Fudges finds its niche

Here is a great example of a food manufacturing business that has reinvented itself to successfully exploit a niche for luxury food products. The video link would make a great lesson starter resource and there is lots of business studies content that can be drawn out through discussion and further research.

Profits warning signals housing market danger

Bovis. one of Britain’s leading new housebuilders, is experiencing a significant downturn in demand, which is blaming on high interest rates and the “credit crunch”.

Supporters count the cost of following a Premiership footie club

How much would you spend to be a loyal supporter of Premiership football club? New research highlights just how much it all costs.

Can you guess - what is Britain’s fastest-growing sport?

Friday evening is approaching yet again.  And it turns out that by participating in my regular Friday exercise I’m taking part in Britain’s fastest-growing sport.  A sport that also claims to be “recession-proof”.

A good example of price elasticity of demand

A great news article about the problems faced by Hovis bread would make a useful example of price elasticity of demand for business students.

Paying the price for plastic bags

M&S have made the first move in what may be a new approach by retailers to charging for customers who want plastic bags at the checkout.

Pest controller sees profits tumble

Two contrasting stories in the news today highlight how the value of a business can fluctuate widely.

Another Business that doesn’t ‘get’ the internet: Hollywood

It’s not just small businesses that don’t ‘get’ the web.. One of the world’s biggest entertainment industries, the Hollywood movie business, is way behind others in using the technology to boost its profits.  In fact, the industry often seems almost hostile to the internet – even fearful. 

There are plenty of websites that offers films for download to personal computers, iPods or other hand-held devices, or to burn to DVD. They look professional, with easy to use features, detailed descriptions of each movie, editors’ picks, customer reviews and screen stills. Even the prices are reasonable.  The catch is – they’re illegal.

Thongs aren’t what they used to be

The bottom has fallen out of the thong market, in a classic example of how consumer demand can fluctuate reflecting changing fashions and tastes. 

Will income tax have to rise?

Analysis about whether the UK government will need to raise income tax

An interesting article in the Times newspaper today raises the possibility that the Chancellor will need to raise taxes by £8 billion in order to keep government spending within the target of 40% of GDP.