Greggs warns of uncertain year

By James Hall 600AM GMT nineteen March 2010

Greggs

The sequence that serves a million business a day from the 1,419 shops pronounced that the stirring election, concerns about pursuit security and probable taxation rises have for an "uncertain outlook" for consumer spending in the stream year.

"In this context we have deliberate it essential to plan for like-for-like sales expansion to be marginally certain this year and to conduct the costs so that they sojourn unchanging with this severe trade environment," pronounced Derek Netherton, Greggs" chairman.

Shares4Schools Students goal to set up on last year?s opening Greggs and Dominos Pizza augmenting as cash-strapped consumers contend no to Thorntons Greggs cuts gain forecasts as costs punch Greggs cuts distinction foresee on soppy summer, food costs Greggs sales climb augmenting by 99p sandwich

Despite sounding a note of caution, Greggs still plans to open around one store a week over the subsequent twelve months.

The headlines came as Greggs denounced the full-year increase for the twelve months to Jan 2. Pre-tax distinction augmenting 8pc to �48.8m, whilst like-for-like sales over the year rose by 0.8pc. Total sales augmenting by 4.8pc to �658m.

Over the year and underneath the superintendence of new arch senior manager Ken McMeikan, the association has undergone wide-reaching changes. It reorganised the eleven bakery groups in to 7 new regions and centralised supply and IT operations. Greggs additionally "harmonised" 80pc of the product range opposite the stores. Previously, opposite stores sole opposite products. Greggs additionally upped the gait of new product growth it launched twenty-two new products during the year, compared with 9 in 2008. Greggs has attempted to foster full of health eating, stealing all synthetic colours, hydrogenated unfeeling oils and trans fats from the own products, and put nutritive report on core ranges.

Last year it non-stop 49 new shops and sealed 39, creation a net further of 10 new shops. It is formulation to open in between 50 and 60 new shops during the stream year, with around dual thirds of these openings due to take place during the second half.

It pronounced that since the augmenting suit of dull sell space on the high street, it continues to disagree that the life of upward-only rent reviews from landlords levy an inapt vigour on retailers.

The tradesman will compensate a last division of 11.4p on May 21, receiving the sum division to 16.6p, up 11.4pc on last year.

Shares in Greggs rose 18.3 to 455.3p.

Blacks Leisure spurns Sport Direct approach

852AM GMT nineteen March 2010

Previous of Companies Next

Blacks Leisure Group

Sports Direct International

The house of the company, that owns the Millets and Blacks Outdoor chains, pronounced it would go on with the plans to lift income for the last proviso of turnaround plan.

Sports Direct, a vital shareholder with 28.5pc of Blacks, shut off plans for the �22m fundraising progressing in the year prior to announcing that it was deliberation a money offer.

Mike Ashley and Lion Capital thought to be creation move on Blacks Leisure Friends Provident ends talks with Clive Cowdery Friends Provident rejects Resolution takeover proposal, ends talks Ashley bits Sports Direct division after increase thrust Friends bid benefit spills over to alternative insurers

Blacks pronounced in a matter it "intends to pursue, as shortly as practicable, a pre-emptive fundraising that would be structured in such a approach as to usually need an typical fortitude being passed".

Such a fortitude would need a elementary infancy of shares being voted on the resolution.

Blacks pronounced the proclamation had been done but the agree of Sports Direct.

Cheltenham Festival 2010: Queen Mother Champion Chase runners guide

536PM GMT sixteen Mar 2010

Treble assign Ruby Walsh will be aiming to commander Master Minded to a third feat in the Queen Mother Chase at the Cheltenham Festival Photo GETTY IMAGES

Timeform 1-2-3

1. Master Minded (FR) 2. Twist Magic (FR) 3. Kalahari King (FR)

Cheltenham Festival 2010 day dual Cheltenham day one as it happened Cheltenham Festival Favourite Master Minded wins Queen Mother Champion Chase Cheltenham Festival live Ruby Walshs day as Master Minded reigns autarchic Carruthers needs to get at the at the back of of on lane Scottish National 2009 Runners guide

Timeform View

Master Minded looked at the at the back of of in bold health at Newbury not long ago and can nick a third feat in the race. Kalahari King is obviously still improving, but the worth has left about him, so the most appropriate each-way pick is Twist Magic, who is improved than ever this season. His Cheltenham jot down has put off many, but he was still cruising when descending 2 out in the Arkle in his beginner days.

-- Why not take up Betfair"s indicate of a free �25 gamble for Cheltenham?

Big Zeb (IRE)

High-class 2m chaser when on his game, as when giving Master Minded a trepidation at Punchestown last April. Jumps well in main but disposed to peculiar howler, that customarily infer dear at this level.

Forpadydeplasterer (IRE)

Grade 1 leader over hurdles and fences, particularly receiving last season"s Arkle Chase over C&D. Had an interrupted credentials given fifteen lengths second to Twist Magic in Sandown"s Tingle Creek in December.

Golden Silver (FR)

High-class chaser who won Grade 2 at Cork and Grade 1 at Leopardstown (readily from Tranquil Sea) in December. Lost belligerent with delayed jumps when 7 lengths at the at the back of of Big Zeb at Punchestown last time.

Kalahari King (FR)

Nimble jumper, pipped in Arkle Chase a year ago before to alighting Grade 1 at Aintree. Better than ever when defying tip weight in encumber at Doncaster on lapse and might have still some-more to offer.

Mahogany Blaze (FR)

Failed to measure given his beginner days but constantly mixes it with the most appropriate in this division. Saw Master Minded vanish in to the area at Newbury last time and identical unfolding envisaged.

Master Minded (FR)

Outstanding 2m chaser who defended Champion Chase climax here last March. Found to have rib damage when knocked about on lapse and really most at the at the back of of on strain at Newbury not long ago notwithstanding last-fence hiccup.

Oh Crick (FR)

Won 2009 Grand Annual here as a novice. Best bid this tenure (third to Twist Magic at Ascot in January) leaves him lagging a satisfactory approach at the at the back of of the principals in this field.

Twist Magic (FR)

High-class chaser, though gloomy displays in last 2 runnings of this contest. Better than ever when winning Grade 1s from the front at Sandown and Ascot this winter, jumping fairly each time.

Well Chief (GER)

Top category in his day but tormented by injuries. Back from forest when second in this a year ago and won here in autumn, but displays given indicate Father Time has held up. Cheekpieces right away on.

Chelsea 0 Inter Milan 1: match report

By Henry Winter at Stamford Bridge 635AM GMT seventeen March 2010

Heartbroken Chelsea striker Didier Drogba reacts with abhorrence after Samuel Eto"o scores for Inter Milan. Drogba was after sent off Photo REUTERS

Still the Special One. Still the aristocrat of Stamford Bridge. Still the tactical grand master. Jose Mourinho last night sent his old group crashing out of the Champions League, the foe that his old ring partner, Carlo Ancelotti, was recruited to win. Still the Bridge reverberated to cries of "Mourinho - this time in Italian accents.

So the inapplicable designation Roman Abramovich done in descending out with Mourinho in 2007 came behind to show up him. The Portuguese had hinted previously that he would not applaud any Inter idea out of apply oneself for his former employers but he couldnt conflict it. When Samuel Etoo struck after 78 mins of this tense, nervous, constrained tie, Mourinho available himself a short lope of joy, his fists clenched, his lips combining a smile.

Debate Chelsea robbed, or taught a lesson? Messi fires Barca by Paper View Fulham and Liverpool"s Europe fightback Chelsea v Inter Milan as it happened Champions League fixtures Champions League tables

Mourinho knew that Inter were higher in all departments their counterclaim was a mobile-resistance unit, their two-man executive midfield a winning brew of flitting and rebellious whilst their four-strong conflict never gave Chelseas back-line a moments peace.

This harm Chelsea. The see of rumble on John Terrys face as he left the Bridge pronounced it all. They knew they were well-beaten. Any beating at Wolfgang Starks disaster to mark transparent chastisement offences on Branislav Ivanovic and Didier Drogba had prolonged dissipated. They knew they were outclassed - and out-thought.

If Mourinhos players were improved than Ancelottis, Chelseas old earthy education instructor comprehensively outwitted the stream one. Mourinho sprang a surprise, promulgation out his strong, jaunty Inter side in 4-2-3-1 formation. His intentions were transparent going for the jugular, going for the torpedo idea with Etoo, the stately Wesley Sneijder and the left-sided Goran Pandev ancillary the front-running Diego Milito. Alarmingly, Ancelotti had no answer.

In contrariety to Mourinho, Ancelotti seemed incompetent to speak up the claim coercion in his team. His disaster to move present European happiness for Abramovich will fundamentally see a small barbs directed in his direction. Yet the Italian needs time. What Chelsea need is a player similar to Sneijder, a beautiful ventilation with defence-destroying flitting capabilities.

Florent Malouda has filled that purpose this deteriorate but is some-more a dribbler than a passer; Sneijder catches hostile defences out with his prophesy and celerity of pass over range. Ancelotti should have since thought to man-marking the fugitive Dutchman with Juliano Belletti.

The sour law for Chelsea is that as well most of their vaunted performers unsuccessful to deliver. Once again, Drogbas European deteriorate finished in beating and disgrace. He frequency transient the leg irons of the superb Lucio. He challenged Thiago Motta over-vigorously late on and was dismissed. Motta milked the impulse but small magnetism could be found for Drogba, a sequence delinquent in Europe.

Nicolas Anelka and quite Michael Ballack were mostly anonymous. Joe Cole was as well lightweight when he came on. At full-back, Ivanovic and Yuri Zhirkov were as undynamic as Maicon and Zanetti were buccaneering in receive and doggedly unaffected in defence.

How Chelsea longed for Ashley Coles appetite down the left, that at slightest would have kept the pretentious Maicon from meditative he was the complicated Brazils answer to Jairzinho. Michael Essiens impetus would have brought a improved tempo. If one Chelsea player extended his repute it was Ross Turnbull, the immature screw who had no possibility with the Etoo idea but skilfully denied the Cameroonian a second after on.

In a moving compare congested with constrained duels, Inter proposed at tip speed, looking to exam Turnbull. Home nerves jangled similar to warning bells. Chelsea, wanting to score, knew they were in a genuine scrap, both earthy and tactical. With the stakes so high, tempers rose high as well. Lucios feet was positively high on Malouda. Etoo afterwards pushed Ballack. Etoo was enraging Chelsea fans, partly with his indignant mosquito sense and partly with his play-acting. Such was the acrobatics Cameroonians zeal to check the Stamford Bridge grass closely that an call in to the Chelsea Flower Show certainly awaits.

Etoo was in the future requisitioned for gainsay and could have walked when, fluttering an hypothetical card, he attempted to get Alex cautioned. Inters apparatus of the dim humanities and sciences was prevalent at times, quite at fortifying corners. Motta hauled down Ivanovic. Then Walter Samuel wrestled Drogba over. So obvious, so outrageous, so ignored. It contingency have all been treacherous for Malouda as he ran in to broach his corners; informed faces kept disintegrating in the box.

Mourinho was vital each impulse with his team, peaceful them to have each tackle, each header, each clearance. Some of Starks decisions set the Special One off on the highway to meltdown, Inters manager remonstrating with the fourth central when Chelsea were ludicrously awarded a dilemma after the round had come off Drogba. Mourinho, tenderly greeted by the Bridge at first, warranted a short flurry of catcalls when comically refusing to give the round to Zhirkov, who was looking to take a discerning throw-in. Russians and Mourinho, Part 245.

Still Chelsea built. Still Inter blocked. Malouda teased the round by but was brilliantly loser by Samuel, the stubborn centre-half aptly nicknamed The Wall. When Drogba chipped a undiluted pass on to the chest of Anelka, Samuel and Julio Cesar total to impact close any window of opportunity. When Malouda did emanate a glance of goal, Julio Cesar dived to his right and saved.

Brimming with comprehension and flourishing counter-attacking class, Inter should have wrapped the tie up mid by the second half. Zhirkov discovered Chelsea as Pandev was about to shoot. Then Sneijder seized on bad carry out by Terry to thinly slice the round over Chelseas husky defence. Milito ran by but placed his shot wide.

Inter had the edge, Chelsea the edginess. Sensing the hosts apprehension, Mourinhos men pennyless time and again on the counter. Some of their flitting was immaculate, one pass from Esteban Cambiasso to Maicon was exquisite. Chelsea were knocked out by a shining counter-punch. When Sneijder carried a pass towards Etoo, his reply was majestic, the round drilled right-footed past Turnbull.

Sadly, shamefully, the diversion finished in even larger chagrin for Chelsea. Drogba tangled with Motta, who went down as if strike by a juggernaut, and was sent off, echoing his annoying exit last season. Suddenly it was England contra Argentina as Terry and Zanetti exchanged unpleasantries.

Suddenly, tempers flared all over the place. Dejan Stankovic could have followed Drogba for a heartless plea on Alex. Forgetting new history, a small Chelsea supporters around the cave referred to just where they felt Mourinho should go. He headed for the tunnel, receiving a famous, informed scalp with him.

China finds faults with designer clothes

By Malcolm Moore in Shanghai 1052AM GMT sixteen March 2010

The Chinese state media declared Dolce & Gabbana, Trussardi, Hugo Boss, and Paul & Shark to one side Hermes and Versace, as brands that had unsuccessful peculiarity carry out tests Photo BLOOMBERG

Chinese inspectors in the South Eastern range of Zhejiang claimed to have found drawn out problems with engineer garments that had been done outward of China.

"We picked up samples from majority of the dialect stores and engineer boutiques in the cities of Hangzhou, Ningbo and Taizhou," pronounced Shen Yan, an central at the Zhejiang Commerce bureau.

Michelle Obama abandons bill conform for $540 Lanvin trainers What a kor-ker Michael Kors opens new London store ?Mai Mumbai, Naomi Campbells Fashion for Relief eventuality in Mumbai A recession? Then the time for genuine oppulance Globalisation a little ungainly truths

The 3 cities are between China"s richest, and each boasts a festive colonnade of engineer shops.

However, Mr Yan told the government-run China Daily journal that some-more than 60 per cent of the garments that they picked up were feeble made.

The Chinese state media declared Dolce & Gabbana, Trussardi, Hugo Boss, and Paul & Shark to one side Hermes and Versace, as brands that had unsuccessful peculiarity carry out tests. Inspectors pronounced a little garments suffered from bad colour fastness, whilst others contained high levels of poison or of formaldehyde.

The garments "could have caused skin rashes, eye irritations, allergies, respiratory problems and even cancer," the China Daily warned.

The officials in Zhejiang done a point of observant that the garments had not been done in China, but in countries together with Italy, France, Morocco, Turkey, Vietnam and India.

The inspectors additionally pronounced a little garments had been marked down incorrectly.

Cao Lei, a orator for Hermes, told the China Daily that the association had "made mistakes in labelling" and was operative to scold the problem.

None of the conform labels responded rught away to requests for a criticism on the findings.

Mr Shen pronounced the retailers who stocked the garments would be fined and asked to repel the products, but that the conform houses will not be probable since they are not purebred as businesses in China.

He combined that it was the second time that poor oppulance products had been uncovered, following an situation in 2006 when Hugo Boss and Dolce & Gabbana had been found offered poor shoes.

China has right away overtaken the United States as the world"s second-largest oppulance products market, trailing Japan, according to the World Luxury Association. China right away consumes over a entertain of the world"s oppulance products and has seen a host of labels pour out to tailor their products to the market.

Earlier this year, Chanel staged a conform show in Shanghai and denounced a special Chinese collection, dominated by the colour red.

Hermes has voiced that it will launch a oppulance brand, Shang Xia, that will be written and made in China.

Spanish bank manager steals 1m euros from accounts

By Fiona Govan in Madrid 347PM GMT eighteen March 2010

At slightest 40 people in the locale of Madrigalejo nearby Cáceres in the Extremadura segment of Spain have detected this week that supports they invested in grant plans and high seductiveness accounts have left missing.

Many had deliberate themselves friends of the bank manager, who has been identified by military usually as Abel F, and pronounced they had been swayed to deposit their income on his advice.

Tiny cars face large plea Jessica wins �5,400 payout for cancelled legal holiday Top Spanish bullfighter falls plant as bullfighting raid by mercantile woes Spanish builder incited bank pirate after examination crime documentary Rodrigos Aranjuez Beauty and the beats

He left last Thursday after withdrawal a note on his table receiving shortcoming for the burglary and exonerating his colleagues at the bend of BanCorreos, the monetary arm of the Spanish post office, of any wrongdoing.

His mother and young kids sojourn in the locale and have told military they have no thought of his whereabouts.

It emerged that he had conned friends and neighbours in to opening of doubtful authenticity high seductiveness investment plans usually to run off with their money.

Others detected that their assets accounts had been raided.

Residents in the village of usually 2,000 inhabitants pronounced they feel betrayed.

One integrate who run a internal club pronounced they had well known the bank physical education instructor for thirty years.

"We deliberate him a crony and invested the income on his advice," they told internal media.

"Now it turns out we have usually 50 euros in out comment and the income we invested in a college account for the son has gone."

Others reported that the bank had no jot down of their deposits.

"I never suspected him of you do something similar to this since he was my friend," pronounced one man. "My family is right away confronting hurt since we gave him all the savings."

A orator for BanCorreos reliable that at slightest 40 clients had been influenced with some-more than one million euros (�890,000) missing.

"Financial irregularities have been committed by the bank physical education instructor of that branch. It has been reported to the military and an review has been launched."

Taliban bombers kill dozens in suicide attacks on Kandahar

By Rob Crilly 818PM GMT thirteen March 2010

When Kandahar jail was pounded in 2008, 1000 inmates were liberated together with about 400 locked up fighters Photo EPA

Buildings collapsed and some-more than 50 people were harmed in what military believed were a mutual array of attacks that came after nightfall. The prison, that is full of Taliban detainees, was successfully pounded in 2008 when 1000 inmates were liberated together with about 400 locked up fighters.

Ahmad Wali Karzai, half-brother of the Afghan boss and the head of Kandahar"s provincial council, pronounced the enemy targeted the city"s prison.

Child self-murder bomber hazard to British infantry More than twenty feared passed in Afghan car explosve conflict British forces in close-quarters fighting with Taliban in Afghanistans Helmand range Helmand commanders hope for for a summer of assault as 4 passed soldiers declared US worker conflict kills thirteen in Pakistan

"We don"t know about the casualties. It was a really big explosion. It was a outrageous explosion," he said.

This time the walls of the jail were not breached, pronounced Mr Karzai. The bombers additionally struck nearby a hotel, a mosque and a city centre highway junction. Those blasts appeared to be diversions written to pull military afar from the main conflict on the prison, Mr Karzai added.

Television stations promote appeals for sanatorium workers to inform to work as wards were flooded with casualties. A Taliban orator fast claimed shortcoming on a jihadi website. It pronounced the attacks were a "message" to General Stanley McChrystal, the commander in chief of Nato forces, to show that they are not rebuilt to give up the city, once the Taliban"s devout home, but a struggle.

Afghanistan"s second city has been the stage of countless Taliban attacks. US-led forces are approaching to launch an operation after this year to secure it as piece of the US military"s surge in Afghanistan.

The bulk of 30,000 one more fight forces systematic to Afghanistan by President Barack Obama at the finish of last year are approaching to be deployed in Kandahar Province in the subsequent couple of months. Thousands of Canadian infantry additionally unit the city.

Large areas of the city and majority of the surrounding farmland are effectively ruled by a Taliban "shadow government".

Earlier a roadside explosve killed 6 people in the collateral of Uruzgan range in executive Afghanistan, as Nato and Afghan forces one after another a vital operation in beside Helmand province.