Blog 3: House prices in central London on the rise
The property market is back, the prices have risen by 8 per cent in the six months to September 2009.
A year ago London was suffering on the price crashes in the financial sector. Today London prices are only 1,9 per cent lower than this time last year. This week Knight Frank said it expected London prices to grow by 3 per cent in 2010 while the national average would fall 3 per cent. They said by 2014 that the prices will be 28,6 per cent higher and the national gain 21,5 per cent higher.
But London has a problem, it suffers with an imbalance between supply and demand. Last month the number of buyers in Central London was 30 per cent higher and supply was 20 per cent lower than in September last year.
After the Lehman Brothers collapse the demand was high and properties prices over £10 million dropped almost 20 per cent in the last three months of 2008. By spring had the property of London a very good value, it was attractive for international buyers.
For example, a penthouse flat, very luxuriously decorated and had the best view from the roof terrace. Now the buyer is a European banker and earlier this year it would have been an older buyer who bought it for his children because they were the only persons who had any money. Now everything is changing again.
I think it’s good for everyone that the property market is back on track. Now have younger couples the opportunity to buy a house or an apartment. Before the financial crises only an older couple could buy a penthouse in the city for their children, the people who earned a lot of money could buy everything. Thanks to the rise of the properties and the lower prices is the property market available for everybody in London.
Written by Sofie Lanckriet
3 LP3
Source: http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article6875993.ece
woensdag 11 november 2009
maandag 9 november 2009
Blog 3: SA farmers to rent land in Congo
The Republic of Congo and South Africa has signed an agreement about the lease of 200.000 hectares of land. According to the minister of agriculture in Congo this agreement is very positive for the country and it will reduce the dependence of the country on imports. The deal was signed by the South African farmers union who declared that the government’s policy was forcing white farmers to search some land abroad. The government wants to transfer some farms with white owners to the black majority population.
The land will be leased to the South African farmers for 30 years mainly to produce food and fibre. The minister of agriculture in Congo declared that it is abnormal that despite the big import, people of Congo stay food insecure. That is the reason why the government is trying to mobilise Congolese people to work in agriculture but they need international help for realising that.
According to a BBC journalist leasing a land for farming is a growing phenomenon in Africa but this agreement between Congo and South Africa is the biggest.
It is a well-known fact that the Republic of Congo is very dependent on other countries so this agreement is a step in the right direction. I hope that this agreement will have a positive effect on both countries. According to me other countries should follow the example of Congo and South Africa because it should give the possibility to other countries to reduce their import.
Navaron Walraeve
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8317186.stm
The land will be leased to the South African farmers for 30 years mainly to produce food and fibre. The minister of agriculture in Congo declared that it is abnormal that despite the big import, people of Congo stay food insecure. That is the reason why the government is trying to mobilise Congolese people to work in agriculture but they need international help for realising that.
According to a BBC journalist leasing a land for farming is a growing phenomenon in Africa but this agreement between Congo and South Africa is the biggest.
It is a well-known fact that the Republic of Congo is very dependent on other countries so this agreement is a step in the right direction. I hope that this agreement will have a positive effect on both countries. According to me other countries should follow the example of Congo and South Africa because it should give the possibility to other countries to reduce their import.
Navaron Walraeve
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8317186.stm
maandag 2 november 2009
Blog 3: Real property law
Property fraudster target students and tourists in London letting scam.
The Police have received hundreds of complaints about fake online advertisements for flats. There are some online fraudsters who are trying to rend property to students and foreign holidaymakers that does not exist.
This fake renting seems to elaborate by the offering off the houses in prime areas below the market rents and asking for deposits or full payments in advance. When they find out that the property does not exist, they can’t refund their money.
A lot of classified websites are investigating advertisements that arise suspicion and check a proportion of their advertisers. Although, it is impossible to them to check every property promoted on their sites. Most of the fraudsters do their homework on the rents so the websites are seeming very reliable.
At least they advice in the article to avoid money transfer organisations such as Western Union who are frequently used by the internet fraudsters, drug dealers or money launderers to move money around the world because there is a relative absence of safeguards, they are not requiring a address verification for the transfer of smaller amounts.
Personally I think this is awful that this happens to all this peoples, especially to the people who are on vacation and notice that the address does not exist. It’s a pity that there is no obvious solution for this problem.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/sep/27/property-fraudsters-students-tourists
Written by Magalie Van Belleghem, 3RP1
The Police have received hundreds of complaints about fake online advertisements for flats. There are some online fraudsters who are trying to rend property to students and foreign holidaymakers that does not exist.
This fake renting seems to elaborate by the offering off the houses in prime areas below the market rents and asking for deposits or full payments in advance. When they find out that the property does not exist, they can’t refund their money.
A lot of classified websites are investigating advertisements that arise suspicion and check a proportion of their advertisers. Although, it is impossible to them to check every property promoted on their sites. Most of the fraudsters do their homework on the rents so the websites are seeming very reliable.
At least they advice in the article to avoid money transfer organisations such as Western Union who are frequently used by the internet fraudsters, drug dealers or money launderers to move money around the world because there is a relative absence of safeguards, they are not requiring a address verification for the transfer of smaller amounts.
Personally I think this is awful that this happens to all this peoples, especially to the people who are on vacation and notice that the address does not exist. It’s a pity that there is no obvious solution for this problem.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/sep/27/property-fraudsters-students-tourists
Written by Magalie Van Belleghem, 3RP1
zaterdag 10 oktober 2009
Competition Law
Blog 2: EU approves new Microsoft pledges
The European Union had asked Microsoft to stop with anti-competitive practices. Now has the technology giant agreed to give customers more choice of web browser through its Windows operating system and they are prepared to share information with rivals.
The EU is now waiting on the other software firms, asking of what they think of Microsoft’s offer.
In the past had Microsoft a lot of problems do deal with new products of other software firms, they always want to be the best. So the biggest problem is that Microsoft abused his dominant market position by eliminate rivals from their market position. Another example, in 2004 the EU forced them to offer a version of its Windows operating system without Microsoft’s own media player. They also must give rivals more information about how their system works so they could make their own software integrate better with the operating system.
Now in 2009 Microsoft learned from their mistakes and said that they are prepared to change more information with the other companies. They give the software companies the chance to develop themselves through the industry and work together.
I think it’s a good thing that Microsoft will help other firms and they want to share their documents because in the future and this crisis every company needs to work together. When you are selfish nobody will have respect and if you ever needs help they won’t help you. I understand that a company will make profits for the hard work but not on this way.
Written by Sofie Lanckriet, 3 LP3
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8294587.stm
Page last updated at 16:56 GMT, Wednesday, 7 October 2009 17:56 UK
The European Union had asked Microsoft to stop with anti-competitive practices. Now has the technology giant agreed to give customers more choice of web browser through its Windows operating system and they are prepared to share information with rivals.
The EU is now waiting on the other software firms, asking of what they think of Microsoft’s offer.
In the past had Microsoft a lot of problems do deal with new products of other software firms, they always want to be the best. So the biggest problem is that Microsoft abused his dominant market position by eliminate rivals from their market position. Another example, in 2004 the EU forced them to offer a version of its Windows operating system without Microsoft’s own media player. They also must give rivals more information about how their system works so they could make their own software integrate better with the operating system.
Now in 2009 Microsoft learned from their mistakes and said that they are prepared to change more information with the other companies. They give the software companies the chance to develop themselves through the industry and work together.
I think it’s a good thing that Microsoft will help other firms and they want to share their documents because in the future and this crisis every company needs to work together. When you are selfish nobody will have respect and if you ever needs help they won’t help you. I understand that a company will make profits for the hard work but not on this way.
Written by Sofie Lanckriet, 3 LP3
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8294587.stm
Page last updated at 16:56 GMT, Wednesday, 7 October 2009 17:56 UK
donderdag 8 oktober 2009
Blog 2: Mobile giants plan merger
The mobile giants Orange and T-Mobile have revealed plans to join their forces and set up a new mobile phone network.
If the two companies become one, they will have 28.4 million customers and a market share of 37 per cent. France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom, the owner of Orange and T-Mobile are having negotiations over the 50/50 joint venture. If the deal persist, they have promised better coverage and customer services. But on the other hand they warned there will be job losses in the United Kingdom. According to an Orange spokeswomen the job losses will be the result of more efficiency. The deal, expected to be signed by the end of November and completed in 2010, is a measure due to the struggle of the two companies in a highly competitive market.
Customers were told that the merger will bring benefits but if the deal would fail, they wouldn’t see any changes for the first 18 months.
According to the France Telecom’s financial officer, the deal will reinforce fair competition and will provide benefits for the customers due to new services and technologies. They also hope, on a long run, to make big annual cost savings.
Al last, the merge of Orange and T-Mobile will help both firms to enter into competition with the other two giants Vodafone and O2.
The merger will have some positive and negative results. On the one hand the deal will have some benefits as a result but there will also be some job losses. According to me this deal is a very good decision because the two companies couldn’t deal with the competition of Vodafone and O2. I know that there will be some job losses but it’s better that they join their forces instead of going bankrupt. I hope that the two firms can realize their plan and compete with the other mobile giants.
Navaron Walraeve
Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/money/2627253/Mobile-giants-plan-merger.html
If the two companies become one, they will have 28.4 million customers and a market share of 37 per cent. France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom, the owner of Orange and T-Mobile are having negotiations over the 50/50 joint venture. If the deal persist, they have promised better coverage and customer services. But on the other hand they warned there will be job losses in the United Kingdom. According to an Orange spokeswomen the job losses will be the result of more efficiency. The deal, expected to be signed by the end of November and completed in 2010, is a measure due to the struggle of the two companies in a highly competitive market.
Customers were told that the merger will bring benefits but if the deal would fail, they wouldn’t see any changes for the first 18 months.
According to the France Telecom’s financial officer, the deal will reinforce fair competition and will provide benefits for the customers due to new services and technologies. They also hope, on a long run, to make big annual cost savings.
Al last, the merge of Orange and T-Mobile will help both firms to enter into competition with the other two giants Vodafone and O2.
The merger will have some positive and negative results. On the one hand the deal will have some benefits as a result but there will also be some job losses. According to me this deal is a very good decision because the two companies couldn’t deal with the competition of Vodafone and O2. I know that there will be some job losses but it’s better that they join their forces instead of going bankrupt. I hope that the two firms can realize their plan and compete with the other mobile giants.
Navaron Walraeve
Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/money/2627253/Mobile-giants-plan-merger.html
Blog 2: Competition law
Blog 2 : Court dismisses Microsoft appeal in antitrust case.
The article is about Microsoft that’s prohibiting agreements or practices that restrict free trading and competition between business entities.
The Case started in 1993 and was caused by a complaint from the software company Novell about Microsoft’s practice of withholding information about server protocols needed for building interoperable products.
The European Court of Justice has decided in a preliminary ruling in 2003 that Microsoft needs to give the grant competitors access to its server protocols and have to unbundle its Media Player software from its Windows operating system. Above this judgment the Commission imposed Microsoft a fine of € 497 million, this fine was the largest one in history.
Against this judgment Microsoft has called appeal, that has been dismissed.
Thanks to this judgment the consumers have more choice in the software markets and obligate Microsoft to allow competition in the high tech Industries Market. This discussion token by court confirms the objectivity and the credibility of the Commissions competition policy.
Although I knew that Microsoft was the leader in the high tech Industries Market I didn’t thought they were banning other software companies to allow competition between their business entities.
I think their monopoly strategy has well worked out. Now the days, most of the peoples and companies are used to the Microsoft- Software. They already know the method of the software and are not driven to change all there software and learn new software.
Source: http://www.euractiv.com/en/infosociety/court-dismisses-microsoft-appeal-antitrust-case/article-166778
Written by Magalie Van Belleghem, 3RP1
The article is about Microsoft that’s prohibiting agreements or practices that restrict free trading and competition between business entities.
The Case started in 1993 and was caused by a complaint from the software company Novell about Microsoft’s practice of withholding information about server protocols needed for building interoperable products.
The European Court of Justice has decided in a preliminary ruling in 2003 that Microsoft needs to give the grant competitors access to its server protocols and have to unbundle its Media Player software from its Windows operating system. Above this judgment the Commission imposed Microsoft a fine of € 497 million, this fine was the largest one in history.
Against this judgment Microsoft has called appeal, that has been dismissed.
Thanks to this judgment the consumers have more choice in the software markets and obligate Microsoft to allow competition in the high tech Industries Market. This discussion token by court confirms the objectivity and the credibility of the Commissions competition policy.
Although I knew that Microsoft was the leader in the high tech Industries Market I didn’t thought they were banning other software companies to allow competition between their business entities.
I think their monopoly strategy has well worked out. Now the days, most of the peoples and companies are used to the Microsoft- Software. They already know the method of the software and are not driven to change all there software and learn new software.
Source: http://www.euractiv.com/en/infosociety/court-dismisses-microsoft-appeal-antitrust-case/article-166778
Written by Magalie Van Belleghem, 3RP1
zondag 4 oktober 2009
Blog 1: Restaurant tipping law to change
It is prohibited for employers to use tips and service charges to raise the staff pay to meet the minimum wage.
This measure will come into force in 2009 and it will benefit persons who are working in industries such as restaurants and bars.
Unions are very pleased with this move because they say that not allowing employees to have tips in addition to pay is an abuse.
Business Secretary John Hutton wants that the customers know where their money is going and if the establishment use a fair tipping policy.
According to John Hutton hundreds of thousands of people have a job where tipping is commonplace. The consumers expect it to go to service staff but they have the right to know if that actually happens.
Unions are very pleased with this move because they have argued that the current law is unfair. Derek Simpson, the joint leader of the Unite union says that he’s satisfied with the measure that employers will no longer be able to use the tips left for the staff to subsidise low wages.
The union wants to introduce a Fair Tips logo in places where the staff receive at least the minimum wage as well as all tips.
It is a good fact that the government wants to make sure that the employees can keep their tips and that it is the responsibility of the employers to pay the minimum wage.
According to me this is a fantastic decision of the government. People give a tip because they are satisfied of the way they were served by the employees and not to subsidise the low wages.
When I go to a bar or a restaurant, I give a tip that is meant to be for the employees and not for the employer so after writing this blog I will think twice.
I’m very pleased with the measure to introduce a Fair tip logo because the consumer is now sure that his tip will be for the staff.
Navaron Walraeve
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7533863.stm
This measure will come into force in 2009 and it will benefit persons who are working in industries such as restaurants and bars.
Unions are very pleased with this move because they say that not allowing employees to have tips in addition to pay is an abuse.
Business Secretary John Hutton wants that the customers know where their money is going and if the establishment use a fair tipping policy.
According to John Hutton hundreds of thousands of people have a job where tipping is commonplace. The consumers expect it to go to service staff but they have the right to know if that actually happens.
Unions are very pleased with this move because they have argued that the current law is unfair. Derek Simpson, the joint leader of the Unite union says that he’s satisfied with the measure that employers will no longer be able to use the tips left for the staff to subsidise low wages.
The union wants to introduce a Fair Tips logo in places where the staff receive at least the minimum wage as well as all tips.
It is a good fact that the government wants to make sure that the employees can keep their tips and that it is the responsibility of the employers to pay the minimum wage.
According to me this is a fantastic decision of the government. People give a tip because they are satisfied of the way they were served by the employees and not to subsidise the low wages.
When I go to a bar or a restaurant, I give a tip that is meant to be for the employees and not for the employer so after writing this blog I will think twice.
I’m very pleased with the measure to introduce a Fair tip logo because the consumer is now sure that his tip will be for the staff.
Navaron Walraeve
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7533863.stm
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