Business comment, opinions on the business news

Worrying signs in the labour market Aug 08 2011

CONFIDENCE in any sector is important, so it is encouraging that business leaders in the region step up to say that despite the bleak news about the UK economy, especially in manufacturing, this region has the capacity to buck the trend and spring into growth.Read

We should grasp high-speed rail opportunity Aug 05 2011

THE response of Newcastle Airport to the news that the possibility of a fast rail link to the region may turn into something more positive was a disappointment.Read

Despite market turmoil, equities still best option in the long-term Aug 03 2011

THE wrangle between Republicans and Democrats over the US debt ceiling left investors by turns bemused and anxious amid blood-curdling warnings that failure to reach an agreement might trigger a default and cause financial Armageddon.Read

So proud to be Chamber president Aug 03 2011

I AM immensely honoured to have been chosen to serve as the new president of the British Chambers of Commerce for the next two years.Read

Despite market turmoil, equities still best option in the long-term Aug 03 2011

THE wrangle between Republicans and Democrats over the US debt ceiling left investors by turns bemused and anxious amid blood-curdling warnings that failure to reach an agreement might trigger a default and cause financial Armageddon.Read

Positive economic signs for next year Aug 02 2011

AS THE politicians disappear on holiday, the latest news suggests that there are still large clouds over our economy’s prospects.Read

Policy could wipe smile off your face Aug 01 2011

CLEARLY the Chancellor of the Exchequer has been listening to the head of the Office for National Statistics.Read

Recovery is impressive at grass roots Aug 01 2011

THE first half of 2011 has been challenging for equity markets. The sovereign debt crisis, the Japanese disaster, and worries of a slowdown in economic recovery in both the developed and developing markets have stifled investor confidence.Read

Social marketing is the way to go Jul 30 2011

THERE is one question which any business will ask when considering launching a marketing campaign.Read

US default a threat to all businesses Jul 29 2011

Stock markets have held up well in the face of global economic turbulence. But a US debt default could change all that, says Stokesley stockbroker Andrew Priestley.Read

Make the most of our own tourist attractions Jul 27 2011

NOW that the schools have broken up, the holiday season will get into full swing so it is probably a good time to focus on one of the major business sectors of Northumberland – tourism.Read

Are money-managers worth their weight, or an unnecessary expense? Jul 27 2011

THERE are numerous studies that look at whether investment managers can consistently provide above-average performance. After all, those are the managers you want looking after your money.Read

Credible case for regional decisions Jul 27 2011

IT SEEMS odd to be hailing a 0.2% growth in GDP for the three months to June 30 as good news but, considering the gloomy forecasts, the figures could certainly have been a lot worse.Read

Rethink is needed on job laws Jul 26 2011

CRITICAL to the ability of a business to grow is having a motivated workforce. The recession has opened a new dialogue between employees and employers with many organisations negotiating forms of flexible working to reduce headline job losses and ensure it could maintain the talent within the workforceRead

Rethink is needed on job laws Jul 26 2011

CRITICAL to the ability of a business to grow is having a motivated workforce. The recession has opened a new dialogue between employees and employers with many organisations negotiating forms of flexible working to reduce headline job losses and ensure it could maintain the talent within the workforceRead

Inequality must be tackled Jul 25 2011

CAN you enjoy economic growth without increasing inequality? was the question asked by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and the subject of interesting discussion last week, the same time they launched a new economic commission exploring ways to tackle underperformance in the North’s economy.Read

Markets spooked by ongoing crisis Jul 25 2011

THE eurozone sovereign debt crisis has dominated markets again this week with sharp sell-offs in the Spanish and Italian bond and equity markets. The eurozone equity market overall was down by roughly 5%.Read

Riverside industries promise a new industrial revolution, says Bill Midgley Jul 21 2011

LAST week I was fortunate enough to be driven along the north bank of the Tyne from Byker into North Tyneside.Read

Eurozone sovereign debt dominates market Jul 20 2011

THE Eurozone sovereign debt crisis has dominated markets again over the last week with sharp sell-offs in the Spanish and Italian bond and equity markets – the Eurozone equity market overall is down by roughly 5% in the last week.Read

UK mismatch must be tackled Jul 20 2011

TRADE minister Lord Green set out the challenge of restoring the UK’s balance of payments deficit by growing our export base. Speaking at Thursday’s North East Exporters’ Awards, he described it as a marathon, not a sprint.Read