Foreign aid to help British firms win business overseas
The International Development Secretary in the UK has announced that aid money will be spent trying to make poorer countries better places in which to do business. The Department for International Development (Dfid), which is responsible for managing Britain's foreign aid budget, has announced plans which place much greater emphasis on helping new emerging economies such as Nigeria and Kenya, becoming strong and investable business environments. BP, GlaxoSmithKline, Morrisons, Dixons and Ikea were among those that put their names to an open letter to Dfid arguing that raising aid is in Britain's economic interests. (Telegraph, Independent)
EU bans sale of all animal-tested cosmetics
A complete ban on the sale of cosmetics developed through animal testing has taken effect in the EU. The ban applies to all new cosmetics and their ingredients sold in the EU, regardless of where in the world testing on animals was carried out. The 27 EU countries have had a ban on such tests in place since 2009, but the EU Commission is now asking the EU's trading partners to do the same. Until now, cosmetics firms were allowed to continue testing on animals for the most complex human health effects, such as toxicity which might lead to cancer. However, those tests now come under the ban too. (BBC)
New York sugary drinks ban blocked
A court has blocked a ban on the sale of large sugary drinks from restaurants in New York City, a day before measures were meant to take effect. The plan would have stopped food service establishments – including restaurants, cinemas and stadiums – from selling sugary drinks in portions bigger than 16 ounces (475ml). The American Beverage Association said that “the court ruling provides a sigh of relief to New Yorkers and thousands of small businesses in New York City that would have been harmed by this arbitrary and unpopular ban.” (Financial Times*, BBC)
Supply Chain
John Lewis 'abusing' supply chain with rebate demand
The department store chain John Lewis has been accused of “abusing” its supply chain by demanding a rebate from suppliers enjoying an increase in sales. John Lewis said suppliers will be subject to this rebate because it needs “all parties to participate in showing their on-going commitment and support”. The “growth rebate” scheme, which took effect at the start of last month, requires suppliers to slash their invoices by up to 5.25 percent if they enjoy an increase in annual sales through John Lewis outlets. (Telegraph)
Environment
Cost of greener ferries too high
The price of a sea crossing will soar, threatening jobs and businesses, unless ferry operators are exempted from imminent environmental regulation, ship-owners have warned. The UK Chamber of Shipping claims that the cost of new laws on sulphur emissions that will apply within the North Sea and Channel will mean longer ferry routes are no longer viable or competitive. While the shipping body says it agrees that there is "a clear and unequivocal need" to reduce poisonous sulphur emissions from ships, it argues that the 2015 deadline is not feasible for UK operators. (Guardian)
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