Aga warmed

KITCHEN equipment maker Aga said today that it was reducing its reliance on the cautious UK consumer by bumping up sales of its iconic cooker abroad.

The Solihull-based firm said foreign customers bought a quarter of the 6,200 of its own-branded cookers in the first half, supporting its business at a time when Britons are making fewer expensive purchases.

Cricket boost

MOST employers are allowing workers to follow the gripping final Test match between England and Australia, leading to increased morale and even boosting productivity, a new report claimed today.

A survey showed that almost nine out of 10 workers were watching the cricket on TV, listening to coverage on the radio or following on the internet.

Books bid war

A TAKEOVER tug-of-war erupted for Ottakar's after the owner of the Waterstone's book chain tabled a £96.4m bid.

HMV said its 440p-a-share offer was 10 per cent higher than an agreed management buy-out and urged independent directors of Ottakar's to switch sides and recommend its bid instead.

Retailer's pay

PAY deals in retail firms have remained 'steady' at 3 per cent in recent months, according to a new report.

A study of 65 settlements in the industry showed that more than half were higher than a year ago. Merit awards have also increased.