The country’s two biggest cities were boosted by major announcements yesterday as more than 100 jobs came on stream in Dublin and Cork’s first internet exchange opened for business.

Businesspeople are overwhelmingly confident about the future and, despite longer working hours, are increasingly satisfied with their jobs, according to two separate surveys.

The future of the Regus City Gate business centre in Mahon, Cork, is in danger as one of the major investors in the project, Cork View One, has been voluntarily placed in liquidation.

Working is dangerous. A new global study has found office culture is detrimental to the health and home lives of many Irish workers.

World markets wallowed in the red today as investor confidence was hit by fears over slowing growth in Asian powerhouse China.

NEARLY half of allemployees will work during the Christmas break this year, even though 40% of people believe very little will be achieved.

IRISH businesses’ confidence that they will recruit extra workers in the coming months is growing, separate surveys to be released today indicate.

The British Chancellor’s budget tax cuts for businesses received early endorsement today after advertising giant WPP today said it was likely to switch its headquarters back to the UK.

UK businesses are to see corporation tax slashed to 23% as British Chancellor George Osborne pledged to make Britain more attractive and stop international firms quitting the country.

The FTSE 100 Index surged ahead for the third session in a row today as a multi-billion dollar telecoms deal offset concerns over military strikes in Libya and the ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan.

World markets took another step in their recovery today after a multi-billion dollar deal in the telecoms sector boosted confidence.

London: Office rental company Regus swung to first half loss, hit by restructuring costs in Britain, and said continued tough trading conditions across its markets was slowing its recovery.

The FTSE 100 Index saw a nervous start to the week today as worries over Greece's ability to repay its debts ensured a jittery session.

London's blue chip share index overcame early jitters to resume its 25-year record summer rally today.

A rally of more than 2% for market heavyweight Vodafone helped London’s FTSE 100 Index hold on to recent gains today.

REGUS, the world’s largest provider of serviced offices, said it has seen a 175% increase in lettings in Ireland, as recession-battered companies and entrepreneurs look for its services.

OFFICE outsourcing firm Regus is expanding in Munster with an initial investment of €1.5 million.

Office space provider Regus said revenues during the 11 months to November 30 increased 47% to £616.5m (€918.6m) compared to £418.8m (€624m) during the same period last year.

CALYX, the Irish information and communication technology (ICT) network solutions provider, has appointed Peter Lewis Jenkins as chief financial officer and main board director.

The FTSE 100 Index was heading for its first positive finish this week after investors applauded figures from Royal & Sun Alliance.

London shares extended their winning streak to a fourth session today as investors turned their eyes towards the key 4600 barrier.

Gains in Asia helped to point the London market in the right direction today ahead of a public holiday on Wall Street.

Pharmaceutical companies were contributing to a downbeat mood on the London market today following a revenues warning from drugs giant Pfizer.

Office provider Regus is to buy US rival HQ Global for £163.5m (€244.8m), it announced today.

The London market struggled to find positive momentum today amid downbeat news from the banking sector and housing market worries.

Troubled British office provider Regus today said annual losses had widened in 2002 but added it was taking steps to secure a successful future for the business.

Troubled office provider Regus is aiming to return its struggling US business to profitability by filing for bankruptcy protection in America, it said today.

Shares in Regus have lifted nearly 10% as Indigo Capital admitted it's interested in buying the firm.

Retail stocks took a battering on the London market today as investors’ nerves showed through ahead of a batch of crucial trading updates next week.

The London market hovered around its opening level today as gains from banking stocks were offset by sharp falls among retailers.

The FTSE 100 Index is ahead just 2.9 points at 4012.4, despite last night's 3% plus surge on the Dow Jones Industrial Average on Wall Street.

New York-based investment firm Indigo Capital is considering a bid for troubled office group Regus, a report said today.

The FTSE 100 Index ended the day down 19.6 points at 5073.8.

Sir Richard Branson and Bernie Ecclestone are among Britain's elite number of 12 billionaires.