell 34 per cent to $580m (£377m) in the six months [...]
Barratt Developments to beat forecasts with 45pc rise in profits July 9, 2015 The figures Housebuilder Barratt Developments is expecting a 45 per cent increase in profits for the year to the end of June, it said in a trading update today. The company is set to beat analysts’ forecasts, with a full-year pre-tax profit up to around £565m, while total forward sales are expected to have risen 29.6 per [...]
July Budget 2015: Here’s what analysts said about George Osborne’s slashed corporation tax and abolished non-dom status July 8, 2015 George Osborne promised that his would be a “budget for working people” as he presented the first Conservative Budget since 1996. But how did he deliver on this promise for the financial industry? And how has the industry received the Budget? Here’s what analysts and firms are saying. Osborne’s Budget included several points of particular [...]
July Budget 2015: Northern Powerhouse boost as George Osborne promises “seamless Oyster-style” ticket system for travel across region July 8, 2015 Chancellor George Osborne promised to put the “power into the Northern Powerhouse” as he presented his Summer Budget today, presenting a promise that is sure to cheer commuters. Train travel in the north of England is about to get a “seamless Oyster-style” ticketing system across the region (and yes, pun-happy tweeters have already coined the [...]
Productivity startup Saent wants to make the internet less distracting July 8, 2015 We know, there are lots of interesting things to keep up with online. It’s easy to be distracted from your work, as a never-ending stream of Facebook messages and Twitter rants clamour for your attention. New productivity startup Saent wants to make the internet less distracting – and you more productive. Their idea will sound [...]
TfL Tube strike 2015: Citymapper’s advice for how to survive London travel chaos July 8, 2015 Millions of London commuters are likely face travel woes today as – barring any miracles – a 24-hour Tube strike goes ahead, with trains coming to a grinding halt in the early evening. How to get home? Although 200 extra buses will be on London’s roads, all transport will be far busier than usual as [...]
UK manufacturing companies’ profitability falls to two-year low July 8, 2015 Profitability of UK companies fell to 11.9 per cent in the first quarter of this year – slightly down from the previous quarter's 12.1 per cent, figures published today showed. The Office for National Statistics said the drop had been driven down by rates of return for manufacturing companies, which slumped to 6.8 per cent, [...]
Good news for housing market: Galliford Try expecting record results again July 8, 2015 The figures Construction group Galliford Try is expecting record results once again, according to a trading update released today. The housebuilder expects pre-tax profits for the full year to the end of June to be in the “upper range” of analysts’ range, while net debt will fall to less than £20m. Completions in its housebuilding arm [...]
SABMiller appoints Domenic De Lorenzo as new finance chief July 8, 2015 SABMiller has appointed Domenic De Lorenzo as its new chief financial officer . De Lorenzo has been acting chief financial officer for the beer giant since February – his permanent appointment was announced in a statement this morning. The company’s chief executive Alan Clark called De Lorenzo an “outstanding candidate”. He has quickly made a positive impact [...]
