The economic crisis could release entrepreneurial potential as highly qualified individuals turn to self-employment after losing their jobs, according to a report. It found that seven per cent of people in the UK expect to start a business in the next three years - below the 9.6 per cent average for the Group of Seven leading industrial nations - FT
Tourism chiefs hope that publicans will soon be advising tourists on the best bits of their local area while pulling pints. The Inn England campaign, launched by VisitEngland in association with The Publican magazine, aims to promote pubs as places of tourism interest and in return, landlords can help publicise local tourism. Caroline Nodder, editor of The Publican, said: 'Inn England will remind people of the unique place that the English pub holds in our history and our culture. Pubs are the beating hearts of our country and there has never been a better time to showcase how amazing and diverse our pubs really are and to encourage more people to visit them and be proud of them - Daily Mail
The most prestigious winemaking regions in France are slashing prices amid a slump in exports and signs that Gallic consumers are following President Sarkozy's teetotal example. Champagne and Bordeaux are leading the drive to win back custom after a study showed that wine exports had fallen 29 per cent in the first quarter against with the same period last year - The Times
A British seaside resort has accused the Met Office of costing it millions of pounds in lost revenue, after forecasters predicted a thundery washout on what turned out to be hottest day of the year. Tourism officials in Bournemouth say that "inaccurate and overcautious" forecasts for Bank Holiday Monday caused 25,000 would-be visitors to cancel their plans - Daily Telegraph