In British English^x, Singular verbs^x, Nouns^x

1. Use of present perfect tense and simple past tense Speakers of American English generally use the present perfect tense (have/has + past participle) far less than speakers of British English. In spoken American English it is very common to use the simple past tense as an alternative in...

You are quite definitely right. British Coal is a firm and as such is singular so obviously the verb should be singular. You should always use a singular verb with a collective noun. No-one would dream of writing The Bank of England are increasing the rate of interest. At least, I hope no-one...