New status for Israel

Israel has been updated from an ‘emerging’ market to a ‘developed’ one by index compiler MSCI Barra. As of May 2010, the MSCI Israel Index will beincluded in the MSCI World Index, which includes most developed markets.

More..

Devono joins Stelios to boost Easyoffice

Easyjet entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is expanding his property portfolio and has appointed Devono, the tenant representative specialist run by Robert Leigh, to help him.

More..

Does the recession scare Ofer or not?

Business practice can look distinctly fishy on occasions. While Zim Integrated Shipping Services, the firm co-owned by Israeli billionaire Sammy Ofer, is postponing a purchase of new ships, another shipping company owned by Mr Ofer is apparently taking advantage of the recession to buy new ships at low prices. The reports say that through this second firm, Mr Ofer recently bought 13 cargo ships: 10 container ships, two regular cargo ships and a refrigerated ship. Sounds cool.

More..

Henman’s hideaway

Andy Murray has been playing at Wimbledon — but Tim Henman? He’s been playing property — when not on commentating duty. The former British number one, Mr Henman has become an ambassador and member of The Hideaways Club. Founded by Stephen Wise and Mike Balfour, the founder of Fitness First, it offers members exclusive use of multi-million pound properties across Europe. Mr Henman says: “The concept of fractional ownership makes sense to me and I look forward to the choice the Club offers.”

More..

Israeli investors are buying up London

It seems that London is proving an attractive destination for Israelis who like shopping — for property.

More..

Nice one, Money Mensch

JC money Mensch Martin Lewis’s Moneysavingexpert.com has been voted the most trustworthy website by OnePoll’s survey of non-news or banking sites. It beat Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, which, incidentally, was voted the least trustworthy. We understand the MPs’ expenses website was not included in the poll.

More..

‘Israel can thrive in crunch’

The global economic crisis could not have happened at a better time from Israel’s point of view, says Vered Dar, chief economist at the country’s largest investment house, Psagot Ofek.

Ms Dar, the former deputy director of macroeconomics for Israel’s Ministry of Finance, believes Israeli businesses in the UK can thrive despite the recession. Speaking at a round table discussion hosted by Mishcon de Reya and Bank Leumi, she added: “Israel remained in a good position as conditions deteriorated abroad, with economic growth continuing.

More..

It’s a good time to be caring

Oh to be Richard Caring. Not only is the restaurant entrepreneur planning a huge expansion of his already sizeable empire, he has someone else doing the legwork. His chief executive Des McDonald told the Evening Standard he was working to expand the £200m annual turnover of Mr Caring’s high-profile portfolio, which includes The Ivy, Scott’s and Annabel’s, by around 20 per cent a year, suggesting it could become a half-a-billion business within five years. Mr Caring believes the recession provides buying opportunities.

More..

New status for israel

Israel has been updated from an ‘emerging’ market to a ‘developed’ one by index compiler MSCI Barra. As of May 2010, the MSCI Israel Index will beincluded in the MSCI World Index, which includes most developed markets.

More..

Pears school partnership

The Pears Foundation has teamed up with the UK’s top business schools to promote philanthropy among the business leaders of the future through a series of lectures by leading business figures. The schools involved are Cranfield School of Management; Saïd Business School, Oxford; and the London Business School. Trevor Pears, executive chair of The Pears Foundation, said: “We are pleased to be working with such dedicated colleges in pursuit of our shared aim to grow the culture of philanthropy.”

More..