The Guardian’s decision to treble chief executive Andrew Miller’s pay to £2.2 million, including a £1.4 million bonus — plus he gets an extra £226,000 in a year’s time — has raised eyebrows.
Average pay is £66,000, excluding pension, at the Left-wing newspaper, whose editorial pages frequently attack excessive City remuneration.
The National Union of Journalists’ chapel at The Guardian has called a meeting to discuss “company results, executive pay/bonuses and related issues”. Sounds ominous.
Amazon embarks on charm offensive
Amazon is on a charm offensive after all that criticism about avoiding tax and demanding ultra-low prices from book publishers.
The online giant, led by Jeff Bezos, has sent opinion-formers a 200-page book, called Transformations: Stories From Authors, Innovators And Small Businesses Thriving On Amazon. Funnily enough, the dozens of glowing testimonials don’t include many publishers.
Apple stores sales fall
Apple Retail UK, the company behind its chain of 37 British stores, saw revenues fall 9% to £900 million in the year to September, according to Companies House. Part of the reason was its financial year was a week shorter.
It is possible Apple Retail UK’s turnover dipped if it diverted more revenues offshore to keep its corporation tax bill low at just £3 million. However, it also seems likely the iPhone and iPad maker may have hit a wall without a new, thrilling product to drive sales. Apple declined to comment.
