Search Page | Page 5512

The 10 per cent cut in prices expected to follow implementation of the Reform of Electricity Trading Arrangements (Reta) is “conservative”, Anna Walker, director-general for energy at the Department of Trade and Industry, told a recent Energy Information Centre (EIC) conference in London.

Scots follow ‘cluster’ model

Scotland’s new parliament will show its hand on industrial strategy on 14 June with the launch of an action plan to develop “clusters” of companies in key sectors. A semiconductor plan will be followed by strategies for food, biotechnology and, possibly, oil and gas.

Gas suppliers see red on Y2k

Gas shippers and suppliers are among five sectors most at risk from a failure to deal with the millennium bug problem. Sir John Bourn, head of the government’s millennium task force, gave the suppliers a “red rating”, which indicates a severe risk of material disruption.

PFI hospital savings elusive

The first major hospital developed under the private finance initiative (PFI) has probably worked out to be more expensive than if public money had been used, the National Audit Office (NAO) has reported.

DSS saves with property deal

The Department of Social Security’s (DSS) 20-year private finance initiative (PFI) deal with the private sector to provide much of their office accommodation is likely to deliver savings of £560 million, according to a report by the National Audit Office.

SMEs fail on Competition Act

A government survey of small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) has found that 77 per cent of their managers are unaware of the new Competition Act, while 21 per cent know very little about it.

Successful Project Management

Trevor Young Kogan Page, £7.99 Rating: 3/5

Contract Negotiation Handbook

Peter Marsh Gower, £69.50 Successful planning, execution and conclusion of contract negotiations can contribute directly to corporate profitability, says Peter Marsh in the third edition of his guide for managers.

Chartered Insurance Institute

Pressure for 44-tonne lorries

The government is said to be moving towards allowing 44-tonne lorries on UK roads. Stephen Joseph, a member of the government’s Commission for Integrated Transport, told the Transport 2000 Rail Freight Group that the government was considering the move. “There is intense pressure for an early move to 44 tonnes,” he said.