During the slowdown innovation companies struggled to raise financing to get off the ground. But now is the time to invest in new technologies, according to UK Innovation Investment Fund. Lord Drayson, UK Science & Innovation Minister, discusses the creation of the 15-year £1 billion fund aided by the UK government.
Compass Group beat expectations with its full-year earnings Wednesday after an extensive cost-cutting strategy helped the catering group's bottom line. "The revenue outlook is flattish … but we would expect to grow the margins again," CEO Richard Cousins told CNBC.
Recession-wary consumers are regaining their appetite for ready-meals, according Greencore. Patrick Coveney, CEO of Greencore, told CNBC the outlook for the Irish food company was improving.
Heinz profit fell 16 percent, but the company beat analyst estimates on emerging-market growth. William Johnson, chairman and CEO of Heinz, talks to CNBC.