On the surface of it, Marks & Spencer has managed to pull off a well-run response to the coronavirus crisis, analysts in the City have said.
On Wednesday their theories will be put to the test as the high street stalwart unveils its full-year results.
In Scott Wright's Monday Interview this week, Russell Imrie, managing director of Queensferry Hotels, talks about holidays past and future and ... it will almost be like the advances in leisure travel of the last four decades never happened.
In Monday's Business Voices, Paul Sheerin, chief executive of Scottish Engineering, says: "It feels like a long time since we spoke about much other than this global pandemic that has turned most of the world on its head, but as we tentatively plan ahead to days where lockdown may relax and our economy starts to rebuild, now would be a good time to remind ourselves of what was important before.
"For critical topics, it would be easy to come up with a handful, a top five perhaps for those of us who like our lists. But for the engineering sector, if you had to pick one and one only, which would it be?"
In Mark Williamson's SME focus this week a renewables pioneer reveals the hidden potential in former coal mines.
Gravitricity Limited is a research and development company developing patented underground energy storage technology.
"We use excess electricity to raise a weight in an underground shaft to charge the system, and then lower the weight to discharge electricity back to the grid.
"It’s the same principle as pumped storage hydro, but using solid weights, winches and cables instead."
Read all of these stories in The Herald print and online editions this week.
The Marks and Spencer update, which covers the financial year to March 28, is expected to be overshadowed by questions for chief executive Steve Rowe and his team over how they are preparing for reopening non-food stores once lockdown is eased.
M&S has already announced it would scrap this year's planned £130 million dividend payout. Investors will look for confirmation that next year's £210 million dividend is also off the table.
Measures including pay freezes, cuts on discretionary spending such as advertising and pausing all non-essential recruitment have also helped reduce costs - although essential workers in stores are being given a 15% bonus.
Some staff have been furloughed, non-food stores closed and a handful of shops in business districts are also shut. The Government's business rates holiday has also saved the retailer £180 million.
Analysts have welcomed the moves to secure a financial future, which also included the company announcing it would be eligible for a Government loan, via the Bank of England, and may use it if required.
They will want details on what base scenario M&S is operating from and how Mr Rowe and his team can emerge from the Covid-19 crisis.
Retail analyst Clive Black, at Shore Cap, said: "No doubt the group will seek to outline to the best of its capability, expectations in what remain very volatile, uncertain and potentially straitened times."
Geoff Lowery, retail analyst at Redburn, added: "The group's liquidity position puts it in the survivor bucket. Yet, the trajectory of earnings, even beyond immediate virus impacts, is opaque.
"The energy and drive of the management team is welcome and important but is there an answer?"
Mr Rowe will also be expected to update on plans for launching an online food offering, following its link-up with Ocado.
The launch date is in September and M&S will be keen to cash in on the rise of home delivery from lockdown, determined to open on time.
Either way, the share price started the year at 215.9p and closed the week out at just 84.05p and if there is any chance of its recovery, analysts will want the details of how customers will splash the cash before recommending investors start doing the same.
On Tuesday HomeServe finals and Imperial Brands, Topps Tiles, and Greencore interims are due.
Also on Wednesday are Severn Trent and Experian finals and Compass interms, with Pets at Home and Tate and Lyle finals and AJ Bell interims due on Thursday.
On Friday, Burberry, United Utilities finals are due and EasyJet shareholders are expected to vote on key aspects of the airline's leadership.
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