News in brief: City mourns Meinertzhagen, Christmas cheer as retail sales rise, Hogg feels pinch as clients cut costs

Pic: Adrian Brooks / Imagewise onday 5th November, at 6.15pm, the Marmite Oxford Street Christmas Lights dazzled 20,000 people as they were switched on by worldwide selling artist Robbie Williams - kick starting the festive season along the world s most famous high street, which historically takes over one billion pounds in sales during the Christmas shopping season...Hosted by premium British department store, House of Fraser, thousands of shoppers watched the former Take That artist perform, as well as pop sensation Leona Lewis, and 4 piece guitar pop group Lawson...For the first time ever, the Marmite Oxford Street Christmas Lights give people the chance to appear within the mile long display, with Robbie s face the first to appear in the interactive banner...Robbie Williams says: "Tonight s event was incredible the Oxford Street crowds were amazing, and it was fantastic being part of the celebrations. .. ..- ENDS ......PRESS ENQUIRIES:..Imogen Holmes E: Imogen.holmes@raincommunications.co.uk or P: 0207 828 0118 or 07834 414 175..Roxanne Postle E: Roxanne.postle@raincommunications.co.uk or P: 0207 828 0118 or 07814 881 213..

Adrian Brooks / Imagewise

29 November 2012

The City was today mourning the death of investment banker Peter Meinertzhagen, who has died at the age of 66.

He was the former head of stockbroker Hoare Govett after being called back out of retirement to revive the firm when it was owned by ABN Amro. He joined Hoare Govett at the age of 19 and was a popular figure on the old Stock Exchange floor. Latterly he was director of Oriel Securities.

Christmas cheer as retail sales rise

Retail sales rose this month at the fastest pace since June, according to the CBI. The reported sales balance in the monthly distributive trades survey rose to +33 in November from +30 in October, beating forecasts for a reading of +18. “This month’s survey is reason to be cheerful as we head into the festive period,” said Anna Leach, head of economic analysis at the CBI.”

Hogg feels pinch as clients cut costs

Cost-cutting bosses are imposing tougher travel and accommodation restrictions on staff — and anyone allowed out of the office is made to stay in worse accommodation and fly on cheaper flights. So said, Hogg Robinson said today. The corporate travel organiser said half-year pre-tax profits fell 7% to £17.3 million, and added: “We saw further evidence of clients choosing cheaper travel and accommodation options. Many are imposing restrictions through tighter enforcement of travel policy.”