The Business Matrix: Saturday 11 May 2013

BA's Walsh warns of Heathrow exit

Willie Walsh, the chief executive of British Airways' owner, International Airlines Group, has warned that BA's future with a London hub is not guaranteed. Heathrow employs 76,600 people and supports 114,000 jobs, but the Government is considering plans for a new £50bn Thames Estuary airport.

Investor takes on Dell's private plan

Activist investor Carl Icahn has teamed with another large shareholder in Dell to put forward an alternative to Michael Dell's plans to take the computer giant private.

Mr Icahn and Southeastern Asset Management said Dell's $13.65 per share offer was not in the best interests of shareholders. a new £50bn Thames Estuary airport.

Dreary UK cheers holiday firms

Britain's dismal weather is cheering at least one industry – the travel sector. Tui Travel, the giant behind Thomson Holidays, said bookings are up as Brits look to escape the gloom. Tui made a loss of £346m in the first half but said it would bounce back into profit this year.

Better trade figures give hope

The UK trade deficit narrowed slightly in March, adding to hopes that the economy could be beginning to strengthen.

Official figures yesterday showed the deficit on the trade in goods was £9.1bn in the month, offset by a £5.9bn surplus in services.