The team's skipper Nick Bubb is concerned about the technical difficulties of operating an antiquated yacht.

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Sir Stephen Bubb said the concept, which was central to the Conservatives' 2010 general election campaign, appeared to be "going nowhere".

BBC: UK Politics

Bradley Bubb scored twice as Farnborough had 32 shots at goal but were unable to make the most of their complete dominance.

BBC: Farnborough progress but Woking and Staines held

"John Lewis has had an outstanding Christmas for the second year in a row, " said retail analyst Nick Bubb of stockbrokers Arden Partners.

BBC: Waitrose to open more stores as John Lewis sales rise

Like for like sales in the first quarter were disappointing, says Arden Partners retail analyst Nick Bubb, bringing four years of continuous growth to a halt.

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"I just think TPG made a mistake, " said Mr Bubb.

BBC: Republic chain enters administration

Among the factors working in John Lewis' favour, Mr Bubb notes higher confidence of its middle-class customer base and the stronger recovery in London and the South East where the company has most of its stores.

BBC: Waitrose to open more stores as John Lewis sales rise

Not a good idea, says Bubb.

FORBES: Wal-Mart: All Is Not Well Internationally

But, according to retail analyst Nick Bubb, this did not appear to be the case with TPG's purchase of Republic - indeed at one point the investment firm sank even more of its own money into the business in a failed attempt to turn it around.

BBC: Republic chain enters administration