Paper round: Ex-BA boss condemns Heathrow expansion

Ex-BA boss condemns Heathrow expansion

In an article for the Sunday Times, Bob Ayling, former chief executive of British Airways, attacked plans to expand Heathrow airport as a “costly mistake” that is “against Britain’s economic interests.”

Chateau Foster a la Battersea?

The Observer's gossip column Pendennis carries a short note about Lord Foster's imminent move to Switzerland. When Foster moved to St Moritz, one of his architects was apparently sent out to ensure all Foster's furniture was positioned exactly as it was in London. Now, the practice is worrying if they can do the same thing with their entire Battersea HQ...

Spanish put Belfast airport on the block

Ferrovial, the owner of BAA, is preparing to sell Belfast City airport, according to the Sunday Times. KPMG is understood to have been appointed to run an auction of the airport, valued at about £100m.

Billion dollar windfarm sale

Sir Robert McAlpine is selling off its North American windfarms business in a deal estimated to be worth up to $1bn (£506m), the Sunday Times reports. First round bids are due in this week for RES Americas, which built the world’s largest windfarm last year in Texas.

Reactors will cost twice estimate, says E.ON chief

The government has vastly underestimated the cost of building a new generation of nuclear power plants, according to the head of E.ON, the world’s largest power company, the Times reports on Monday. Wulf Bernotat, the chairman and chief executive of the power giant, told the paper that the cost per plant could be £4.8bn, almost double the government’s latest £2.8bn estimate.

Candy brothers see India as possible site for luxury homes

Nick and Christian Candy apparently have their eye on the Indian market. The Observer reports that the brothers have visited the country to drum up sales for their One Hyde Park development and search out opportunities in India.

OFT fixer who gets the cheats to play fair

The Observer interviews John Fingleton, the OFT's chief executive. Following investigations into the construction industry, supermarkets and airline fuel surcharges, the "feisty Irishman" says he is a "consumer champion". The article also reveals that so many construction companies sought leniency during their investigation that the OFT had to cap applications.

Waitrose looks to downsize in market towns

Saturday's Guardian reports that Waitrose is planning to open new 'half-size' stores in market towns across the UK. The grocer said the new smaller stores would focus on fresh foods and compete with the Tesco Express and Sainsburys Local brands.