PRESS DIGEST - British business - April 8

The Times

CREDIT CRUNCH SQUEEZES MICHAEL PAGE HIRING

Recruitment group Michael Page (MPI.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) sent alarm bells ringing across the sector by giving warning it was engaging fewer employees because the credit crunch was forcing clients in the UK to limit the hiring of staff. The chief executive, Steve Ingham, said: "Whilst we continue to experience strong activity levels and demand for talent, in certain areas there are signs of more cautionary behaviour."

UTILITIES FIRM E.ON PLANS WIND FIRM

E.ON (EONG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) has made a planning application for a 300 megawatt wind farm off northeast England. It has also asked the government to approve the project quickly in an attempt to help meet the UK's climate change targets. The 300 million pound Humber Gateway wind farm will be one of the UK's largest offshore, and is expected to produce enough energy to power almost 200,000 homes.

MOSS BROS SHARES RISE

Shares in Moss Bros (MOSB.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) rose 10 percent following reports that Debenhams (DEB.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) had considered a takeover bid for the menswear retailer. The shares surged 4.5 pence to reach 51.25 pence. Elizabeth Gee, wife of Moss Bros non-executive director Roland Gee, sold 180,000 shares on Monday, pocketing 82,800 pounds.

The Daily Telegraph

STUDENT SELLS ADVERTISING WEB FIRM "FOR SIX-FIGURE SUM"