City Diary
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ED STORY, chief executive of Soco International, a London-based oil and gas exploration company, was suitably pleased with himself yesterday when he presented trebled half-yearly profits of pounds 1.1m.
During his report Mr Story mentioned Soco's drilling for oil in North Korea. Mindful of the West's dismay over North Korea's recent sabre rattling, one of my colleagues asked Mr Story whether Soco's operations there were going okay. Mr Story said jokingly: "We like to keep that quiet." He added: "North Korea is thawing. You can do anything you like as long as it doesn't involve missiles."
Just for the record, the fearless Soco is also operating in Nigeria, Libya, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan and the Congo.
DRESDNER KLEINWORT Benson has poached Hugo Heath from Schroders to head corporate finance for the chemicals sector, the second defection in a week from the UK's largest independent investment bank. Mr Heath joined Schroders in 1986.
LAST WEEK Goldman Sachs lured Karen Cook from Schroders to head its UK investment banking business. Steven Kotler, chief executive of Schroders' US unit, left in May and Richard Broadbent, head of corporate finance, stepped down in April over a disagreement about US strategy.
JOHN LEWIS isn't just a department store group. It's also the name of the chairman of the venture capital-backed hotel group Principal. This other John Lewis has turned Principal into a four-star group with the purchase this week of London's Hotel Russell in Russell Square for pounds 59m. Mr Lewis was formerly chairman of Cliveden, the stately home-turned hotel.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments