Business Diary: Randall forced to learn how to share

How does Sky News presenter Jeff Randall feel about having to share his prime-time business show with political editor Adam Boulton for the duration of the campaign? Though he gets first billing – the new show is called Randall and Boulton Unleashed – the politics seems to dominate and Randall comes across as grumpier than ever.

Robin Hood campaign bags the stars

It looks ever more unlikely that any major economy will give its backing to the campaign for a "Robin Hood tax" on banking transactions to finance good causes. But we love its latest TV ad, which stars actor Sir Ben Kingsley as a banker mugged by a gang of hoodies. Since they're "Robin Hoodies" – geddit? – they give everything bar 5p back.

Support from the folk who really matter

One reason the Tories are so pleased about the support they've garnered from business leaders over plans to reverse Labour's national insurance hike is that Labour itself has made merry with letters of endorsement from senior business figures in each of the past three elections. Still, the Conservatives have yet to match Labour's performance in 2001, when the party even managed to persuade the cast of the soap opera Hollyoaks to come out in its support.

Following in some illustrious footsteps

Word reaches us from Stockport of a new attempt to promote entrepreneurial endeavour: "Market Start" is your chance to start trading on Stockport Market. Lest you should think such an opportunity beneath you, the good folk from Stockport Council remind you that its market is where Marks & Spencer founder Ephraim Marks got started.

World Cup to make its 3D debut

Swiss company Aruna is the lucky winner of the rights to show this year's football World Cup in 3D – it is now negotiating with cinemas around the globe as it seeks venues to show live games. With luck, you'll now be able to watch the inevitable missed penalties – not to mention Wazzer's latest injury scare – in full 3D glory.

Number of the day: 13

The number of consecutive months during which the Bank of England base rate has been held at 0.5 per cent.

businessdiary@independent.co.uk