THE NEWS WRAP: Branson apologises for Virgin Blue technical troubles

The stardust of Sir Richard Branson has been sprinkled in an attempt to appease thousands of Virgin Blue passengers set for a third day of delays. 

Branson, well known for his media savvy approach, has officially apologised for the technical troubles experienced by his airline. A computer glitch caused Virgin Blue’s check-in system to collapse, leading to flight cancellations.

‘Consensus’ carbon price deal sought

Business groups will have direct input into a “consensus” climate change policy drawn up by the Gillard government. 

The government has secured a promise from the Greens to negotiate the party’s position on climate policy, potentially clearing a way for a price on carbon.

Retail land grab underway

Small hardware businesses will face increased big business pressure over the coming year, with both Bunnings and Woolworths planning a massive land grab for new stores.

Bunnings has committed to opening 18 new stores in NSW over the next three years, while Woolworths, which has said that it will start to compete in the hardware space, is set to roll out 150 stores by 2015.

Telcos attacked

They can be the bane of the budding entrepreneurs’ working lives, so it will be of little surprise to many to see submissions to the ACCC criticise the major telco firms.

The consumer watchdog, which is looking into consumer care into the industry, has received a raft of negative submissions from consumers and business groups.

Overnight

The Australian dollar remained strong at US 96.11cents, while the Dow Jones industrial average was down 48.22 points.