Icy weather forces shoppers online

The bad weather forced many shoppers online last week. Superquinn saw demand soar and, with many customers requesting that their groceries be delivered, delivery slots filled up quickly. Certain products at Superquinn saw increased sales last week. Soup sales were up 35%, fire products increased by 36% and, on average, cooking ingredients sales were up 10%.

Anglo puts Cardiff scheme into receivership

Anglo Irish Bank has put a retail and leisure scheme beside the Millennium Stadium in the centre of Cardiff, Wales, into receivership.

The bank had initially agreed with the borrower, a subsidiary of development company Hawtin, that the Millennium Plaza complex would be put on the market, and received offers of about £12m. One of the offers could have raised £15m in deferred consideration, according to local reports.

The reports say the subsidiary's liability is £29m, comprising a term loan of £23.5m, as well as interest and a swap instrument.

The bank has now appointed Jon Gershinson of Allsops as the receiver to the project, a spokeswoman said.

Energy firm Vayu launches iPhone app on gas prices

Energy supplier Vayu has launched an iPhone app giving its users news and information on gas prices. The company said the app would allow companies to manage their bills and find out why wholesale gas prices move. "One of the most important services we provide to customers is quality, relevant and timely information," Vayu said.