Daily Post

City Report

LONDON'S leading shares plunged into the red yesterday after struggling to hold on to early gains as US inflationary pressures continued to dog the market. A gloomy opening on Wall Street and continuing worries over the war in the Middle East, sparked a downturn in trading and the FTSE closed 47.5 points down at 5880.8.

Wall Street

Heathcotes Appoints Entertainment Experts for Anfield Celebrations

HEATHCOTES at Anfield has got into the Christmas mood by signing a deal with a leading entertainment company for the festive season. Elite Entertainments, which is based in Newton-le-Willows, will be responsible for ensuring people booking Christmas parties at Liverpool's stadium have a good time.

Late-Night Shopping May Generate Pounds 100m ; Exclusive

SHOPS in Liverpool city centre could generate an extra pounds 100m in annual revenues if plans to open late every night of the week come to fruition. On the eve of the start of late-night shopping every Thursday, Liverpool's retail outlets are being encouraged to extend their opening hours every weekday evening from next year to make the city a European-style shopping destination.

In Brief: Insurance Giant Buys Irish Network

In Brief: Bigger Harvest for Fuel Firm

In Brief: Estate Sell-Off

In Brief: Cheap Flights

In Brief: Driving Ahead

In Brief: Shops Buy

In Brief: It Takeover

Record Profits for Airline Despite Soaring Fuel Costs

RYANAIR announced record quarterly profits yesterday - up 80% - despite rocketing fuel costs. The Dublin-based firm, which by October will fly to 32 destinations from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, said net profits for the three months to the end of June soared to pounds 79m after rising fares and passenger numbers, particularly over Easter, boosted business.

Environment Award Puts Gloss On Painting Contractor's Future Prospects

AN award-winning Wirral painting contractor hired to restore the grandeur of Liverpool's St George's Hall has applied a gloss to its own future prospects by acquiring a "fourth pillar" of business success. The Roy Hankinson Group has become one of the first companies in the UK to receive a new environmental standard.

Liverpool to Hear Growth Report First

LIVERPOOL has been chosen as the city in which the findings of the first Northern Way report will be announced. The Northern Way is the Deputy Prime Minister's growth strategy to help close the pounds 30bn output gap between the North and the average for England. The three northern Regional Development Agencies - the Northwest Regional Development Agency, One NorthEast and Yorkshire Forward - are implementing the strategy

Law Prizes Handed Out

Losses Turned Into Profit Thanks to Cost Cutting and Strong Performance by Fuel Specialities ; the Big Feature

LAST week, the company published its latest trading figures in the US. They showed second quarter net income (profit after tax) was $1m compared with a net loss of $104.8m in the corresponding period a year ago.

Pz Cussons Plans New Pounds 15m Soap Gel Factory ; the Big Feature

IMPERIAL Leather and Carex soap maker PZ Cussons said yesterday it was planning a new pounds 15m factory to make shower and bath gels. The Stockport-based company unveiled the scheme as it reported a 9% rise in underlying pre-tax profits to pounds 63.6m after enjoying improved sales for the year to May 31.

Firm Cheers Up Investors ; the Big Feature

WICKES owner Travis Perkins raised the spirits of investors yesterday after profits beat expectations and it forecast a recovery in market conditions. The Northampton-based company reported a 0.4% boost in pre-tax profits to pounds 110.4m, despite struggling sales at its Wickes chain, which it acquired in February last year.

Stronger Summer Profits Lift Business Confidence ; Market Watch

BUSINESS confidence has grown to its best level for nine years following a significant upturn in orders, according to a new report. A survey of 2,200 firms showed that one in four saw sales rise in recent months, a jump from fewer than one in 10 six months a go.

Business Diary

Friday, August 11: St Helens Chamber Business Club Race Evening at Haydock Park with optional meal afterwards (pounds 2pp deposit required) 6pm-8.30pm. Tickets for the county enclosure, pounds 22. Contact Events at St Helens Chamber on 01744 742028.