Minister criticised for 'green shoots'
"A government minister was attacked by opposition party members today after she said she could see the "green shoots" of an economic recovery.
The comments by business minister Shriti Vadera come as news that nearly 14,000 jobs have been cut or put at risk this week. Barclays, Jaguar Land Rover and Pfizer are the latest companies to announce hundreds of job losses." [Guardian]
Northern Rock investors tell court they were cheated
"Former shareholders in Northern Rock yesterday accused the government of cheating them of compensation when the bank was nationalised last year.
In the high court, lawyers representing the two largest shareholders argued that the government had unfairly rigged an independent valuation of the bank to ensure investors would end up with next to nothing." [Guardian]
Simon Hoggart's Sketch: Short-selling sermons as God takes on Mammon
"In the House of Lords it isn't always Labour against Tory. Yesterday it was God v Mammon. There was no vote, but I'd say that the mood of the house was largely with God. The archbishop of York, John Sentamu, had asked a question about the short-selling of shares. He has form. In a speech last autumn he described the people who had been short-selling against HBOS, and nearly ruined it, as "bank robbers".
Up against him, representing Mammon, was the new Treasury minister Lord Myners. It was a tough gig. The gap-toothed 59-year-old archbishop has become something of a national treasure, chopping up his dog collar on TV and wearing brilliantly coloured vestments while playing exotic musical instruments. Being rude to him would be like hitting Alan Bennett or calling Joanna Lumley a stupid old bag. It would not make you friends." [Guardian]
Simon Jenkins: A runway for jobs? It's time aviation's bluff was called
"The boss of BAA, Colin Matthews, said this week that a third runway at Heathrow would "only go ahead if strict environmental limits are met". What does he mean, if? They are not met and he knows it. Nothing on earth is going to stop him wanting his runway.
Meanwhile Whitehall is witnessing a truly bone-crunching fight between the immovable object of public interest and the irresistible force of Big Carbon. I am sceptical of most policies put forward in the cause of global warming but for aviation to plead its green credentials is like big tobacco claiming that smoking is good for your health." [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
Showing posts with label economic downturn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economic downturn. Show all posts
1/15/09
1/12/09
Heron's Eye: 12/01/08
Ex-minister joins private equity firm that received £15m from Whitehall agency
"Lady Amos, who was international development secretary and leader of the Lords in Tony Blair's government, has taken up a directorship with an African private equity firm, three months after it received over £15m from a Whitehall agency wholly owned by her former department.
The timing of Amos's appointment was described as "a coincidence" by the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC), which approved the cash – amounting to nearly 30% of the funds raised by Travant Capital Partners, based in Nigeria." [Guardian]
Labour's new blog courts best leftwing thinkers on the web
"LabourList.org was controversial even before it was born, with established Labour bloggers complaining at being left out, and Tory bloggers warning that it would be so heavily censored as to be little more than party propoganda." [Guardian]
Peter Mandelson ushers in a virtual New Labour revolution
"The unveiling of Peter Mandelson's avatar in Second Life is part of Labour's push to beat the Conservatives in the political use of new technology, but it also has a symbolic significance. Unlike the rest of Second Life, where people drop a decade or two from their looks or masquerade as animals, Peter Mandelson will actually look like Peter Mandelson. What you see is what you get....
"How independent the blog will be remains to be seen – it has already recruited Brown's former spinster Charlie Whelan – but there is no doubt that there is a gap to be filled in generating unconventional ideas for Labour at a time when almost every policy area is in a state of flux – particularly what on earth can be done to stop the economy from imploding." [Guardian]
Gordon Brown hits back at Tory debt accusations
"Gordon Brown today accused the Conservatives of neglecting the interests of children as he and David Cameron clashed over which party has the best economic policies for Britain.
The Tory leader unveiled a new poster campaign accusing Brown of saddling every new-born baby with a debt of £17,000 because of the mounting level of public sector borrowing." [Guardian]
New babies born with £17,000 debt, claims David Cameron
"Rapidly rising government debt means every baby born in Britain starts life owing £17,000, David Cameron claimed as he launched a new publicity campaign today.
The Tory leader made the claim as his party unveiled a new poster designed to highlight what it calls Labour's "debt crisis".
The poster, which will be displayed at 260 billboard sites across the country, features a photograph of a baby and the slogan: "Dad's nose, mum's eyes, Gordon Brown's debt – Labour debt crisis: every child in Britain is born owing £17,000. They deserve better." [Guardian]
Letter: Filleted statistics
Your leader (8 January) and Marcel Berlins's plea to politicians (Let's stop fighting over the figures in 2009, 5 January) highlight the extent to which criminal justice has become a party political football. In such a fevered climate it can often seem as though statistics have been filleted to expose evidence that a political opponent has gone "soft on crime" rather than to understand what might be effective and in what circumstances. Sadly, the end product of much good work by researchers is to feed the fear of crime and pleas for ever tougher punishments. How else can we explain the lack of attention given to the excellent research into restorative justice, which shows that victims of crime who have such meetings with offenders are far more likely to be satisfied with the process than those who experience the traditional court process? Less than 1% of victims of adult offenders have access to restorative justice." [Guardian]
Gaza crisis is having 'profoundly unhealthy' effect on UK Muslims, minister warns
"The Israeli onslaught in Gaza is having a "profoundly acute and unhealthy" effect on British Muslim communities and "patience is running out", a government minister has said.
The justice minister, Shahid Malik, told the Guardian there was "immense anger" in British Muslim communities over developments in the Middle East. He said: "There is a real feeling of helplessness, hopelessness and powerlessness among Britain's Muslims in the context of Gaza and the sense of grievance and injustice is both profoundly acute and obviously profoundly unhealthy."" [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
"Lady Amos, who was international development secretary and leader of the Lords in Tony Blair's government, has taken up a directorship with an African private equity firm, three months after it received over £15m from a Whitehall agency wholly owned by her former department.
The timing of Amos's appointment was described as "a coincidence" by the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC), which approved the cash – amounting to nearly 30% of the funds raised by Travant Capital Partners, based in Nigeria." [Guardian]
Labour's new blog courts best leftwing thinkers on the web
"LabourList.org was controversial even before it was born, with established Labour bloggers complaining at being left out, and Tory bloggers warning that it would be so heavily censored as to be little more than party propoganda." [Guardian]
Peter Mandelson ushers in a virtual New Labour revolution
"The unveiling of Peter Mandelson's avatar in Second Life is part of Labour's push to beat the Conservatives in the political use of new technology, but it also has a symbolic significance. Unlike the rest of Second Life, where people drop a decade or two from their looks or masquerade as animals, Peter Mandelson will actually look like Peter Mandelson. What you see is what you get....
"How independent the blog will be remains to be seen – it has already recruited Brown's former spinster Charlie Whelan – but there is no doubt that there is a gap to be filled in generating unconventional ideas for Labour at a time when almost every policy area is in a state of flux – particularly what on earth can be done to stop the economy from imploding." [Guardian]
Gordon Brown hits back at Tory debt accusations
"Gordon Brown today accused the Conservatives of neglecting the interests of children as he and David Cameron clashed over which party has the best economic policies for Britain.
The Tory leader unveiled a new poster campaign accusing Brown of saddling every new-born baby with a debt of £17,000 because of the mounting level of public sector borrowing." [Guardian]
New babies born with £17,000 debt, claims David Cameron
"Rapidly rising government debt means every baby born in Britain starts life owing £17,000, David Cameron claimed as he launched a new publicity campaign today.
The Tory leader made the claim as his party unveiled a new poster designed to highlight what it calls Labour's "debt crisis".
The poster, which will be displayed at 260 billboard sites across the country, features a photograph of a baby and the slogan: "Dad's nose, mum's eyes, Gordon Brown's debt – Labour debt crisis: every child in Britain is born owing £17,000. They deserve better." [Guardian]
Letter: Filleted statistics
Your leader (8 January) and Marcel Berlins's plea to politicians (Let's stop fighting over the figures in 2009, 5 January) highlight the extent to which criminal justice has become a party political football. In such a fevered climate it can often seem as though statistics have been filleted to expose evidence that a political opponent has gone "soft on crime" rather than to understand what might be effective and in what circumstances. Sadly, the end product of much good work by researchers is to feed the fear of crime and pleas for ever tougher punishments. How else can we explain the lack of attention given to the excellent research into restorative justice, which shows that victims of crime who have such meetings with offenders are far more likely to be satisfied with the process than those who experience the traditional court process? Less than 1% of victims of adult offenders have access to restorative justice." [Guardian]
Gaza crisis is having 'profoundly unhealthy' effect on UK Muslims, minister warns
"The Israeli onslaught in Gaza is having a "profoundly acute and unhealthy" effect on British Muslim communities and "patience is running out", a government minister has said.
The justice minister, Shahid Malik, told the Guardian there was "immense anger" in British Muslim communities over developments in the Middle East. He said: "There is a real feeling of helplessness, hopelessness and powerlessness among Britain's Muslims in the context of Gaza and the sense of grievance and injustice is both profoundly acute and obviously profoundly unhealthy."" [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
Grimsdale's Ire: 12/01/09
Boris Johnson to challenge government in court if it backs Heathrow third runway
"Boris Johnson confirmed today that he is preparing to challenge the government in court if it "fails to see sense" and gives BAA the green light to apply for a third runway at Heathrow.
The mayor of London urged the government to reject the plans, as both sides ramped up pressure ahead of the government decision, which is expected soon." [Guardian]
Cameron refuses to rule out Clarke return to shadow cabinet despite noises off from eurosceptic right
"David Cameron has received a stark warning from the Conservative right against bringing the ex-chancellor Ken Clarke back to the frontbenches, with a former minister saying the return of the outspoken Europhile in a year of European elections would "split the party".
The Tory leader is tipped to reorder his frontbench team in the next few days, but over the weekend the former Tory chairman Norman Tebbit said his one-time colleague was too "lazy" for frontbench life, while Stuart Wheeler, the party's biggest donor and a staunch eurosceptic, said he would consider withdrawing funding if Clarke was given a job." [Guardian]
Government 'repeating mistakes' by fighting miners in court
"The government is spending millions of pounds in legal fees fighting the claims of sick miners in a move that lawyers say will recreate the mistakes of the past.
Miners suffering from knee problems and chronic lung disease from inhaling dust on the surface of pits were not included in a previous compensation scheme and are being forced to fight for compensation in the courts." [Guardian]
Haroon Siddique: Prince Harry's racist comments still have the power to divide
"Despite Prince Harry's past misdemeanours and the undistinguished record of his grandfather when it comes to race relations, I was still shocked when I heard that he had used the word "Paki". But what surprised me even more were the attempts to play down the nastiness of the term or to pass it off as a term of endearment.
Listening to a Five Live radio phone-in this morning there were a number of people calling in who suggested that it was a mere abbreviation, of the same ilk as "Brit" or "Aussie" and therefore equally inoffensive. But to make such an argument is to ignore the history of use of the word "Paki" in this country. Growing up in west London in the 1980s it was difficult to escape the insult. I was called a Paki numerous times throughout primary and secondary school, as were Asian classmates – regardless of whether they were actually of Pakistani heritage. Sometimes it was spat out by strangers on the street; at other times it was used by supposed friends registering their anger because I had, for instance, misplaced a pass playing football. Often I would respond with my fists, so hurt and impotent did I feel at the time." [Guardian]
Police squads 'deter ethnic minorities'
"Black and Asian police officers still believe specialist squads are "closed shops", dominated by white middle-aged men and a "canteen culture" of working hard, playing hard and drinking hard, according to a report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, 10 years on from the Macpherson inquiry.
In a major review of the attitudes of police in England and Wales towards race since the Stephen Lawrence case, the commission reports that ethnic minority officers were put off by perceived "old-fashioned working practices" and felt that robbery, anti-terrorist and firearms units were open only to recruits whose "face fits"." [Guardian]
Redundancy: Don't suffer in silence, says Jon Robins
"It is reckoned that every day this year as many as 1,600 people could lose their jobs. That's 600,000 jobs gone in the next 12 months, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Despite the numbers it is almost impossible not to take redundancy personally. It strikes at our core.
As a society we are increasingly - and some would say unhealthily - work-obsessed. Many of us define ourselves through what we do for a living, so job loss attacks our self image, as well as undermining our personal security and ability to provide for loved ones. Don't underestimate the emotional impact of redundancy; those on the receiving end need to rely on their partners, family and friends for support. Loved ones, in turn, need to be there to provide that support." [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
"Boris Johnson confirmed today that he is preparing to challenge the government in court if it "fails to see sense" and gives BAA the green light to apply for a third runway at Heathrow.
The mayor of London urged the government to reject the plans, as both sides ramped up pressure ahead of the government decision, which is expected soon." [Guardian]
Cameron refuses to rule out Clarke return to shadow cabinet despite noises off from eurosceptic right
"David Cameron has received a stark warning from the Conservative right against bringing the ex-chancellor Ken Clarke back to the frontbenches, with a former minister saying the return of the outspoken Europhile in a year of European elections would "split the party".
The Tory leader is tipped to reorder his frontbench team in the next few days, but over the weekend the former Tory chairman Norman Tebbit said his one-time colleague was too "lazy" for frontbench life, while Stuart Wheeler, the party's biggest donor and a staunch eurosceptic, said he would consider withdrawing funding if Clarke was given a job." [Guardian]
Government 'repeating mistakes' by fighting miners in court
"The government is spending millions of pounds in legal fees fighting the claims of sick miners in a move that lawyers say will recreate the mistakes of the past.
Miners suffering from knee problems and chronic lung disease from inhaling dust on the surface of pits were not included in a previous compensation scheme and are being forced to fight for compensation in the courts." [Guardian]
Haroon Siddique: Prince Harry's racist comments still have the power to divide
"Despite Prince Harry's past misdemeanours and the undistinguished record of his grandfather when it comes to race relations, I was still shocked when I heard that he had used the word "Paki". But what surprised me even more were the attempts to play down the nastiness of the term or to pass it off as a term of endearment.
Listening to a Five Live radio phone-in this morning there were a number of people calling in who suggested that it was a mere abbreviation, of the same ilk as "Brit" or "Aussie" and therefore equally inoffensive. But to make such an argument is to ignore the history of use of the word "Paki" in this country. Growing up in west London in the 1980s it was difficult to escape the insult. I was called a Paki numerous times throughout primary and secondary school, as were Asian classmates – regardless of whether they were actually of Pakistani heritage. Sometimes it was spat out by strangers on the street; at other times it was used by supposed friends registering their anger because I had, for instance, misplaced a pass playing football. Often I would respond with my fists, so hurt and impotent did I feel at the time." [Guardian]
Police squads 'deter ethnic minorities'
"Black and Asian police officers still believe specialist squads are "closed shops", dominated by white middle-aged men and a "canteen culture" of working hard, playing hard and drinking hard, according to a report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, 10 years on from the Macpherson inquiry.
In a major review of the attitudes of police in England and Wales towards race since the Stephen Lawrence case, the commission reports that ethnic minority officers were put off by perceived "old-fashioned working practices" and felt that robbery, anti-terrorist and firearms units were open only to recruits whose "face fits"." [Guardian]
Redundancy: Don't suffer in silence, says Jon Robins
"It is reckoned that every day this year as many as 1,600 people could lose their jobs. That's 600,000 jobs gone in the next 12 months, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Despite the numbers it is almost impossible not to take redundancy personally. It strikes at our core.
As a society we are increasingly - and some would say unhealthily - work-obsessed. Many of us define ourselves through what we do for a living, so job loss attacks our self image, as well as undermining our personal security and ability to provide for loved ones. Don't underestimate the emotional impact of redundancy; those on the receiving end need to rely on their partners, family and friends for support. Loved ones, in turn, need to be there to provide that support." [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
1/5/09
Music News Bulletin - 05/01/09
Digital Boosts 2008 Sales To New Mark
"Overall music sales hit a new record in 2008, with over 1.5 billion units sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The Nielsen Company's annual year-end music industry report, released today, reveals that combined sales of albums, singles, music videos and digital tracks increased 10.5% over 2007, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The report covers purchases made during the 52 weeks between Dec. 31, 2007 to Dec. 28, 2008.
Digital tracks posted a 27% gain on their own to over a billion units sold in 2008, a new record. Digital albums grew 32% to 65.8 million units, also a new high. The 2008 numbers dragged when physical product was accounted. Combined sales of albums on CD, tape, vinyl and digital download were down 14% over the year prior, from 500.5 million units to 428.4 million. When track-equivalent albums are figured in, with ten digital tracks counting as an album, the decrease comes to 8.5%.
On a brighter note, total music purchases across all product categories went over 65 million units in the last week of 2008, making it the biggest music sales week in Nielsen SoundScan history." [Billboard]
Scramble over Woolies’ stock
"Companies including EMI and Microsoft are preparing legal action against the administrators of Woolworths to claw back millions of pounds of stock. Although the shelves in its stores are emptying fast, Woolies’ distribution arm, Entertainment UK (EUK), still has CDs, DVDs and computer games worth tens of millions of pounds in its warehouses.
Under “retention of title” rules, suppliers can claim back their own stock if it has not been paid for but, more broadly, they can can claim stock that has been paid for in lieu of debts.
That gives them the chance to resell the merchandise and prevent the administrator, Deloitte, offloading it cheaply." [RecordoftheDay]
Music sales up 10% in 2008, thanks to downloads (and vinyl)
"The music industry finished 2008 with positive sales growth numbers overall, but the grim CD death march continues apace. Overall unit purchases of music in the US increased by 10.5 percent year-over-year since 2007, according to new data released by Nielsen SoundScan, Nielsen BDS, and Nielsen RingScan, but the growth is coming completely from downloads—and from vinyl.
More than 1.5 billion songs were sold during 2008, accounting for the 10.5 percent growth since the previous year. One billion digital tracks were sold online, which indicated 27 percent growth since 2007. But the trend toward digital singles continues to hurt full CD album sales—428 million albums (including LPs, CDs, and online albums) were sold in 2008, down 14 percent from the year before." [ArsTechnica]
L’Internet ne compense pas la chute des CD
"L’industrie du disque a subi une nouvelle année difficile en 2008, le développement des techniques de téléchargement légal ne parvenant pas à compenser la chute des ventes de CD, selon l’agence spécialisée Nielsen.
Aux Etats-Unis les ventes totales d’albums sur CD, sur internet, et en vinyle ont accusé un recul de 14 %, à 428,4 millions d’unités, contre 500,5 millions en 2007. En prenant en compte la vente de chansons à l’unité sur internet, le recul atteint encore 8,5 % (535,4 millions contre 584,9 millions d’unités), selon Nielsen.
Les ventes de CD représentant encore plus de 80 % du chiffre d’affaires du secteur, la désaffection des consommateurs pour les disquaires est un véritable défi pour les éditeurs, qui doivent à la fois lutter contre le piratage et trouver une façon satisfaisante de monétiser les téléchargements." [LeSoir]
Facebook Removes Project Playlist
"Facebook today has also removed access to the Project Playlist service from the popular social networking site, citing a request from the RIAA. A Facebook statement says the company hopes to resolve the situation so that the Project Playlist service eventually can resume service on the site, but that it will block access until the proper label deals can be established.
Just days after getting banned from MySpace, Project Playlist has struck a licensing deal with Sony BMG. The deal gives Project Playlist users direct access to the Sony BMG catalog of both music tracks and videos. Financial details were not disclosed.
The major-label licensing deal is a big step forward for the playlist-sharing service, which is being sued by the other three major labels - Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and EMI Music - as well as the RIAA for copyright infringement. Project Playlist allows users to upload music to create playlists that other users can then stream, but until the Sony BMG deal has done so without paying labels a licensing fee." [Billboard]
"Overall music sales hit a new record in 2008, with over 1.5 billion units sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The Nielsen Company's annual year-end music industry report, released today, reveals that combined sales of albums, singles, music videos and digital tracks increased 10.5% over 2007, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The report covers purchases made during the 52 weeks between Dec. 31, 2007 to Dec. 28, 2008.
Digital tracks posted a 27% gain on their own to over a billion units sold in 2008, a new record. Digital albums grew 32% to 65.8 million units, also a new high. The 2008 numbers dragged when physical product was accounted. Combined sales of albums on CD, tape, vinyl and digital download were down 14% over the year prior, from 500.5 million units to 428.4 million. When track-equivalent albums are figured in, with ten digital tracks counting as an album, the decrease comes to 8.5%.
On a brighter note, total music purchases across all product categories went over 65 million units in the last week of 2008, making it the biggest music sales week in Nielsen SoundScan history." [Billboard]
Scramble over Woolies’ stock
"Companies including EMI and Microsoft are preparing legal action against the administrators of Woolworths to claw back millions of pounds of stock. Although the shelves in its stores are emptying fast, Woolies’ distribution arm, Entertainment UK (EUK), still has CDs, DVDs and computer games worth tens of millions of pounds in its warehouses.
Under “retention of title” rules, suppliers can claim back their own stock if it has not been paid for but, more broadly, they can can claim stock that has been paid for in lieu of debts.
That gives them the chance to resell the merchandise and prevent the administrator, Deloitte, offloading it cheaply." [RecordoftheDay]
Music sales up 10% in 2008, thanks to downloads (and vinyl)
"The music industry finished 2008 with positive sales growth numbers overall, but the grim CD death march continues apace. Overall unit purchases of music in the US increased by 10.5 percent year-over-year since 2007, according to new data released by Nielsen SoundScan, Nielsen BDS, and Nielsen RingScan, but the growth is coming completely from downloads—and from vinyl.
More than 1.5 billion songs were sold during 2008, accounting for the 10.5 percent growth since the previous year. One billion digital tracks were sold online, which indicated 27 percent growth since 2007. But the trend toward digital singles continues to hurt full CD album sales—428 million albums (including LPs, CDs, and online albums) were sold in 2008, down 14 percent from the year before." [ArsTechnica]
L’Internet ne compense pas la chute des CD
"L’industrie du disque a subi une nouvelle année difficile en 2008, le développement des techniques de téléchargement légal ne parvenant pas à compenser la chute des ventes de CD, selon l’agence spécialisée Nielsen.
Aux Etats-Unis les ventes totales d’albums sur CD, sur internet, et en vinyle ont accusé un recul de 14 %, à 428,4 millions d’unités, contre 500,5 millions en 2007. En prenant en compte la vente de chansons à l’unité sur internet, le recul atteint encore 8,5 % (535,4 millions contre 584,9 millions d’unités), selon Nielsen.
Les ventes de CD représentant encore plus de 80 % du chiffre d’affaires du secteur, la désaffection des consommateurs pour les disquaires est un véritable défi pour les éditeurs, qui doivent à la fois lutter contre le piratage et trouver une façon satisfaisante de monétiser les téléchargements." [LeSoir]
Facebook Removes Project Playlist
"Facebook today has also removed access to the Project Playlist service from the popular social networking site, citing a request from the RIAA. A Facebook statement says the company hopes to resolve the situation so that the Project Playlist service eventually can resume service on the site, but that it will block access until the proper label deals can be established.
Just days after getting banned from MySpace, Project Playlist has struck a licensing deal with Sony BMG. The deal gives Project Playlist users direct access to the Sony BMG catalog of both music tracks and videos. Financial details were not disclosed.
The major-label licensing deal is a big step forward for the playlist-sharing service, which is being sued by the other three major labels - Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and EMI Music - as well as the RIAA for copyright infringement. Project Playlist allows users to upload music to create playlists that other users can then stream, but until the Sony BMG deal has done so without paying labels a licensing fee." [Billboard]
12/5/08
EU Council Monitor - 05/12/08
Putting small businesses first
"The vast majority of businesses in the European Union are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with no more than 250 employees. They are the ones providing most new jobs. Finding themselves increasingly affected by the present financial crisis and economic downturn, they are soon to qualify for a package of special measures.
Having made SMEs' needs a permanent priority for the European Union, the Competitiveness Council on 1 December 2008 adopted some conclusions including specific steps to improve financing arrangements, simplify the environment and facilitate market access for SMEs.
The conclusions (in French) are available here." [Europa]
Competitiveness Council - Conclusions
The complete set of conclusions can be found on the link [Europa]
Small Business Act will "have a significant positive effect on the environment for SMEs"
"SMEs are crucial to Europe's economy, providing over 100 million jobs. In view of the current financial market crisis, the European Council must confirm that it will formally approve the Small Business Act and make its provisions binding, say MEPs in a resolution put forward by the EPP-ED and Socialist groups. The resolution was adopted with 614 votes in favour, 11 against and 9 abstentions.
Formerly approving the SBA will "ensure the necessary high visibility", while making its provisions binding will "have a significant positive effect on the environment for SMEs". [EuroParl]
First “European sessions on innovation”
"On 9 December 2008 in Paris, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union is to hold the first “European sessions on innovation”, with the participation of the President of the French Republic and President of the European Council, Nicolas Sarkozy, as a prelude to The European Year of Innovation in 2009." [UE2008]
"The vast majority of businesses in the European Union are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with no more than 250 employees. They are the ones providing most new jobs. Finding themselves increasingly affected by the present financial crisis and economic downturn, they are soon to qualify for a package of special measures.
Having made SMEs' needs a permanent priority for the European Union, the Competitiveness Council on 1 December 2008 adopted some conclusions including specific steps to improve financing arrangements, simplify the environment and facilitate market access for SMEs.
The conclusions (in French) are available here." [Europa]
Competitiveness Council - Conclusions
The complete set of conclusions can be found on the link [Europa]
Small Business Act will "have a significant positive effect on the environment for SMEs"
"SMEs are crucial to Europe's economy, providing over 100 million jobs. In view of the current financial market crisis, the European Council must confirm that it will formally approve the Small Business Act and make its provisions binding, say MEPs in a resolution put forward by the EPP-ED and Socialist groups. The resolution was adopted with 614 votes in favour, 11 against and 9 abstentions.
Formerly approving the SBA will "ensure the necessary high visibility", while making its provisions binding will "have a significant positive effect on the environment for SMEs". [EuroParl]
First “European sessions on innovation”
"On 9 December 2008 in Paris, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union is to hold the first “European sessions on innovation”, with the participation of the President of the French Republic and President of the European Council, Nicolas Sarkozy, as a prelude to The European Year of Innovation in 2009." [UE2008]
11/25/08
Heron's Eye: 24/11/08
Darling plans £20bn giveaway to tackle year of recession 24/11/08
“Alistair Darling outlined an audacious plan today to tackle the economic crisis by using a £20bn package of tax cuts and handouts to tempt shoppers to spend their way through a rocky twelve months, and support struggling firms.” [Guardian]
Pre-budget report: live 24/11/08
[Guardian]
Retailers welcome cut in VAT to 15% 24/11/08
“Retailers gave a broad welcome to the chancellor's well-trailed 2.5 percentage point cut in VAT to 15%, but store executives and their suppliers believe it will make little immediate difference to consumer spending.” [Guardian]
Pre-budget report - rolling roundup of political reaction 24/11/08
[Guardian]
Bold, imaginative – and it might just work 24/11/08
A mendacious analysis of Darling’s pre budget speech by Will Hutton. [Guardian]
Unflashy Alistair Darling is a hard man to hit 24/11/08
Michael White analyses Alistair Darling’s role and effect on the proceedings of the Pre-Budget Report. [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
11/7/08
Music News Bulletin - 07/11/08
MySpace, MTV Test Piracy-Profit Plan
"A new technology that essentially allows content owners to profit from piracy will get a high-profile test this month from MySpace and MTV Networks.
Instead of triggering the usual take-down notices, copyright-infringing footage of select MTV Networks programing uploaded by MySpace subscribers would be automatically redistributed with advertisements that would generate revenue for the companies. MTV Networks is the parent company of such channels as MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Spike and Nickelodeon." [Billboard]
EMI, Warner Sign Up To Unlimited MP3 Package
"EMI Music and Warner Music have signed up to an all-you-can-eat download service run by Datz.com, which will provide access to unlimited music in MP3 format for £99.99 ($164.45) a year. The service will allow fans to keep the music when the year is up.
Beggars Group and The Orchard have also signed up to the Datz Music Lounge and more are set to join in the coming weeks. " [Billboard]
Can The Major Labels Handle Their Debt?
"The expanding crisis engulfing the international financial system has music industry executives worried that rising credit costs could eventually affect term loans, interest payments and revolving credit facilities at record labels.
"There is a lack of confidence out there so that regardless of credit worthiness, investors are shunning risk," says Thomas Carroll, senior VP/managing director of SunTrust's Sports and Entertainment Specialty Group."" [Billboard]
Free vs. Fee Content in a Recession
"An article at eMarketer (see http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?id=1006660 ) brings up a topic that is worth discussing in the music business: Will free lose out to paid content in an economic downturn? The article debates whether or not creators will increasingly scoff at giving away their content and turn to sites that pay for their content." [Coolfer]
EMI, one of the world's largest record companies, is considering turning over its distribution, sales and marketing operations in the United States to a rival in an attempt to cut its extensive losses, music industry sources said Friday.
"Three industry sources told Fortune that the storied British company - whose catalog includes the Beatles, the Beach Boys and Coldplay - is talking to Warner Music, SonyBMG and Universal Music Group about assuming these functions in the U.S. Those companies declined to comment." [CNNMoney]
"A new technology that essentially allows content owners to profit from piracy will get a high-profile test this month from MySpace and MTV Networks.
Instead of triggering the usual take-down notices, copyright-infringing footage of select MTV Networks programing uploaded by MySpace subscribers would be automatically redistributed with advertisements that would generate revenue for the companies. MTV Networks is the parent company of such channels as MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Spike and Nickelodeon." [Billboard]
EMI, Warner Sign Up To Unlimited MP3 Package
"EMI Music and Warner Music have signed up to an all-you-can-eat download service run by Datz.com, which will provide access to unlimited music in MP3 format for £99.99 ($164.45) a year. The service will allow fans to keep the music when the year is up.
Beggars Group and The Orchard have also signed up to the Datz Music Lounge and more are set to join in the coming weeks. " [Billboard]
Can The Major Labels Handle Their Debt?
"The expanding crisis engulfing the international financial system has music industry executives worried that rising credit costs could eventually affect term loans, interest payments and revolving credit facilities at record labels.
"There is a lack of confidence out there so that regardless of credit worthiness, investors are shunning risk," says Thomas Carroll, senior VP/managing director of SunTrust's Sports and Entertainment Specialty Group."" [Billboard]
Free vs. Fee Content in a Recession
"An article at eMarketer (see http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?id=1006660 ) brings up a topic that is worth discussing in the music business: Will free lose out to paid content in an economic downturn? The article debates whether or not creators will increasingly scoff at giving away their content and turn to sites that pay for their content." [Coolfer]
EMI, one of the world's largest record companies, is considering turning over its distribution, sales and marketing operations in the United States to a rival in an attempt to cut its extensive losses, music industry sources said Friday.
"Three industry sources told Fortune that the storied British company - whose catalog includes the Beatles, the Beach Boys and Coldplay - is talking to Warner Music, SonyBMG and Universal Music Group about assuming these functions in the U.S. Those companies declined to comment." [CNNMoney]
10/31/08
In the Loop: 31/10/08
Disaster response scheme 'hit by bad management' 31/10/08
“England's biggest programme to handle catastrophes from terrorist attacks to widespread flooding is in danger of going awry because of sloppy management and woeful financial management, Edward Leigh, chairman of the Commons public accounts committee, warns today.
The £330m programme, run by the Fire and Rescue Service, was set up two days after the 9/11 attack on New York's twin towers. It involved the ordering of hi-tech equipment such as powerful water pumps and decontamination suits, setting up a national control centre and specialist training for firefighters.” [Guardian]
Regulator leaves Network Rail with £2.6bn spending gap 31/10/08
“Network Rail is under pressure to cut costs after the industry's financial regulator left it with a near £3bn spending gap. The Office of Rail Regulation said the owner of Britain's rail infrastructure should spend £28.5bn between next year and 2014, £2.6bn less than it requested.
The regulator added that there was no money for electrifying the remainder of the rail network, a day after the transport secretary, Geoff Hoon, said the industry should be "getting on with things like electrification".” [Guardian]
Biggest economies caught in 'storm of the century' 31/10/08
“Belt-tightening by American consumers on a scale unprecedented for almost three decades meant the world's biggest economy joined the list of countries in or close to recession, according to official figures released yesterday.” [Guardian]
Darling: tax may rise in downturn 30/10/08
“The Chancellor signalled last night that taxes might have to rise if the economic downturn is prolonged.
Alistair Darling warned that Government revenue has collapsed because of the recession. He said that ministers would attempt to stimulate the economy by accelerating spending projects even if it meant a sharp increase in Government borrowing.” [Guardian]
Click here to read more information on Mr Grimsdale, King Heron and Mobius
“England's biggest programme to handle catastrophes from terrorist attacks to widespread flooding is in danger of going awry because of sloppy management and woeful financial management, Edward Leigh, chairman of the Commons public accounts committee, warns today.
The £330m programme, run by the Fire and Rescue Service, was set up two days after the 9/11 attack on New York's twin towers. It involved the ordering of hi-tech equipment such as powerful water pumps and decontamination suits, setting up a national control centre and specialist training for firefighters.” [Guardian]
Regulator leaves Network Rail with £2.6bn spending gap 31/10/08
“Network Rail is under pressure to cut costs after the industry's financial regulator left it with a near £3bn spending gap. The Office of Rail Regulation said the owner of Britain's rail infrastructure should spend £28.5bn between next year and 2014, £2.6bn less than it requested.
The regulator added that there was no money for electrifying the remainder of the rail network, a day after the transport secretary, Geoff Hoon, said the industry should be "getting on with things like electrification".” [Guardian]
Biggest economies caught in 'storm of the century' 31/10/08
“Belt-tightening by American consumers on a scale unprecedented for almost three decades meant the world's biggest economy joined the list of countries in or close to recession, according to official figures released yesterday.” [Guardian]
Darling: tax may rise in downturn 30/10/08
“The Chancellor signalled last night that taxes might have to rise if the economic downturn is prolonged.
Alistair Darling warned that Government revenue has collapsed because of the recession. He said that ministers would attempt to stimulate the economy by accelerating spending projects even if it meant a sharp increase in Government borrowing.” [Guardian]
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10/30/08
Grimsdale's Ire: 30/10/08
Gordon Brown urges banks to keep lending
“Gordon Brown today called on the banks to keep lending to small businesses despite the global credit crunch.
The prime minister welcomed a commitment by the European Investment Bank to make £4bn available to provide finance to firms in the
Alistair Darling urges banks to use £4bn from European Investment Bank 30/10/08
“Alistair Darling today urged the banks to use a £4bn package of support from the European Investment Bank to help small and medium-sized businesses through the credit crunch.” [Guardian]
Card demand
“Gordon Brown yesterday demanded that lenders who provide store and credit cards must change their rules to make it more difficult to repossess homes. The prime minister's intervention came after Shelter warned that up to 5,000 homes repossessed last year - out of a total of 27,100 - were from people who took out "second-charge" loans. These can be people who take out a loan against their home to pay off cards. The Treasury wants the Finance and Leasing Association, which covers the £11bn "second-charge" market, to draw up a code of practice in line with that adopted by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, which stipulates that a lender should take a debtor to court to repossess a property only if they have exhausted other options.” [Guardian]
Heron's Eye 30/10/08
Throwing out the rulebook
“Alistair Darling and George Osborne gave opposing explanations yesterday for why government borrowing is on the rise. In last night's Mais lecture, the chancellor told a simple story: extraordinary times require extraordinary measures - and what could be more extraordinary than a historic banking crisis? By breaking targets on public debt, the government was being not profligate, but pragmatic. Labour was "spinning a virtuous strategy out of extra borrowing", retorted his Conservative shadow, when really the public finances had been in a mess for years.” [Guardian]
“Labour today launched an all-out assault on George Osborne, the shadow chancellor, by releasing a dossier that accused him of a lack of judgment (pdf) on the global financial crisis and "schoolboy errors" in his spending plans.
The document highlighted Osborne's early opposition to the nationalisation of Northern Rock and Bradford & Bingley, his support for a Tory report advocating the deregulation of the mortgage market, and his pledges on fuel duty and hospital beds.” [Guardian]
Swinney's still got a real fight on his hands
Ian Swanson assesses the difficulties that the SNP are facing in attempting to introduce the local income tax in
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Grimsdale's Ire: 29/10/08
Grants for 'middle-income' students to be cut 29/10/08
“The amount of student support available for children of middle-income parents will be cut next year, the universities secretary confirmed today.
Growth in student numbers will also be cut next year to "no more than 10,000" after the government miscalculated increases in the bill for higher education, as revealed by the Guardian.” [Guardian]
On the right track 29/10/08
“He was born in
It is not surprising, then, that Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones comes chock-full of opinions. He fumes about social exclusion; he is angry at how black people have been let down by the middle classes; he is hugely critical of corporate
What may be more surprising and interesting is that Emmanuel-Jones is thriving in the Conservative party. He has been invited for tea with David Cameron - despite labelling him a "toff" - and was given a prominent place for the leader's speech at the Tory conference. Most surprising of all, he has become a darling of the Wiltshire blue-rinse set and is to fight the newly minted seat of Chippenham for the Conservatives at the next general election.” [Guardian]
White working class need help in recession, says Phillips 29/10/08
“Special measures are needed to help the true losers from the economic recession - the poorer, white working class - if an anti-migrant backlash is to be avoided, the head of
He said that historically ethnic minority groups and women were worst hit in an economic slowdown.
But it had to be recognised today that in some parts of the country "the colour of disadvantage isn't black or brown. It is white."” [Guardian]
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Heron's Eye: 29/10/08
Osborne escapes investigation into donation discussions 29/10/08
“George Osborne will escape a parliamentary investigation into his decision to discuss a possible donation from the Russian billionaire, Oleg Deripaska, the parliamentary standards watchdog said yesterday.
Extinguishing the hopes of Gordon Brown and Labour backbenchers for an investigation into the shadow chancellor's holiday activities, the parliamentary standards commissioner dismissed a complaint that was lodged anonymously. The other body that could conduct such an inquiry - the Electoral Commission - has already said that it will not be investigating the meetings in
Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand suspended by BBC 29/10/08
“The BBC today suspended Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand until an investigation into their prank calls to actor Andrew Sachs has been completed, in an attempt to quell the mounting furore over the "Sachsgate" affair.” [Guardian]
The BBC should admit its mistakes more quickly 29/10/08
Michael White analyses the BBC’s public relations strategies and tactics. [Guardian]
Banking crisis: What questions should the authorities be made to answer? 29/10/08
Jill Treanor on Alistair Darling, Mervyn King and Lord Turner before the Treasury select committee of MPs he chairs on Monday to seek a public explanation to how the taxpayer has ended up needing to pump £37bn into the high street banks. [Guardian]
The markets are clear:
Larry Elliott paints an informative and depressing picture of the British economy. [Guardian]
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Heron's Eye: 29/10/08
Downturn will not hamper public transport projects, says Geoff Hoon 29/10/08
“Geoff Hoon, the recently appointed transport secretary, said today that the economic downturn should not have an effect on delivering public transport projects.
And he said that
Mandelson hails thaw in relations with
“Lord Mandelson hailed a thaw in relations between
Diplomatic spats that poisoned ties between the two countries in the last two years seemed to be swept under the carpet as the business secretary lauded a new climate of partnership.” [Guardian]
Bigger databases increase risks, says watchdog 29/10/08
“The proliferation of ever larger centralised databases is increasing the risk of people's personal data being lost or abused, the government's official privacy watchdog claims today.
The warning from the information commissioner, Richard Thomas, comes as he discloses that reported data losses have soared in the past year.” [Guardian]
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10/27/08
In The Loop: 27/10/08
Government encourages car companies to make motoring greener
“Car manufacturers are being encouraged to participate in a £10m scheme to make motoring greener and create thousands of jobs
Geoff Hoon, the transport secretary, has today invited car manufacturers to bid to take part in an initiative to run electric car and ultra-low carbon vehicle demonstration projects, overseen by the Technology Strategy Board." [Guardian]
Call for clampdown on rogue online ticket sellers
"Ticketing websites have called on the government to crack down on rogue online operators after a spate of high-profile examples of consumers being ripped off.
Andy Burnham, the culture secretary, is believed to be close to launching an industry consultation based around proposals first floated this year in response to concerns about the booming online market in tickets for concerts and sporting events." [Guardian]
Pay rises and Christmas parties cancelled as companies cut costs
“Almost four in five British businesses are cutting back on everything from hiring new staff to paying for the office Christmas party, as they batten down the hatches for a deep recession.” [Guardian]
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Heron's Eye 27/10/08
Government must be bold to deal with recession
MP John McFall lays out a possible solution to ensure an equitable injection into the economy. [Guardian]
Borrowing more is responsible, says Gordon Brown
“Gordon Brown insisted today that increasing borrowing to shore up the economy was the "responsible" thing to do.” [Guardian] [Guardian]
MP's anger as state bears cost of any Sellafield disaster
“Taxpayers have been left with unlimited liability amounting to billions of pounds should there be a repeat of a nuclear accident at Sellafield under a deal signed with a US-led consortium which takes over the decommissioning of the waste facility from November 24. The indemnity even covers accidents and leaks that are the consortium's fault.” [Guardian]
Woolas dropped from TV panel after gaffes
“Immigration minister Phil Woolas has been axed by the government from a high-profile television appearance, days after making a series of gaffes. Woolas, who controversially called for population curbs and predicted the disestablishment of the Church of England, had been due to appear on tonight's Question Time on BBC1. A Home Office spokesman confirmed the change of plan but insisted the decision had been taken on the basis of the most topical subject matter.” [Guardian]
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10/24/08
Music News Bulletin - 24/10/08
MySpace Music Struggles to Hit the Right Pitch With Indie Labels
"When it first launched, MySpace Music had support from major record labels as well as The Orchard, a strong independent distributor. Largely left out were smaller independent labels not associated with The Orchard. A month later, MySpace is attempting to grow its stake in the indie field by cutting a deal with another large distributor for independent music, IODA.
"So what’s going on? A recession? A real one or just one that gets newspapers excited? I’m too cynical to get get concerned about these issues until they really effect me or I can see other people affected.
Then I looked at my schedule for the upcoming Popkomm conference in
10/20/08
Heron's Eye: 20/10/08
Labour fails to win poll boost from banking crisis 20/10/08
Gordon Brown is winning praise but not votes for his handling of the financial crisis, according to a Guardian/ICM poll published today. It shows the Conservatives maintaining a double-digit lead, enough for a Commons majority, despite the transformation of the prime minister's reputation at Westminster. [Guardian]
Gordon Brown defends level of national debt 20/10/08
Gordon Brown today defended the level of Britain's national debt – claiming it is "considerably lower" than a decade ago. The prime minister told MPs that it was because the government had repaid so much of its debt in previous years that it was able to borrow more now. [Guardian]
Financial crisis leaves David Cameron with few options 20/10/08
Last week, in an article about what David Cameron and his circle were thinking about the political consequences of the global financial crisis, ConservativeHome reported: "The Tories are not worried about being largely out of the news." [Guardian]
David Cameron is back - but he's storing up trouble for himself with this speech 20/10/08
“Is David Cameron at liberty to attack Gordon Brown's economic record as chancellor and prime minister? Of course he is. That's what we pay an opposition for: to oppose. He also produced a joke I hadn't heard.
Yet to hear some of this morning's talk about breaking the "political truce" during a financial crisis, you'd think he'd done something terrible like push the Brown kids off their tricycles and grazed their tiny knees.” [Guardian]
Salmond blames 'sub-prime minister' for banking disaster 20/10/08
Alex Salmond yesterday blamed Gordon Brown for the economic "calamity" that has forced the government to find £200bn to bail out the UK's banking sector.
The Scottish National party leader accused Brown of "presiding over the biggest economic reverse for a generation", deriding him as the "sub-prime minister". [Guardian]
'Insolvency arc' may influence Scottish poll 20/10/08
Michael White on the effects of the current financial crisis on the SNP’s political fortunes. [Guardian]
Darling invokes Keynes as he eases spending rules to fight recession 20/10/08
The Treasury confirmed yesterday it intends to fast-track spending planned for future years as Alistair Darling signalled that he will use next month's pre-budget report to relax Labour's long-standing fiscal rules to head off the worst effects of the recession.
Over the weekend the chancellor indicated that the government would seek to reflate the economy with a period of targeted spending on large infrastructure projects. Darling said yesterday that the economic thinking of legendary economist John Maynard Keynes was coming back into vogue. [Guardian]
Grimsdale's Ire: 20/10/08
Many in Ireland are wary of economic costs of absorbing Ulster 17/10/08
Henry McDonald on political deadlock in Northern Ireland not being resolved and how Dublin and Westminsters’ focus on the financial crisis is leading to political stalemate. [Guardian]
What's the point of regional ministers?
“It's not my question, but it's a good one. Andrew MacKinlay asked it in the House of Commons this afternoon. According to the Press Association report, this is how he put it:
‘I don't want to be unhelpful or unkind, but will you tell us what the regional ministers do … There is no scrutiny. I genuinely don't know precisely what they are supposed to do, and bearing in mind now we are told that there are some assistant regional ministers as well, those of us who are in the minority of never having been invited to do anything are beginning to wonder what we have done wrong.’” [Guardian]
Don't forget the third sector
Stephen Bubb on the need to continue development of the Third Sector through sheltering it from some of the more damaging effects of the economic downturn. [Guardian]
David Cameron proposes national insurance cut for small businesses 20/10/08
"David Cameron today called for very small businesses to be given a temporary tax cut of 1p on national insurance contributions to help them deal with the economic downturn.
In an interview on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, the Conservative leader said that a tax cut of this kind — costing the Treasury £225m — could offer immediate help to small firms struggling to pay their bills." [Guardian]
Home Office trying to persuade unions to drop opposition to ID cards 20/10/08
"The Home Office is in active talks with trade unions in an attempt to persuade them to abandon opposition to the imminent introduction of compulsory ID cards for airport workers.
Meg Hillier, the minister in charge of ID cards and passports, today promised there would be no delays to the £4.7bn programme despite the threat of a UK economic recession." [Guardian]
Digital TV switchover will hit rural viewers 20/10/08
"The culture secretary, Andy Burnham, has been accused of neglecting 2.5 million households in rural areas after it emerged they would get less than half the number of TV channels broadcast to the rest of Britain after the switch to digital services.
Opposition MPs believe the government is discriminating against rural communities because ministers have refused to make sure that all the broadcasters using the digital service Freeview offer a full service for every home, once the analogue television signal is finally switched off in 2012." [Guardian]
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10/15/08
Heron's Eye: 15/10/08
Ed Miliband: No retreat from green agenda despite recession
“The new energy and climate change secretary, Ed Miliband, insisted today that there must be no retreat from the government's climate change agenda in the face of the coming recession, as he prepared to accept proposals from Lord Turner's climate change committee tomorrow to increase
“Gordon Brown today said he was "very angry" with the House of Lords after it threw out his plans to detain terrorism suspects without charge for up to 42 days, forcing the government to abandon its proposal.” [Guardian]
“So this is to be Brown's
10/13/08
Heron's Eye: 13/10/08
Government set to scrap 42-day
“The government is tonight expected to tear up its plans to detain terrorism suspects for up to 42 days without charge after peers overwhelmingly rejected the proposal.” [Guardian]
“
“British forces are no longer needed to maintain security in southern Iraq and should leave the country, the Iraqi prime minister said in an interview published today.” [Guardian]
Those caught with marijuana for a second time will be fined £80 and after three strikes will be arrested when drug returns to class B
"Cannabis users face new penalties when the drug is upgraded to class B from January next year, the home secretary said today. Jacqui Smith said that those caught with cannabis for a second time would be fined £80 and after three strikes would be arrested." [Guardian]
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