BAA
After receiving severe criticism during last year’s heavy snowfall, Heathrow’s operators BAA were applauded for their communications strategy last weekend. By anticipating problems and planning well in advance, they avoided a total meltdown at the airport.
Harry Redknapp
After starting the day looking at a possible jail term, Harry went to bed as the overwhelming favourite to be the next England manager.
“What a week, what a day for Harry Redknapp! One asset that Harry Redknapp always possessed was a great ability to communicate effectively, something that has earned him the respect of the British media.
“Due to the high profile failure of this week’s court case and the reported £8million cost, the spotlight will inevitably fall on the HMRC. More on that below, but for now, the Spurs fan in the office is delighted at the outcome and is hoping Harry sticks around at White Hart Lane for a while longer.”
BP
Announces profits of £15 billion and increases dividend for shareholders.
“What a turnaround for BP. Less than two years ago there were concerns about the survival of BP, but this week the company increased its dividend for the first time in a year as it posted profits of £15bn.
“It’s been a painful few years but this should go some way to appeasing investors that BP is on the road to redemption. Praise must go to Bob Dudley, the CEO who took over from Tony Hayward. In a situation not-too-dissimilar to RBS and Stephen Hester, he took over a company being slaughtered by the media and has started to earn back some respect and credibility.”
The UK High Street
Grim figures from the British Retail Consortium this week, showing that the UK high street suffered its second worse January since records began 17 years ago, adding to further gloomy headlines from elsewhere.
“A drop in sales, falling consumer confidence, competition from internet retailers and higher shop vacancy rates – the outlook isn’t good for the UK retail sector, with many more retailers expected to join Peacocks in administration.
“Local governments must step in to help save the high street. Scrap red tape, short-stay parking charges and regulate the commercial rent market, which is killing off both famous high street names and independent retailers. Small businesses are responsible for hiring millions of workers, and this is a problem that could quickly spiral out of control.”
David Cameron, Andrew Lansley and the Health and Social Care Bill
A terrible week was topped off by a defeat in the House of Lords, with the newspapers quoting a source this week saying that Andrew Lansley “messed up both the communication and the substance of the policy”.
“The coalition seems to be determined to push this bill through despite widespread opposition, but the danger here is that this will give Ed Miliband an open goal to blame every NHS problem on these reforms.
“To add their woes, the Institute of Healthcare Management (IHSM) and the Faculty of Public Health joined the growing list of health organisations opposing the bill. Time for another listening exercise Prime Minister?”
HMRC
After targeting Spurs manager Harry Redknapp and issuing closure threats to Portsmouth and Hearts, there are many wondering if the HMRC has got its priorities right, especially when Mr Mandaric was acquitted at a previously unreported trial.
“In attempting to show that they are serious about clamping down on tax evasion, there are now questions being asked about HMRC’s judgement and whether it should have paid for stolen information.
“With HMRC boss Dave Hartnett already under fire over so-called “sweetener deals” with larger firms, we agree with Peter Binning, a financial crime specialist at law firm Corker Binning, who was spot on when he said “it is a bit of a mystery” why the case came to court. This story will continue to run in the media and it’s about time we got answers from the HMRC – the sooner the better!”
