Dermot Desmond's investment vehicle is International Investment and Underwriting. Or should that be International Investment and Undertaking. Sources at his London City Airport say it has developed a thriving business transporting coffins.

"This is true," says David Stroud, head of development at the airport. "It's because we can get the bodies in and out much faster than Heathrow or wherever." On the subject of live travellers the airport expects to hear from the British government next week that it has permission to double the number of passengers passing through its doors.