It pays to be known as an expert insurance company which focuses on covering a range of personal and commercial risks often thought to be ‘too complex or too much trouble’ for other companies. Like classic cars, pricey homes, high art, world renowned events and also kidnapping and ransom demands.

Europe’s top insurer of fine art and valuable possessions, Hiscox, has ducked the blanket gloom and doom of the financial markets to announce record results for the first half of the year.

Continue reading “Specialist Insurer Hiscox Announces Record Profits” »

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has announced that it intends to make further changes to its R&D model after splitting its R&D division into small therapy area units. This is a much-needed step for the company, which desperately needs to increase its product pipeline. However, a further overhaul of R&D processes may be necessary as patent expirations and intense generic competition come ever closer.
Continue reading “Will New R&D Model Help Pharmaceutical Giant Pfizer Stay Competitive?” »

Pharma companies have been dragged into the firing line this week. The UK’s Observer quoted Professor Michael Rawlins, the chair of the health watchdog, NICE, as saying the drugs industry is overpricing critical new medicines to improve its profits.

His remarks came in the wake of the current outcry surrounding NICE’s refusal to approve costly new kidney drugs for NHS use. He told The Observer, “We are told we are being mean all the time, but what nobody mentions is why the drugs are so expensive.”

Continue reading “Not-so-NICE remarks from Health Watchdog about Pharma Industry” »

Perhaps unsurprisingly satellite data has revealed that Beijing experiences some of the dirtiest air among of all the planet’s cities, resulting in the Chinese capital being awarded an unwelcome new accolade- the air pollution capital of the world. As the Olympics host country is cutting back on industrial production and transportation in an effort to keep its air at healthy enough levels for the games, a new report presents electric motorcycles as the new ‘it’ vehicle for China’s motorists.

Continue reading “Will the Electric Bike be China’s Green Saviour?” »

Anyone that has visited a grocery store or recently browsed through the food and drink supplement of any newspaper or health magazine would be familiar with the fashionable term ‘superfruit’. Referring to a rapidly growing range of fruit and veg, the valuable superfruit promise is found on a wide selection of beverage and food product labels.

Continue reading “Consumers Hungry for the Health Benefits of the so called Superfruit” »

The UK Government’s Renewable Fuels Agency’s report said in early August, 2008 that of the biodiesel used in the UK from mid-April to mid-May, only a fifth of the total quantity of biofuels sold met recognised environmental standards.

The time has come for differentiation among biofuels. Some biofuels are clearly superior to others in terms of environmental benefits, and the standards that they adhere to. An unambiguous trend is emerging in the biofuels industry that recognises the fact that there is a premium on biofuels which meet sustainability criteria.

Continue reading “‘Greener’ and Sustainable Biofuels Attract Interest and Investment” »

Starbucks has announced initiatives in two major markets aimed at reinvigorating its business.

Starbucks is to shed 75% of its stores in Australia, following difficulty penetrating the country’s coffee market, and provide free top-ups in the UK and Ireland in recognition of a consumer downturn. Although these moves could be seen to be a reversal of the company’s global aims and premium image, they should allow Starbucks to provide greater value for money during tough economic conditions. Continue reading “Starbucks Responds to Slowing Market” »

Having grown consistently over the past five years, the EU health & beauty (EU H&B) market now looks set to change.
Strong growth in the EU health & beauty market, particularly in new member states, has encouraged cross-border expansion of pan-European chains. While the likes of Schlecker and AS Watson have found the EU to be a land of opportunity, smaller players have struggled. Moreover, with the increasing presence of grocers, the concentration of power is set to change the EU H&B landscape. Continue reading “EU Health & Beauty Set for a Strong Year Ahead” »

The Chinese software industry has grown significantly, mainly due to rapid growth in such industries as finance, petrochemical, telecom, petroleum and railway. Moreover, the software enterprises have grown much wider and deeper than the previous single software development.

Continue reading “Strong Government Support means China’s Software Industry Emerges as Fourth Largest in the World” »

Investment in warranty management technology solutions in the manufacturing sector is set to grow as manufacturers globally seek out additional cost and revenue opportunities. This is according to a new report, “The Waking World of Warranty Management”. The most common benefit associated with warranty management solutions is their ability to increase the visibility of warranty claims and the impact they have on current and future business imperatives. While almost all manufacturing companies will have some degree of warranty management established within their businesses, the report has identified a renewed focus on streamlining processes and technology functionality in the discipline. Continue reading “Global Manufacturers’ spend on Warranty Management Solutions tipped to exceed $1bn” »