Lloyd’s of London profits fall 47%

The Lloyd’s of London insurance market yesterday said rising claims costs and lower investment income contributed to a 47% fall in half-year profits.

Bradford & Bingley axes 370 jobs as losses mount

Struggling mortgage lender Bradford & Bingley said today it is cutting 370 jobs in a crackdown on costs.

LLoyd's of London reveals 47% fall in half-year profits

The Lloyd's of London insurance market today said rising claims costs and lower investment income contributed to a 47% fall in half-year profits.

	Centrica in line for nuclear holding
	French utility EDF said yesterday it has agreed to buy nuclear power company British Energy for £12.5bn, and plans to sell a stake to Scottish Gas owner Centrica, in a deal that will pave the way for a new generation of nuclear reactors in the UK.

FSA to crackdown on investors dodging new rules

The City regulator yesterday pledged a crackdown on investors dodging new rules restricting bets against financial companies as Standard Life became the latest Scottish institution revealed to be the subject of hedge fund interest and HBOS saw a pause in its recent share price plummet.

Buffett investment boosts financials

Battered financial stocks gained strength yesterday after legendary investor Warren Buffett bought a $5bn stake in US investment bank Goldman Sachs, but overall sentiment in beleaguered share markets remained downbeat.

	Service sector in Scotland slams into reverse gear
	Scotland's dominant service sector slammed into reverse during the summer as firms suffered precipitous falls in turnover and business volumes and predicted even worse to come, dragging the overall economy down.

French and Saunders sketch has a Scottish punchline

Alf young on Thursday: There is nothing new in Scottish politicians straining every sinew to preserve Scottish companies and their headquarters here in Scotland.

Sentance warns against over reaction to turbulent markets

Andrew Sentance, member of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee, appeared in no rush to vote to cut UK base rates from 5% when he proclaimed last night that it was important not to "over-react" to turbulence in global financial markets.

Fry takes on top job at Johnston Press

John Fry, the Archant chief executive who sold Johnston Press a portfolio of Scottish weekly papers last year, is to follow them by taking on the top job at the Edinburgh publisher.

Robertson sees no end to housing sector downturn

The owner of one of Scotland’s leading housebuilders said it was considering mothballing up to 70% of the sites it planned to work on because market conditions are so dire.

Shares in Axeon plummet after profits warning

Shares in Axeon Holdings plunged 27% following a profits warning from the Dundee-based producer of advanced battery systems, which said demand had been dampened by the downturn in the European construction sector.

Co-op ready to take on high street giants as food sales rise

The Co-operative Group today said it was ready to trade blows with its bigger grocery rivals after its burgeoning food business boosted first-half profits.

Clothing sales give Laura Ashley a boost

Retailer Laura Ashley today reported higher half-year earnings as increased clothing sales offset a slump in demand for furniture and decorating products.

	Shares in HBOS plunge 14% as short-seller is revealed
	New York hedge fund manager John Paulson emerged as the only investor to retain a short position in the shares of HBOS since last week’s clampdown.

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