The retail sector remains very much at the forefront of the corporate calendar today. Just 24 hours after high street giant Next (NXT) unveiled positive results, Kingfisher (KGF) steps into the lion's den with its interim results, following what proved a solid first half for the group thanks to a strong performance from France.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg's bid to revitalise Britain's ageing infrastructure received a warm reception from Kier boss Paul Sheffield today amid a backdrop of tough times for the UK construction industry.

The first ever Scottish Apprenticeship Week will take place from 5-9 September, aiming to encourage more businesses to take on apprentices. Expanding apprenticeship and vocational learning programmes will boost economic recovery, says Linda McCourt, Proskills Scotland Manager
The first ever Scottish Apprenticeship week will take place from 5-9 September 2011, aiming to encourage more building products companies to take on apprentices and highlight the positive impact they can have on a business.

The London Development Agency, in partnership with Newham Council, is inviting a shortlist of seven developers to come up with proposals to develop its Silvertown Quays site in east London's Royal Docks.

whg has begun its most significant, concentrated investment in homes with a green makeover that promises to benefit customers, the environment and skyline. More than £3million is being spent on landmark Humphries House and neighbouring Severn House, Brownhills, both of which are owned and managed by leading landlord whg.

Eurocell has opened is latest new branch on Avon Way, Doric Business Centre, in Trowbridge.

The National Construction College (NCC) – Europe’s largest construction training provider – has launched a new course to help improve the safety of construction workers who are responsible for towing trailers and mobile towable units.  The Loading and Movement of Trailers and Mobile Towable Units course will provide workers with an understanding and the necessary knowledge of trailer and mobile towable unit towing legislation, safe practices and their workers’ responsibilities, ensuring legal compliance and ultimately safety within the sector.

Ashtead Group's (LON:AHT) shares were up more than 15 percent this morning after the firm released very strong first quarter results.

It was a familiar tale of woe on London’s bourse, with banks and heavyweight miners leading the benchmark index deep into the red.

But while it has more often than not been the spectre of sovereign debt dragging on the banks, the eurozone was playing second fiddle to America as investors focused on events on the other side of the Atlantic.