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Freight industry groups have approved changes for the transport industry that were unveiled in last month’s budget.
The electronic marketplace for the automotive industry to be set up by General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Renault and Nissan is to be called Covisint - an acronym for connectivity, visibility and Internet. In May, Toyota signalled its willingness to join the project, which was announced last February, but not to hold any equity in the separate company.
The Office of Fair Trading could launch an inquiry into price fixing of replica football kits, following a raid on retailers and manufacturers' head offices. Companies including retailer JJB Sports and manufacturers Nike and Umbro could face fines of up to 10 per cent of turnover if evidence of fixed pricing is found.
Consignia is to outsource its 40,000-strong vehicle services operation, which includes heavy goods vehicles, light commercial vehicles and business cars. While the former post office is said to prefer a joint venture, it has not ruled out a sale of the entire fleet, which could result in 1,700 workers transferring to the successful bidder.
E-marketplace developer Commerce One has closed its venture capital arm, established last year to invest in start-up companies. Jeff Smith has quit as president and general manager of Commerce One Ventures. www.commerceone.com
The Highways Agency has awarded a £7.4 million national contract to a single electricity supplier in what experts say is now a trend in the UK, writes Elizabeth Bellamy.
Most finance directors in big UK firms have put purchasing at the top of the corporate agenda, a new report has claimed. Three-quarters now regard purchasing as a strategic function that is central to their plans for e-procurement, according to research by web-based e-procurement specialist firm Tranmit.
Travel agents are up in arms over confused signals from British Airways about which of its franchised carriers will be following BA’s decision to stop paying commission to agents. Last month, BA announced it will delay cutting the fees until spring 2001. But agents say it is difficult to know what money will be paid to them.