But Kilroy makes no apologies for the deal and goes on to imply the theory about the United States taking ideas . . . → Read More: Misys boss set to be taken over yet again]]> As Misys awaits a takeover by Vista, the San Francisco private equity firm, spare a thought for Tom Kilroy. The Misys head is unexpectedly leading yet another British software house being taken over by foreign interests.

But Kilroy makes no apologies for the deal and goes on to imply the theory about the United States taking ideas and profits from Britain is simply “not right.” The 42-year old was general counsel and company secretary for Misys only two months ago.

After lengthy negotiations, Vista began takeover talks with Misys, who develop financial and banking software. Misys boss Mike Lawrie had already stood down and left Kilroy – with a background as a lawyer and science graduate – to step up to the executive at a time when the £1.1billion company was dealing with three serious bidders. With Mike Lawrie in charge, Misys struggled and went further into debt, posting a £3.6 million loss to November, compared to the nearly £20 million profit from last year. With a turnaround slow in coming, several companies stepped up and began talks.

Temenos, a Swiss competitor approached Misys with what looked like a merger proposition. Once the details had been worked out though, the “merger” seemed more like a takeover, with Temenos executives set to occupy the top positions at the new company. It didn’t help that the deal had been worked out over a four day period and gave the merger a hint of desperation.

When Mike Lawrie resigned as boss of Misys, it left Kilroy facing the merger proposition from Temenos and the Vista buyout offer. However, shareholders quickly agreed to the takeover from Vista and Kilroy was left to deal with the fallout as criticism emerged about Vista sharing concepts and ideas developed by Misys amongst its member companies.

Despite operating in a difficult . . . → Read More: Easyjet signs new contracts as part of its push into the business market]]> As part of its push into the business market, Easyjet has reported contracts with leading travel companies including FCM, Hillgate Travel and American Express. With its focus on low cost fares and customer service its growth in the business travel market has continued, although no figures were available to back this claim.

Despite operating in a difficult business environment Easyjet were able to cut its losses by over 27 percent. Its loss for the half-year was down to £112 million in contrast with £153 million for a similar period last year. Revenue, in turn was up nearly 16% and travellers using the Easyjet service increased by nearly 25%.

Improved cash flow came from cost cutting, better capacity management and various income generating initiatives. Carolyn McCall, the CEO reported that Easyjet had a focus on customer service, improved financial outcomes and innovation. Combined with a strategic plan for the future this was paying dividends for both passengers and shareholders.

However, the aviation industry is a challenging environment where much uncertainty remained. For example, the Airline Passenger Duty (APD), a fee levied on all passengers commuting in the United Kingdom has recently been increased and the company faced an increased fuel bill of over £80 million. Further measures by the government and unknowns such as climate factors will continue to add to the uncertainty.

Easyjet is currently trialing a series of initiatives designed to generate an additional £100 million from its business travelers over the next three years. Amongst other innovations, allocated seating, where passengers get to choose their own seat for a fee is being tested on selected flights and increased frequency on various destinations is becoming popular with both new and existing customers.

Germany also . . . → Read More: Germany enjoys it’s position as the second largest export market in the world]]> The largest export market in the UK is Germany and it is also the second-largest in the world. Germany is a very attractive country for people to do business with as it is located right in the centre of Europe, has excellent flights, and English is an acceptable language for business in most large companies.

Germany also has the largest population of any EU country, at over 80 million. However, anyone who wants to do business in the country should bear in mind that there are 16 individual states, all with different business rules and regulations.

There is also the situation that East and West Germany are still integrating, a process that is not expected to be completed until 2019. If you’re in the UK and are looking to export goods to Germany, or bringing goods to the UK, you are not going to be subject to any sort of import duty because of European trading rules.

However, if you do wish to export or import goods between these two countries you are going to have to be aware about regulations determining the standard of these goods. Everyone is aware of the major companies that are importing and exporting products to and from Germany, such as BMW, Adidas and Mercedes.

The only make up just one percent of all the companies responsible for importing and exporting from the country however, and the vast majority of them are small businesses that are largely family owned.

There is no question that it is an advantage to speak German if you are doing business in the country, although iit is not essential. It is easily possible to hire an interpreter for a situation where you do need to have a meeting in German, and it is also important if you are signing any contractual documents related to your business.

However, this deal may not be completed as a rival offer has been made by NBNK, the bank which has . . . → Read More: Lloyds consider bids for 600 branches]]> Lloyds TSB recently announced it was selling over 600 of its bank branches in the UK, and all of these could be purchased by the Co-op for a value of what is estimated to be £1.4 billion.

However, this deal may not be completed as a rival offer has been made by NBNK, the bank which has been started by the former head of Northern Rock. This offer has stated that the company would be purchasing these banks in order to start one that does not have any bonuses for its employees.

This deal will also secure jobs at every single branch and it is going to change their focus to working with small businesses and personal banking. In December last year this company were passed over for the Co-op, however it seems they have recently revised their offer and Lloyds have said they have a renewed interest in this deal.

It was widely expected that the Co-op deal was going to go ahead, however Lloyds have been planning ahead just in case it fails. It is estimated that the branches being sold accounts for around five percent of all current accounts in the UK. This is around 20 percent of the entire mortgage book held by Lloyds, which equates to around 5 million customers.

Lloyds was considering floating the bank but the offer from NBNK means that they will not have to do this. The new bank is going to focus exclusively on the customers and many analysts are thinking that it is going to be a very tempting offer for Lloyds to pursue because it does not carry the same risk as a flotation on the stock market. All parties have said they are in close contact with regulators in the city to make sure all requirements are met.

The company is responsible for the maintenance and management of power plants and they are going to be starting a new contract . . . → Read More: Stockton firm confirm new contract with major company on Humberside]]> The PX group is a company based in Stockton and it seems as if the future is going to be bright as they have recently secured an important contract with a producer based in Humberside.

The company is responsible for the maintenance and management of power plants and they are going to be starting a new contract with Millennium Inorganic Chemicals. This company is the second largest producer in the world of titanium dioxide which is commonly used for colouring a wide range of products.

The PX group has 11 employees working at the power plants and the new contract has meant that their jobs had been secured. The plant was previously being operated by the energy giant npower and the staff have been transferred to the PX group.

The operations director of the PX group is Ian Clifford and he has commented, “This contract is something that is going to allow us to increase our competitiveness. We are delighted to be able to work alongside Millennium Inorganic Chemicals and we really think that we’re going to be able to help them significantly reduce their energy costs.”

The company overall employs 300 people in the UK, and it also has a presence in the Middle East which it is going to be expanding significantly in the near future. The company have already established an office in the United Arab Emirates and have secured an important contract in the region. One of these is the assessment of a £30 million property development taking place in Dubai.

When the company announced its closure last year many people were . . . → Read More: Iconic Harry Ramsden shop saved from closure]]> The famous Harry Ramsden’s fish and chip shop located in the North at Guiseley last year announced it was going to be closing down. However, there has been good news for the company as it has just been announced that it is going to be rescued.

When the company announced its closure last year many people were sad to hear that its 83 year history was coming to a close. The site was set to be demolished and people are very glad to hear that this isn’t actually going to be happening. The company has been saved by the Wetherby Whaler and they have announced that they are going to be spending £500,000 in order to restore the shop to its former glory.

The restaurant previously employed around 25 people and the purchasing company have said that they might even be employing more people than this in the future. The founder of the Wetherby Whaler, Philip Murphy has commented, “This fish and chip restaurant is the home of this famous British dish and we think it would be a disaster for the shop to close. To see this institution face hard times after eight decades of operation is incredibly sad and we are delighted to have been able to save this Yorkshire landmark.

“This is going to be our new flagship restaurant and we hope that it does justice to the excellent fish and chips that Harry Ramsden’s has been serving up to loyal customers for many years. We are going to put a lot of investment into this opportunity and we think that it will bring a great deal back to us in the end. We are determined to make it a lasting success and build it up on the most solid foundations.” The shop is part of a larger expansion by Wetherby Whaler.