Energy firm Aggreko shifting towards solar and battery power
Douglas Fraser Business and economy editor, Scotland Aggreko’ An aerial view of an Aggreko battery park Energy firm Aggreko is shifting towards solar and battery power in its supply of temporary generation to foreign markets and major sporting events. The company has built up a world-leading role in supply of diesel generators to power developing […]
Inside Brazil’s hidden daycare economy
Getty Images A group of Brazilian mothers have created an informal daycare economy for the poorest children. Could they be an antidote to the country’s imbalanced education system? Lindassi Pereira spends long days as a key player in Brazil’s informal childcare economy. As a ‘community mother’, she looks after infants and toddlers shut out of […]
The art of perseverance: How gaman defined Japan
Julian Littler Features correspondent Getty Images Every child in Japan is taught to gaman: to patiently persevere in tough times. Is this the way to create an orderly society, or does gaman have a dark side? It’s a stressful process as harried commuters rush in all directions. On the platform, everyone shuffles into tight formation […]
Tesco customer in a pickle over labelling
Matthew Stock Tesco has tried to resolve a condiment conundrum in one of its ready meals. Customer Matthew Stock did not mince his words when he tweeted Tesco asking it to explain a best before date of 20140 on a sachet of burger relish. The chain responded saying the date code on the relish included […]
Battle of the sexes: Office edition
Sydney Finkelstein Features correspondent Why women should fight their way into the C-Suite. (Thinkstock) (There is) a seemingly endless array of super-CEOs who got into trouble because of ego, arrogance and over-confidence. Sitting at an outdoor café in London the other day enjoying the near-perfect weather that June sometimes brings, my gaze came across a […]
Charity calls on government to help Teesside fishermen
Fiona Trott North of England correspondent BBC Some fishermen report living off their savings following the die-off Just over 18 months ago, waves of dead and dying shellfish began washing up on mile after mile of shoreline in the north-east of England. No-one knew why they were dying or what had killed them and, despite […]
The new secrets of networking
Chana R Schoenberger Features correspondent What traits do successful networkers cultivate? (Thinkstock) Editor’s Note: This is the second of a three-part BBC Capital series on new strategies for women’s success in the workplace. Ambitious career women are working harder than ever to reach top jobs but getting ahead these days means rethinking how they network […]
Missguided fast fashion brand collapses
Jennifer Meierhans BBC News Getty Images Fashion brand Missguided has appointed administrators after suppliers filed to shut it down over unpaid debts. The retailer with about 330 staff has asked Teneo Financial Advisory to sell its business and assets. Missguided has been hit by supply chain costs, rising inflation and “softening” consumer confidence in an […]
To get ahead, take a cue from Hollywood
Chana R Schoenberger Features correspondent The right kind of entourage is useful for celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and executive women. (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images) Team You Who’s standing behind women executives? A superior who stands up for you and pushes you ahead at work. Advisory Board: Trusted friends, colleagues and counterparts from whom you seek […]
Coca-Cola company trials first paper bottle
Coca-Cola Coca-Cola will run its first test with 2,000 bottles to see how they hold up Coca-Cola is to test a paper bottle as part of a longer-term bid to eliminate plastic from its packaging entirely. The prototype is made by a Danish company from an extra-strong paper shell that still contains a thin plastic […]