In a move that surprises no one given the recent shuttering of business-class-only jet services MaxJet Airways and Eos Airlines, Silverjet, the last of the three, has folded. The London-based company failed to get a necessary $5 million in emergency funding to continue operations. The rise in the price of jet fuel doomed the business which was never profitable in its 16-month run. Lawrence Hunt, the chief executive of Silverjet, says on the Silverjet website that it might not be over yet, if he is able to get new investors with deep pockets the company will start up again. Unfortunately given the track record of business-class-only airlines, which despite the obvious appeal, seemed doomed to failure, he will have a tough road ahead.Posts with tag business
Silverjet Closes Up Shop
In a move that surprises no one given the recent shuttering of business-class-only jet services MaxJet Airways and Eos Airlines, Silverjet, the last of the three, has folded. The London-based company failed to get a necessary $5 million in emergency funding to continue operations. The rise in the price of jet fuel doomed the business which was never profitable in its 16-month run. Lawrence Hunt, the chief executive of Silverjet, says on the Silverjet website that it might not be over yet, if he is able to get new investors with deep pockets the company will start up again. Unfortunately given the track record of business-class-only airlines, which despite the obvious appeal, seemed doomed to failure, he will have a tough road ahead.Sharper Image Hopes For A Quick Sale
A couple months ago we mentioned that high-end gadget retailer Sharper Image had filed for bankruptcy, now the company is up for sale. The retailer has said they want to be sold by the end of May and are preparing for an auction of the business as soon as possible. A Reuters article features a quote from Robert Conway, Sharper Image's chief executive which says in part that the current retail climate and the limited financing options available have prompted the sale. A potential buyer may be found in Jerry Levin, the former chairman of Sharper Image's board who recently resigned and has stated publicly that he is interested in working investors to buy the company. Like RedEnvelope, which is also up for sale, the Sharper Image has continued to keep doing business which leads me to wonder how many people are aware that the businesses they are shopping with are inches from going under.
Best Business Class Lounges in the World
Those who travel frequently often find themselves in between destinations, killing time in an airport. Whether it is a flight delay or a long layover, that downtime can be anything but pleasant. Huge crowds, long lines, and the general chaos that reigns in an airport is not conducive to working or relaxing. That's where the business-class lounges come in. A respite from the madness, these havens range from the very basic to the very luxurious - and knowing which is where can come in handy when planning your itinerary.Each year, Skytrax ranks the 10 best business-class lounges in the world based on data that includes customer surveys and business research group interviews. The results are in and in the number one spot is Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse at Heathrow Airport. In addition to a complete office, library, and video projection system, those looking for first class relaxation will find everything they desire. Take a cat nap on a daybed in a hideaway mezzanine, enjoy a meal in one of several dining options or have a drink at the bar. Or use the time to visit the Cowshed Spa, where you can get a facial, massage or even a tan. If all that pampering musses your hair, you can stop by the Bumble and Bumble Hair Salon.
A few North American carriers are beginning to upgrade their lounge offerings, but for now you won't find any of them of Skytrax's top ten list.
Shinebox Print Business Cards
Everybody's got a business card these days, even soccer mom's have them! It's just the easiest way for everybody, not just business types, to keep in touch and communicate sometimes. So why not design your own, and have something unique and stylish instead of the standard boring layout everybody has? Business cards from Shinebox Print are not only cute in their little box with perforated edges, but you can personalize them however you want by including your own pictures, graphics, layout and everything on the front and back. Of course you can get personalized cards from lots of places, but these are so much more artistic, and a little different. And if you like the idea but don't necessarily want business cards, Shinebox can make calling cards, coupons, or any number of other projects. Prices start at $150.
Via LuxuryLaunches
Virgin America Debuts New "Red" Consoles
Virgin America, an airline that is part of the Virgin empire, has just introduced some new advertising-sponsored in-flight consoles as a way to keep costs down on the lower fare airline. With the ad-supported system, dubbed "Red", travelers can get access to in-cabin text messaging, movies on demand, satellite TV and a variety of games and audio channels. The system also "provides AC power and wireless connectivity for travelers with laptops," making Virgin America sound much more convenient for business travelers who might otherwise avoid "budget" airlines because they're difficult to work on.French Foie Gras Industry Expects Record Year
In spite of bans and animal rights outcries against its production, fois gras might be more popular than ever before at eateries. Luxury and gourmet foods are becoming increasingly popular and more diners are seeking out high-end meals in general. There are only a couple of farms in the US, but the French fois gras industry is expecting a record year. 85% of the world's production of the fatty duck (or goose) liver comes from France and the French foie gras producers see the 6% growth from the last year as in indicator of things to come, though they do say that half of the annual sales of fois gras are generated in December. The Business Bib
Do you telecommute to work on a regular basis? For many who work from home on a regular basis, the dress code is relaxed, to say the least. Some work in jeans and a T-shirt, while others stick with pjs and slippers for the majority of their working hours. But with a rise in video conferencing, stay at home workers find that they have to meet real office dress codes even in their home office. Enter the Business Bib. It enables wearers to look like they're properly attired in a full suit from the chest up, so you can fool you boss and co-workers via webcam and avoid getting dressed for a bit longer in the mornings. It may look strange when viewed as a whole, but a glance at the gallery proves that they do look very convincing. The materials are of high quality and, perhaps best of all, you'll never have to worry about coordinating colors. Prices range from $135 to $150, and the personality descriptions with each bib are worth a read, even if you plan to stick with real suits.
Men's Short Suits for Spring?
One of the trends seen in many lines for Spring 2007 was the men's business suit with shorts, rather than pants. The Perry Ellis design, pictured, illustrates the idea. Designers love it and seem to be convinced that it is the wave of the future.
Not one to dash their hopes, but this is one trend that won't carry over once it is off the runway. Men don't want to wear them and the buyers for stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks know it; the suits are being passed over at almost every level. While the idea of being cool and comfortable in a professional environment is appealing, it doesn't seem like the business community is ready to embrace the business short look.
The two reasons that men can't wear the short suits are (1) a lack of appropriate footwear and (2) hairy legs.
Where the Execs Eat
BusinessWeek has an interesting look at where the business elite - executives at some of the country's most successful companies - go to eat. You might think that their favorite spots would be restaurants like Per Se, Alinea or any number of Vegas hotspots, and while they do eat (and enjoy) some meals there, it turns out that they like just about any place that has good food and a friendly atmosphere. For some, it's a neighborhood diner or an unpretentious steakhouse, while others do prefer more upscale eats, but the staff always plays just a big a role as the food. So, you don't have to be an executive to eat like one - and chances are good you've already had a $3 diner breakfast - you just have to recognize and appreciate some of the finer things in life, wherever they are.
Esque Glass Revolver
Paperweights are interesting pieces of desktop art, which is why we love them. We all know that there are not
often high-speed winds sweeping through our offices. This Esque Revolver is an exceptional example of
paperweight art. It is hand-blown glass that is shaped into a life-size revolver. Though each piece varies slightly,
they are strikingly realistic, not to mention beautiful. The glass is recycled, and the revolver can be blown in amber
or metallic blue. All pieces are custom made to order. Price: $315.
Bodum Lipstick Flask
Not all ladies have time to lunch. Some don't even
have time to stop in for a latte while they're on the go from meeting to meeting or party to party. Bodum's
Lipstick Flask really resembles a giant tube of fire-engine red lipstick, its streamlined, high-gloss
exterior giving way to an interior full of what busy women need most: caffeine.
Ok. It doesn't have to be full of coffee. In fact, we think that it is very stylish all on its own. How many of your friends have a tube of lipstick this big, after all? The vacuum-sealed thermos will keep up to 34-ounces of whatever you fill it with perfectly secure - hot or cold - for hours. And, of course, it will look great doing it. Price: $29.99.
