Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Why mature dating apps are coming of age
An increasing number of older people are turning to dating apps for mature people, in a quest for love.
'I still have confidence in package holidays'
New research suggests most people still want to book package holidays despite what happened after the collapse of Thomas Cook.
Trump sets date for signing US-China 'deal'
The US president says he will sign a limited agreement with China on 15 January.
Global markets end 2019 with healthy gains
Major share indexes end the year sharply higher despite a year of global financial uncertainty.
Carlos Ghosn lawyer stunned as Nissan ex-boss flees Japan for Lebanon
It is unclear how the ex-Nissan boss, who was awaiting trial, managed to flee to Lebanon.
Consumers' five biggest complaints revealed by Citizens Advice
Problems with used cars top the list as a charity urges people to keep records of poor service or goods.
Telecom giant MTN accused of paying bribes to Taliban, al-Qaeda
South African mobile company MTN responds to allegations it paid bribes to al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
'We can give a lot of the power back to the fans'
How two friends created an online storytelling platform with more than 80 million global users.
Monday, December 30, 2019
Huawei: 'Survival will be our priority' in 2020
The firm admits life will be "difficult" after the Trump administration banned the firm in the US.
National living wage to rise by 6.2% in April
The government says it will boost pay by more than four times the rate of inflation.
What were the top business stories of 2019?
It was a year of unrest and upheaval, with protests in Hong Kong, and US-China trade tensions.
Local shops urge action to save cash machines
The Link network should raise the fee it pays cash machine operators, say convenience store owners.
Nissan's ex-head Carlos Ghosn in surprise Lebanon arrival
It is unclear how Carlos Ghosn left Japan where he was on bail pending trial on corruption charges.
Germanwings strike forces 180 flight cancellations
Cabin crew at Lufthansa's low-cost carrier are staging a three-day walkout in a long-running dispute.
Student loans: Online accounts to undergo overhaul in 2020
The government says a new online service will offer graduates more up-to-date balance information.
Schools in Wales: New tax 'should fund school curriculum changes'
A leading economist proposes a new levy to make up for "pretty dire" funding for schools.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Tesla delivers its first 'Made in China' cars
The move comes as the US-China trade war US companies to shift production out of China.
Bank of England chief Mark Carney issues climate change warning
The world will face irreversible heating unless firms shift priorities, Mark Carney tells the BBC.
Hydrogen-powered drones could point way to future travel
Hydrogen-powered drones have several advantages to lithium ion-powered ones, says Dr Enass Abo-Hamed.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Ten brands that disappeared from the High Street over the last decade
Toys R Us, Borders, Maplin and BHS are some big names that have disappeared over the last decade.
Friday, December 27, 2019
UK railways need ‘radical overhaul’, campaigners say
A pressure group says ending "nightmare rail journeys" can happen - but only with major reforms.
New Year Honours: Former Ofcom head Sharon White becomes dame
Sharon White is recognised on the honours list for her public service at the telecoms regulator Ofcom.
Treasury 'to rewrite rules to favour the North'
The plan could hand fresh cash to Labour's former heartlands, which backed the Tories in election.
Amazon probed over plan to buy Deliveroo stake
The competition watchdog is worried the deal could increase the cost of getting food delivered.
Sriracha hot sauce recall over 'exploding' bottle fears
The popular sauce has been recalled in Australia and New Zealand over fears it may splatter when opened.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Bruce Lee's daughter sues fast food chain over image use
Shannon Lee alleges popular restaurant Real Kungfu has used her father's image without permission.
Boxing Day sales: Footfall slumps as bad weather hits UK
Online deals and the weather may have contributed to a fall in the number of people heading to the sales, experts say.
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Business review of 2019: Boeing, Huawei and Brexit
2019 saw Boeing suffer a blow to its reputation after the second crash of a Boeing 737 Max airliner.
How the US-China trade war has changed the world
The bitter US-China trade battle has led to fundamental shifts in the global trading environment.
My Money: 'I'm exactly £1,000 lighter'
As part of a new BBC blog series, Angela Jansen shares what she spent her money on this week.
The island struggling to secure its future
After being hit by a hurricane, Puerto Rico is seeking ways to counter years of economic decline.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Monzo boss warned: 'Worst decision of your life'
Tom Blomfield, who founded mobile bank Monzo, describes his personal journey starting a business.
Brecon Carreg back under Welsh ownership after 36 years
Former commercial manager buys back mineral water business from a Belgian company.
Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick steps down from board
Ride-hailing firm's co-founder steps down from its board saying he wants to focus on other pursuits.
How do toy shops pick the right Christmas toys?
Buyers at Hamleys in London decide in March what kids are going to want for Christmas.
Christmas: Beware 'lethal' button batteries in toys
If accidentally swallowed, the tiny batteries can burn and choke young children, doctors warn.
Salmon producer steps up war on food fraud
A Scottish salmon farmer moves to tackle the sale of fake products ahead of a planned US expansion.
Monday, December 23, 2019
Why didn't the Bank of England appoint a woman?
Andrew Bailey will be the 121st governor in the Bank's history, and every one of them has been a man.
Heard it before? The rise of the anniversary album
Mariah Carey is just one of a host of artists cashing in on the mania for anniversary re-releases.
'Fashion industry's pollution made me cry'
Yael Aflalo on the trip to China that sparked the growth of her California-based Reformation chain.
Lloyd's of London whistleblowing hotline was down for 16 months
Regulators will monitor Lloyd's of London after a whistleblowing hotline was down for 16 months.
Boeing boss Dennis Muilenburg to step down
The firm said a change in leadership was necessary to restore confidence after the 737 Max crisis.
Tesco Christmas card factory in China denies 'forced labour'
A girl found a handwritten message, claiming to be from Chinese prisoners, in a Christmas card.
Vimto: Profit warning follows Middle East soft drinks tax
The soft drinks levy was introduced in Saudi Arabia and the UAE where Vimto sales are worth £7m.
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Fund manager defends backing blacklisted Chinese surveillance firm
Fidelity International owns a stake in Hikvision, which is accused of contributing to human rights abuses.
Emanuel Ungaro: French fashion designer Emanuel dies aged 86
Clothes from the designer's fashion house have been seen on everyone from Jackie Kennedy to Katy Perry.
China to cut import tariffs on pork and tech parts
The world's second-largest economy will cut import duties on hundreds of goods from 1 January.
The Rise of Skywalker: Another hit for Star Wars despite falling sales
The opening weekend box office for The Rise of Skywalker fell short of previous films in the trilogy.
Thomas Cook staff say 'benefits system has failed them'
Thomas Cook staff say the benefits system has failed them, leaving them desperate and distressed.
Deutsche Bank whistleblower hits back at regulator
Anna Waterhouse has hit back after a damaging finding against her by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
Tech trends 2020: New spacecraft and bendy screens
From new spacecraft to bendy screens, what to watch for in tech in 2020.
Tesco halts production at Chinese factory over alleged 'forced' labour
It comes after a girl reportedly found a message from Chinese prisoners in a box of Tesco Christmas cards.
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Whirlpool: MPs call on washing machine firm to offer swift refunds
The company is recalling half a million washing machines but some MPs are calling on it to do more.
Sacla', Waitrose and Aldi pesto products recalled over peanut fears
The affected products include the brand Sacla' as well as supermarkets Waitrose and Aldi.
Cobham takeover: Boris Johnson defends £4bn sale to US equity firm
Critics say there are still national security questions over the sale of Cobham to a US equity firm.
Friday, December 20, 2019
Is Barbie's makeover working?
Barbie has been given a makeover to be more diverse and empowered - but will that give her a place under the Christmas tree?
UK approves £4bn takeover of defence company Cobham
The government has cleared Advent's £4bn takeover bid for British firm Cobham.
Dumfries and Galloway wind farm deal worth £104m agreed
The agreement involves two projects in southern Scotland where construction has yet to begin.
What does the Bank of England governor actually do?
It's the top job at an institution that can affect the finances of people across the UK, but what does it involve?
HSBC customers hit by two IT glitches within hours
The bank joked "the elves had just got out in our server rooms and run amok" before a second fault.
France Télécom suicides: Three former bosses jailed
The three are found guilty of "institutional moral harassment" that saw staff deaths in the 2000s.
Bank of England: What does the governor do?
Andrew Bailey has been appointed as the governor of the Bank of England.
Andrew Bailey's 'slow and steady' rise to power
Andrew Bailey, the new Bank of England governor, was an early favourite for the job.
VW hit with record fine in Australia over emissions scandal
The fine is to settle lawsuits over the German car giant's global emissions scandal.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Heathrow third runway 'delayed for 12 months'
The airport claims a decision by the aviation regulator to limit its spending will delay progress.
How the scramble for sand is destroying the Mekong
The Mekong river is being damaged by sand extraction, adding to calls for limits on sand usage.
Bank of England: Andrew Bailey tipped as new governor
Andrew Bailey, the Financial Conduct Authority boss, is the favourite to take over from Mark Carney.
Rail law proposal amounts to 'draconian' strike ban
A requirement to provide minimum services during strikes will reduce disruption, the government says.
Bank of England keeps interest rates on hold
Rates could be cut if global growth falters or Brexit uncertainty persists, the Bank indicates.
Retail sales fall sharply in November
Shoppers continued to keep a tight grip on spending amid uncertainty about Brexit and the election.
Boeing 'is not a trustworthy company anymore'
Zipporah Kuria, whose father died on board a 737 Max, met with the European aviation safety regulator.
Airbnb is not an estate agent, EU court rules
Airbnb will not need an estate agent licence to operate as it is an "information society service".
Hedge funds eavesdrop on Bank of England briefings
Traders may have had early access to market-sensitive information from Bank press conferences.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
African swine fever: Fears rise as virus spreads to Indonesia
An outbreak of the deadly virus that has decimated pig herds in China has been detected in Indonesia.
Japan's workplaces rethink 'drinking with the boss'
In Japan, fears of harassment claims mean some bosses are hesitant to organise after-work drinks.
Apple, Google and Amazon decide to 'play nice' over smart home tech
Apple, Google and Amazon team up to ensure smart home devices work regardless of the voice assistant used.
Felixstowe: Strike dates set for UK's busiest container port
The Port of Felixstowe handles more than a third of the container cargo arriving in the UK.
Whirlpool names date for washing machine recall
The owner of the Hotpoint and Indesit appliances, some of which are a fire risk, will begin next month.
UK 'should tackle dominance of online giants'
Competition authority says the UK should have tougher rules for firms such as Google and Facebook.
YouTube's top earners: Eight-year-old Ryan tops list with $26m
Ryan's World is ranked number one for the second year in a row.
Bet365: UK's best-paid boss hits £320m jackpot
The co-founder of the Bet365 website receives another huge pay award as online gambling booms.
Washing machine recall: Whirlpool's online model checker still down
Half a million Hotpoint and Indesit appliances need to be fixed or replaced, but the recall website is down.
Auditors 'should not just be regular accountants'
The latest review of auditors suggests a new professional body for those reviewing company accounts.
Fiat Chrysler and PSA confirm merger deal
Unions at PSA's Vauxhall operation have previously raised concerns about the merger.
Dame Vera Lynn wins gin trademark battle
Halewood International fails to register the trademark "Vera Lynn" as cockney rhyming slang for its gin.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Instagram e-cigarette posts banned by ad watchdog
British American Tobacco and three other vaping companies have posts promoting e-cigarettes banned.
Every McDonald's in Peru shuts to mourn dead workers
The fast food giant shut every restaurant in the country after two staff were electrocuted at work.
'Mortgage prisoners' sue over 'unfair' rates
Homeowners, including former customers of Northern Rock and Bradford & Bingley, claim they have been overcharged.
'We swapped the Christmas do for a conference'
For Craig Unsworth, there are alternatives to the traditional, boozy festive party.
How much do the British spend on a night out?
Sarah, 30, says she could have paid for a holiday with the money she blew on one expensive night out.
How charity apps may be making us more generous
There are more ways than ever to give to charity - so are these innovations spurring our generosity?
How much should bosses be paid?
Do stock options encourage good performance or are they just another way to boost executive pay?
CEO Secrets: 'We help banish bad muzak!'
Brian D'Souza, the boss of a company called Open Ear, says he is helping to improve in store music.
The US steps up the hunt for crucial rare earths
The US is stepping up the hunt for crucial rare earth metals, to lessen its dependence on China.
Builder Persimmon lacks minimum house standards, report finds
Review also says the housebuilder's corporate culture needs to change.
Berkshire estate agents fined for forming fee-fixing cartel
Three Berkshire estate agents will pay fines of £605,000 between them after the CMA investigation.
Whirlpool washing machine danger revealed as recall launched
Half a million Hotpoint and Indesit machines are recalled, as Whirlpool faces another fire safety saga.
The Book People goes into administration
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has been appointed as the administrator while the troubled firm looks for a buyer.
Boeing suppliers' shares hit by production pause
The planemaker's parts-makers have been hurt by the decision to pause production of the 737 Max.
Samsung chairman Lee Sang-hoon jailed for union sabotage
Lee Sang-hoon is sentenced to 18 months in prison for undermining legitimate union activities.
Whirlpool boss apologises for recalling machines at Christmas
Jeff Noel says it is unfortunate timing, but after problems with some machines, customer safety comes first.
Pound erases election gains amid no-deal Brexit concern
The pound is back down to where it was before the UK general election as Brexit concerns resurface.
Wetherspoon hit by 'temporary' pigs in blankets shortage
Wetherspoon is informing customers about the issue via posters.
Sackler family 'transferred $10bn out of Purdue'
The family took far more money out of the OxyContin-producer after it admitted misleading marketing.
UK unemployment falls to lowest level since 1975
Employment rises to all-time high, while wage growth slows less sharply than in three months to September.
Monday, December 16, 2019
The gender gap is on course to close.... in 99 years
Global gender inequality will take a century to eradicate and the UK's ranking has fallen six places.
How an economist helped thousands get a new kidney
Kidney exchange has helped thousands get a new kidney, and led to the Nobel Prize for Alvin Roth.
Boeing to temporarily halt 737 Max production in January
Manufacturer says it will stop production of troubled jet involved in two deadly crashes.
Top tech firms sued over DR Congo cobalt mining deaths
A lawsuit accuses Apple, Google, Tesla, Microsoft and others of using cobalt mined by child labour.
BA strike threat removed after pilot pay deal
The airline and its pilots have struck a deal in a dispute that led to a mass walkout in September.
Shares surge as political and trade tensions ease
Investors have welcomed the election result as well as progress in resolving the US-China trade dispute.
Twitch sued for £2.1bn over Premier League by Russian firm
The Amazon-owned streaming giant is facing claims it illegally broadcast matches.
Workers secure fresh victory over Post Office
A judge's ruling over the IT system comes after the Post Office offered a £58m deal for workers.
Apple shareholders set to vote on human-rights policies
A US regulator ruled a freedom-of-expression motion filed by campaigners should be put to shareholders.
Pre-Christmas shopping discounts 'could hit 50%'
Discounting by retailers in the run-up to Christmas is predicted to reach record heights in 2019.
Northern rail delays: Cancellations as new timetable begins
Rail firm Northern had said 50 new trains would be introduced, but is reporting a shortage of drivers.
Two ex-Serco bosses charged with fraud over alleged tagging scandal
Nicholas Woods and Simon Marshall are charged over an alleged scandal involving tagging criminals.
More House of Fraser stores to close, warns Mike Ashley
Sports Direct says it will be closing 'unprofitable' House of Fraser stores in the next 12 months.
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Water firms forced to cut bills by £50 by 2025
Water bills will come down after 1 April 2020 after the regulator set out new pricing rules.
Hallmark apologizes for pulling same-sex ads
The company withdrew the adverts under pressure from conservatives, then reversed its decision.
How a university dropout built a toy empire
Nick Mowbray went from sleeping on the factory floor to leading a multi-million dollar toy firm.
What does business want from Boris?
Many firms will welcome an end to the Brexit stalemate but firms want action elsewhere too.
Christmas lights from online sellers 'can be fire risk'
Which? says six out of 13 sets of Christmas lights it bought from online marketplaces were unsafe.
Climate change: Longest talks end with compromise deal
Exhausted delegates reach agreement on the key question of ambition with tricky issues postponed.
Faulty valve leaves thousands without water in Bedfordshire
About five thousand homes are still without water but Anglian Water hopes supplies will be restored.
British Steel takeover 'making progress'
China's Jingye denies a newspaper report suggesting its bid to rescue the firm could collapse.
Mesut Ozil: Arsenal-Manchester City game removed from schedules by China state TV
China's state broadcaster CCTV has removed Sunday's Arsenal-Manchester City game from its schedule after comments made by Gunners midfielder Mesut Ozil, state media has reported.
Jailed Post Office worker: I wanted to kill myself
The BBC speaks to people who were sent to prison after being accused of theft by the Post Office.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Last days of Long Clawson village butcher's shop
It has been run by three generations of the same family and originally delivered meat by horse and cart.
Post Office IT fiasco: 'Decade of hell' for accused
Those accused of false accounting and theft by the Post Office tell how their lives were devastated.
Switching broadband provider 'could save £120'
More than three-quarters of consumers who haggled were offered a better deal, according to Which?
Friday, December 13, 2019
Check your train time - new timetables begin
New rail timetables come in on Sunday, with more and speedier services promised on some routes.
Quadriga: Lawyers for users of bankrupt crypto firm seek exhumation of founder
Lawyers for Quadriga users say there are "questionable circumstances" behind Gerald Cotten's death.
What the Conservatives' win means for your money
Promises have been made and plans put in place that will have an effect on your finances after the election.
Tariffs on hold in early US-China trade deal
The so-called phase one deal will see billions of dollars in tariffs removed or delayed.
Viagogo's takeover of StubHub faces competition probe
The regulator is considering whether the takeover will lead to "a substantial lessening of competition".
Timetable set for Woodford fund repayments
Stricken investors in Neil Woodford's former flagship fund will receive their first payments on 20 January.
Businesses urge Johnson to secure trade deals
Bosses have called on the prime minister to secure the future terms of trade with the EU.
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Qantas picks Airbus over Boeing for longest flights
The move marks a fresh blow to rival Boeing as it deals with the fallout from its grounded 737 Max jets.
How the snow globe became a million dollar idea
The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst explains how the snow globe became a million dollar idea.
Trump 'signs off' on deal to pause US-China trade war
The two sides have reportedly reached a deal days before another round of tariffs was due to start.
Pound soars on exit poll forecast of Tory majority
Sterling surges 2.2% to its highest level since last June after figures suggest an 86-seat majority.
Apology over railcards issued with missing photos
National Rail has apologised for a glitch which meant some railcards were issued without photographs.
Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall restaurant closes
The restaurant had trained more than 200 apprentices since it opened in Newquay, in 2006.
Trump says US and China 'very close' to trade deal
US stocks rally on the president's tweet, which comes days before another planned round of tariffs.
Inaccurate bills are energy customers' biggest complaint, charity says
Three in five say bills are the source of problems, as Citizens Advice rates the best and worst firms.
Championship 'bubble waiting to burst' with clubs posting record losses in Premier League 'gamble'
BBC Radio 5 Live's Investigations Unit explores the financial picture of the Championship - with one former chairman saying "thank God we're out".
Superdry founder 'pleased with progress' despite loss
The fashion chain's founder Julian Dunkerton says it will take two to three years to revive the brand.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Trump tariff deadline looms: 'It's very scary'
US customers could pay billions more for shoes each year if new tariffs on China take effect.
'My boss lets us book hangover days'
One firm lets employees work from the comfort of their own sofa, even after they've been out drinking.
'I order takeaways six nights a week'
Ben Roberts spends up to £1,600 a month ordering in, more than three times the national average for a year.
Chemists demand clarity on cannabis-related goods
Non-medicinal CBD is now on sale in High Street shops across the country, including chemists.
How millennials are changing the perfume business
Perfumers describe how they're adapting to calls for sustainable contents and gender-neutral smells.
BBC iPlayer stops working on some Samsung TVs
Eleven models are not expected to get a fix until after the Christmas holiday season.
Boeing: Regulator admits 'mistake' over aircraft crashes
The Federal Aviation Administration predicted accidents but took no action until a second crash.
Brexit: Free trade deals 'won't offset leaving EU'
New trade deals won't compensate for the economic damage of leaving the EU, Newsnight analysis finds.
Supercuts strikes rescue deal saving 1,000 jobs
The owner of the Supercuts and Regis hairdressing chains has been saved from administration.
France strike: PM Édouard Philippe outlines 'fairer' pension plan
Prime Minister Édouard Philippe outlines controversial plans he says will create a fairer system.
Nintendo Switch goes on sale in China with just one first-party game
Super Smash Bros is the only first-party Nintendo title approved for sale in the country.
Internet provider faces big GDPR fine for lax call centre checks
Internet company is accused of only asking for a name and date of birth before sharing personal data.
UK pub sector expands for first time in 10 years
Official figures show there were 320 more pubs in Britain this March than a year earlier.
Tata's Orb steel plant in Newport has two potential buyers
Tata previously said it was shutting the steelworks, putting up to 380 jobs at risk.
Post Office settles IT ‘fraud’ case for £58m
The Post Office has settled a long-running dispute with sub-postmasters over its Horizon IT system.
Amazon told to answer Deliveroo deal concerns in five days
The competition watchdog is worried the tie-up could increase delivery prices.
Stagecoach founders Brian Souter and Ann Gloag stepping down
Sir Brian Souter will step down as chairman while Dame Ann Gloag will also step back from the company.
The secrets of 'food porn' viral videos
Is the fashion for filming calorie-saturated food videos encouraging unhealthy eating?
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Aramco shares jump in world's biggest ever market debut
The Saudi oil giant's share sale comes after months of uncertainty over the initial public offering.
'World's first' fully-electric commercial flight takes off
A fully electric seaplane flight has been hailed by operators as the start of a third "aviation era".
Most-viewed mansions of 2019 revealed
Castles and mirrored ceilings attracted clicks among window shoppers on a property website.
'I won't sleep for over 24 hours on election night'
Many currency traders will be working through the night on 12 December.
Can governments ever run out of money?
In the UK and US, political parties are promising spending splurges. Is more borrowing sensible?
WTO chief: 'Months' needed to fix disputes body
The world trade body has ground to a halt because the US has blocked the appointment of new judges.
Maurice Saatchi quits advertising firm he co-founded
M&C Saatchi shares have collapsed this year from a high of about £4 each to 103 pence.
Exxon wins New York climate change fight
A judge rules the firm did not mislead investors about climate change risks.
McDonald’s latest fast food chain to join vegan craze
The fast food chain will launch its first vegan meal option in the UK as more people cut down on meat.
USMCA: Agreement reached on Nafta trade deal replacement
Democrats in Congress agree to approve the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
George Laurer, co-inventor of the barcode, dies at 94
The US engineer helped to perfect the technology to read barcodes, which revolutionised retail.
Thomas Cook customers get apology for refund delay
The body repaying cash owed after the firm's collapse says it is "working tirelessly" on payments.
UK economic growth slowest in nearly seven years
GDP rises by 0.7% last month year-on-year, the weakest since March 2012, official figures show.
Wetherspoon 'to create 10,000 jobs over four years'
The chain says it will invest £200m in new pubs and hotels, as well as enlarging existing ones.
Ted Baker bosses resign as firm issues profit warning
The chief executive and executive chairman at the High Street fashion retailer are to step down.
Monday, December 9, 2019
'Hackable' karaoke and walkie talkie toys found by Which?
Strangers could connect to the toys via Bluetooth in certain cases, the consumer body claims.
SoftBank selling its stake in dog-walking app - reports
The move would mark another disappointment in a bad year for the Japanese investment giant.
British power plant promises to go carbon negative
Drax, which generates 5% of UK power, says it will capture more carbon than it produces by 2030.
'I slept in a cupboard for three months'
Entrepreneur Mathias Mikkelsen was so desperate to get into a 'hacker house' he slept in a closet.
E-scooter company Unicorn goes bust after spending big on Facebook ads
The Texas-based company reportedly sold just 350 of its $699 commuter scooters.
LinkedIn loneliness video by Canterbury man goes viral
Mark Gaisford made a video about having no close friends and it went viral on social media.
Paul Volcker: Former US Federal Reserve chief dies aged 92
The former head of the US Federal Reserve was known for fighting inflation in the 1980s.
Thomas Cook refunds 40,000 customers by deadline
The figure is two-thirds the number the regulator hoped to refund at the end of a 60-day deadline.
'It's inexcusable we don't know who we can hire'
The Conservatives' immigration plans lack clarity, says the head of a UK business group.
Investors withdraw £100m from UK property funds
Many have been shaken by the suspension of withdrawals from a leading property fund last week.
Rise of SUVs 'makes mockery' of electric car push
Exhaust emissions from new cars have been increasing for the past three years, research suggests.
Billionaire John Caudwell goes head-to-head with Labour's John McDonnell
John Caudwell goes head-to-head with the shadow chancellor after he stated that nobody needs or deserves to be a billionaire.
'If HS2 doesn't come to Crewe, what then?'
The demise of Crewe's railway industry has hit people hard. What are their hopes for the future?
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Tesco considers sale of Thai and Malaysian stores
The move comes as Britain's biggest retailer focuses on its domestic business in the wake of an accounting scandal.
General election 2019: Labour vows Budget 'to end austerity' in first 100 days
John McDonnell will also set out plans for "democratic control" of nationalised water and energy.
Scottish private sector output expands, says RBS survey
A regular RBS survey suggests there are "some positive signs" for firms, after output grows in November.
Polluting firms 'will be hit by climate policies'
Which business sectors will be winners and losers when, and if, climate change policies take affect?
How to have a more sustainable Christmas
From renting your tree, to sponsoring a turkey, a growing number of people are having a greener Christmas.
General Election 2019: Johnson insists no NI-GB goods checks post-Brexit
The PM says a leaked Treasury document that says there will be customs checks is "wrong".
China exports fall again as US trade war continues
The latest China trade data points to further signs of strain in the world's second largest economy.
Avanti starts running West Coast Main Line after Virgin franchise ends
The last Virgin train left Euston on Saturday evening, ending Britain's longest-running rail franchise.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
HMV faces the music in Christmas crunch test
Canadian Doug Putman rescued the UK music chain, but will the festive season make or break it?
Trade disputes settlement system facing crisis
The World Trade Organization faces a crisis in its system for resolving disputes between members.
Virgin Trains: Final service departs as UK's longest-running rail franchise ends
The last Virgin train left London at 21:42, marking the end of Britain's longest-running rail franchise.
Seychelles: The island nation with a novel way to tackle climate change
The Seychelles has swapped 5% of its national debt for a cash injection to fight climate change and save its ocean.
Pensioner in £193,000 inheritance battle after sort code error
A 74-year-old had his share of an inheritance withheld after providing the wrong sort code number.
General election 2019: What to look out for on the economy
BBC Business Editor Faisal Islam looks at the economic issues at stake in the election.
Friday, December 6, 2019
Sweden's Ericsson to pay over $1bn to settle US corruption probe
The telecoms giant has agreed to pay to resolve bribery allegations, the US justice department says.
Elon Musk wins defamation case over 'pedo guy' tweet about diver
The Tesla founder did not defame UK diver who helped in dramatic Thai cave rescue, US jury finds.
Bug busters: The tech behind new vaccines
A revolution in the way vaccines are developed is raising hopes of faster protection from deadly infections.
Thomas Cook: 'They told me the money was safe'
Many angry Thomas Cook customers are still awaiting refunds for the holidays that never happened.
Labour pledges to electrify UK bus fleet
It wants to electrify UK buses by 2030, but the Tories say Labour would "scrap vital new roads".
US jobs growth jumps in November
The economy added a higher-than-expected 266,000 jobs, helped by the return of striking GM workers.
Eddie Stobart saved from collapse after crunch vote
Shareholders approve a lifeline for the company famed for its distinctive green and red lorries.
Lloyd's of London staff told to behave at Christmas parties
The centuries-old specialist insurance market has faced a raft of complaints about bullying and sexism.
Saudi Aramco's eight decades of history
Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco traces its history back to the 1930s.
West Coast Rail: Preston-to-Scotland rail fares to be capped
The UK's competition watchdog agrees a cap rail fares on certain routes between Scotland and Preston.
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Macron pension reform: France braces for second day of strikes
Transport and services will once again be affected after 800,000 marched in protests on Thursday.
Garuda airline boss to lose job over smuggled motorbike
The boss of Indonesia's national airline is accused of not declaring the importation of a Harley Davidson.
Macron pension reform: Why are French workers on strike?
Hospital staff, police and transport employees join France's biggest strike in decades - but what for?
Uber had 6,000 US sexual assault reports in two years
The figures come as the ride-hailing company is under intense pressure globally over safety issues.
Cambodia's bicycle firms face bumps in the road
The Asian nation has built up a bike building industry, but human rights concerns could put the brakes on growth.
How the egg box became a million dollar idea
The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst explains how the egg box became a million dollar idea.
DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman switches to Google
The man behind controversial Streams app is to join Google to develop AI solutions.
Saudi Aramco raises $25.6bn in world's biggest share sale
The oil giant's listing is the biggest ever, surpassing that of China's Alibaba in 2014.
Thomas Cook customers face further refund delays
A third of the first Thomas Cook customers to claim refunds will not be paid within the 60-day target.
UK household debts see big increase
Debts including credit card debt and personal loans have risen 11% to £119bn in two years.
Plum: Users of money app complain of long delays for withdrawals
Users say they have had to wait days to get their money out and have struggled to get information.
Eddie Stobart faces crunch rescue vote
One of the troubled firm's largest shareholders wants to lend it £55m through costly, high-interest bonds.
British Steel's French site advertised for sale
China's Jingye has agreed to buy the whole company, but is reportedly furious about developments in France.
Lotus Evija: The £2.2m electric hypercar
The Lotus Evija goes into production next year and Click gets a look at what drivers can expect.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Macron pension reform: France braces for severe disruption amid strike
Transport and schools are severely affected as millions threaten to strike over pension changes.
Huawei launches a new legal challenge against US ban
The Chinese company filed the case after it was labelled as a security threat by Washington.
'I would sell a kidney for the Baby Yoda toy'
Star Wars fans really want toys of the Child, but it will not be out until next year.
Coral dredging: 'It's going to cause irreversible damage'
Cayman Islands campaigners are fighting to stop coral reefs being dredged for bigger cruise liners.
HSBC to bring in single overdraft rate of 40%
The move will as much as quadruple the rate it charges some customers.
Clintons strikes deal to avoid pre-Christmas collapse
The greetings card chain will be sold back to its existing owners, saving 2,500 jobs.
UK's biggest commercial property fund suspended
M&G blamed "Brexit-related political uncertainty" and difficulties in the retail sector for the freeze.
Pound surges to two-year high against the euro
The pound is the highest against the dollar in seven months and the highest against the euro since May 2017.
Who is Sundar Pichai and what does Alphabet do?
The chief executive of Google is now in charge of its parent company Alphabet.
Johnson backs tech tax despite Trump's threats
The prime minister set out his plan just hours after the US warned France of import tariffs.
'People of colour seem to be superglued to the floor'
Trevor Phillips says UK's biggest firms are failing to improve ethnic diversity in leadership roles.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Peloton exercise bike ad mocked as being 'sexist' and 'dystopian'
A Christmas ad for the exercise bike firm has been mocked on social media as being "out of touch".
Another Deliveroo TV ad banned for being misleading
The TV advert received the third highest number of complaints this year, the regulator says.
How robust is the world's financial plumbing?
The Swift system has securely transferred data for decades, but faces growing geopolitical pressure.
How China-US rivalry is dividing the internet
Will the rivalry between China and the US accelerate the division of the internet into two halves?
Conservatives pledge £4.2bn for trains, buses and trams
The party promises new spending on trains, buses and trams outside London.
Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin step down from parent firm
Larry Page and Sergey Brin are stepping down from Alphabet, with Google CEO Sundar Pichai to take over.
Trump warns of another year of trade tension
The US president says a deal with China may not come until after the 2020 election.
Iceland puts well-being ahead of GDP in budget
The Nordic nation's PM says modern governments need to value green energy and family welfare more.
Black Friday brings UK retailers 'welcome' boost
Sales volumes over the weekend in the UK rose by more than 7% from last year, Barclaycard says.
Sky to build huge new Elstree film studio
The media giant says 2,000 jobs will be created near the existing production site north of London.
TSB fails to meet gender balance target
The bank aimed for women to hold half of its senior jobs by 2020 but have had to push that to 2025.
Elon Musk 'pedo guy' defamation trial to begin
The Tesla boss is due to appear in court accused of defaming a British man during a 2018 cave rescue.
TikTok sent US user data to China, lawsuit claims
The class action accuses TikTok of "surreptitiously" transferring data of American users to China.
Monday, December 2, 2019
FaceApp may pose 'counterintelligence threat' says FBI
It comes amid rising US concern over security risks posed by products made by foreign technology firms.
'We try to make good food emotionally addictive'
John Vincent, co-founder of healthy fast food chain Leon, explains the ethos behind the company.
Raiding factories, freeing children
Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi has been freeing children from slavery for more than 30 years.
US mulls retaliation to French tech tax
The list of items that could be hit with tariffs includes cheese, sparkling wine, make-up and handbags.
Could you make money from renting your clothes?
A fashion industry executive is hoping to make clothing rental a popular trend in the UK.
Ferguson Marine shipyard taken into public ownership
The Ferguson shipyard move comes after administrators agree terms for the transaction with Scottish ministers.
Volkswagen: UK motorists begin mass claim over emissions scandal
About 100,000 UK car buyers start a compensation claim over the Volkswagen emissions scandal.
Trump to restore tariffs on steel from Brazil and Argentina
The US President says the countries' weak currencies and cheap exports are harming US farmers.
Android 'spoofing' bug helps targets bank accounts
Banking apps were hit by cyber-thieves who spoofed login pages to steal account details.
Amazon's AI musical keyboard 'sounds terrible'
The device automatically elaborates on tunes played by keyboardists, using a variety of musical styles.
Disabled workers face a 12.2% pay gap
The Office for National Statistics says London has the highest gap, with Scotland the narrowest.
Ted Baker probes £25m stock overstatement
The fashion retailer appoints a major law firm and independent accountants to carry out a review.
South Western Railway strike: 27-day walk out begins
It follows a row over guards on South Western Railway services, which run from London Waterloo.
Cyber Monday expected to rake in 'record US sales'
Retailers are poised for bumper Cyber Monday sales in the US after a record-breaking Black Friday.
Meng Wanzhou: Oil paintings and books for detained Huawei executive
Meng Wanzou is fighting extradition to the US on charges of violating sanctions against Iran.
Amazon pulls Auschwitz-themed Christmas ornaments
Poland's Auschwitz Memorial called on the retailer to halt sales of the "disturbing" merchandise
Sunday, December 1, 2019
'Exploited' workers propping up the building sector
The construction industry is trying to crack down on the use of underpaid labour, but it's a huge task.
Brexit: Could the UK and EU sort a trade deal in months?
Even if the withdrawal agreement is approved, the future UK-EU trade relationship still requires much work.
General election 2019: Lib Dems won't support Labour nationalisation plans
Jo Swinson says Labour's plans to take utilities back into public ownership are "not the way forward".
'I match clothes with my pug'
We look at the trend for matching the clothes you wear with your children, dog, cat or even horse.
Labour pledges to cut rail fares by a third
The party vows to slash rail fares and make travel free for young people under the age of 16.
General election 2019: Labour plans central train ticket bookings
The party is proposing a "one-stop shop" for fares with no booking fees if it wins the election.
Mark Carney appointed UN envoy for climate action
The Bank of England governor will be mobilising private finance to take action on climate change.
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Tiffany hopes to regain its sparkle with new owners
New York's famous jewellery brand is changing hands, but will the new owners keep its popular touch?
Friday, November 29, 2019
Rail fares to rise by 2.7% in January
The rise is below the benchmark inflation rate, but still means big increases for many commuters.
Final day for Help to Buy Isa applications
Nearly 260,000 properties have been bought using the Isa, Treasury figures show.
How to make phone batteries that last longer
A breakthrough in battery technology would be an engineering triumph and spur to other technologies.
Black Friday backlash: Amazon protests erupt across France
French activists threaten a "Black Day for Amazon" as they criticise its environmental impact.
Black Friday 'could break buying record'
Barclaycard says high levels of transactions suggests that appetite for the sales is not abating.
Missguided boss on Black Friday: 'If we don't play, we die'
The boss of fashion retailer Missguided discusses the importance of Black Friday.
NatWest IT glitch causes problems on busy Friday
One man tells of difficulty paying for a prescription, while Black Friday shoppers are also hit.
Daily Mail owner buys i newspaper for £50m
DMGT buys the newspaper from JPI Media, which took over Johnston Press last year.
Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler to cut 10,000 jobs worldwide
The German carmaker said the move was necessary to invest in the changeover to electric cars.
Amazon hit by Black Friday walkouts and protests in Europe
The online giant suffers a Black Friday strike in Germany, while protesters target its French sites.
Japanese store 'rethinks' badges for staff on periods
The badges - which featured a cartoon character known as Miss Period - led to complaints.
Npower expected to cut 4,500 UK jobs
The energy firm sets out plans to make itself more profitable but unions call the cuts a "body blow".
HSBC and Santander customers set for refund
The competition watchdog says the banks failed to warn customers who became unintentionally overdrawn.
Deadline for UK drone registration approaches
Drone owners in the UK must register them by the end of Friday or face a £1,000 fine.
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Dyson to move global HQ to historic Singapore building
The UK company says the old power station will be an "inspiring backdrop" as it shifts to Asia.
Black Friday: I feel guilty about how much I return
The return of unwanted goods bought in Black Friday sales is costing retailers billions.
Can old fridges be recycled to make new ones?
What happens to your old fridge when it's time to replace it, the BBC's Dougal Shaw reports.
Loan sharks cash in on Black Friday spending spree
Illegal money lenders are targeting people around Black Friday, campaigners warn.
How sticking plasters became a million dollar idea
The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst explains how sticking plasters became a million dollar idea.
General election 2019: How do spending plans compare?
The three biggest UK parties have published their manifestos, how do their spending plans compare?
TSB branch closure locations revealed
Some 370 positions will be hit by the closures as TSB aims to revive itself following an IT crisis.
City Football Group: Manchester City's parent company buys majority stake in India's Mumbai City FC
Manchester City's parent company - City Football Group - agrees deal to acquire majority stake in Indian side Mumbai City FC.
Bifab among NnG wind farm contract beneficiaries
Beleaguered Bifab yard among Scottish companies named to help build huge wind farm off Fife coast.
General election 2019: Tory and Labour spending plans 'not credible' - IFS
Both main parties are not being honest ahead of the general election, an influential research group says.
UK house price growth low for a year, says Nationwide
Annual growth in prices has been below 1% for the past 12 months, the Nationwide says.
Will the US's Hong Kong rights law derail trade talks?
A US law supporting Hong Kong protesters could complicate US-China talks aimed at striking a trade deal.
Peacocks set to rescue Bonmarché from collapse
Thirty Bonmarché stores will close and "staff will potentially be made redundant".
Digital screens 'are crippling my business'
About 1,000 UK businesses have signed advertising deals which could leave them in debt.
Japan beer exports to South Korea hit zero amid trade spat
Japanese beer exports to South Korea flat-line as a trade row between the countries simmers.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Netflix 'reactivated' users without permission
Some former Netflix customers are being charged subscription fees, months after closing their accounts.
TikTok apologises and reinstates banned US teen
Chinese-owned TikTok has apologised to a US teenager who criticised China's treatment of Muslims.
My Money: 'I have been in the debt trap ever since'
As part of a new BBC blog series, reader Caroline Thurston shares what she spent her money on this week.
What Trump wants from global trade
President Trump believes the US is being unfairly treated by other countries when it comes to trade.
Tata Steel: 1,000 UK jobs to go amid worldwide cuts
Two-thirds of the job losses will be management and office-based roles, the firm says.
Sourdough or sourfaux? Artisan bread label row erupts
Proposed rules could undercut bakers who make genuine sourdough bread, say campaigners.
Survey finds more North Sea firms looking to diversify
A survey suggests more oil and gas operators are looking at decommissioning and renewables activities.
Victoria Beckham fashion label makes another loss
The label has not made a profit in 11 years, despite being sold all around the world.
Black Friday: US couple charge shoppers to queue
A US couple are trying to make money out of sitting in Black Friday queues for shoppers.
Manchester City investment from US breaks global sports valuation
Injection by US private equity firm values Man City parent at a record $4.8bn for a sports group.
Huawei: Trouble overseas but boom time in China
While Huawei tech is blocked in the US, it is helping build one of the world biggest 5G networks at home.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Jay-Z sues Australian retailer over unlawful brand use
The small online retailer draws on Jay-Z's name and lyrics in its "hip-hop inspired" children books.
Ola: Ride-sharing firm to launch in London 'within weeks'
The Indian firm's push into London comes after rival Uber lost its licence to operate in the city.
How much! Why are service station snacks so expensive?
A bottle of water costs four times more on the motorway than in a supermarket, mystery shoppers say.
Doorstep scams 'linked to modern slavery'
Trading Standards issues a warning as one man says he was beaten, threatened and forced into work.
Beauty-industry bullying 'heartbreaking'
An independent body is needed to investigate claims of bullying in the beauty industry, a trade organisation says.
CEO Secrets: 'My success is all down to maths'
Timothy Armoo of Fanbytes explains how his success is grounded in a love of maths.
The YouTuber with 26 billion views
Brazil's Konrad Dantas, better know as Kondzilla, has the world's second most watched music video channel.
Brexit: 'Only an ambitious trade deal can protect car jobs'
The UK motor industry's trade body says car production could be slashed by a third without a trade deal.
Audi to cut 9,500 jobs to fund electric car push
The German carmaker wants to make more money available for electric cars and digital working.
Zuckerberg’s tech challenge pale and male, say critics
The founder of Facebook has been criticised for the lack of diversity of his guests in a series of tech chats.
Christmas dinner 'could cost more this year'
Shortages in the turkey market and poor Brussels sprout harvests will mean higher prices, say analysts.
Amazon shoe 'strikingly similar' to Allbirds model
The shoe firm writes an open letter to Amazon, offering to help it make its shoe "more sustainable".
Netflix takes over its first cinema by leasing New York's historic Paris
The streaming giant is leasing the recently-closed historic Paris Theater in New York.
UK banknote printer De La Rue fears for its future
De La Rue says there is a risk the company will collapse if its turnaround plan fails to work.
Mini-bond marketing to regular savers banned by watchdog
The advertising of mini-bonds to regular savers is to be banned by the City regulator.
Westpac bank chief quits amid money laundering scandal
Australia's Westpac is accused of 23 million law breaches, including possible child exploitation links.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Alibaba shares jump in blockbuster Hong Kong debut
The Chinese e-commerce giant begins trading in Asia after completing this year's biggest share sale.
Black Friday sales offer few real discounts says Which?
The consumer group says it found just one in 20 offers were cheaper than at other times of the year.
Uber: Three views on the loss of its London licence
The BBC spoke to three London-based customers and drivers about their experiences with the firm.
Lebanese business people back protesters' call for change
How Lebanon's business community views the current anti-government protests.
General election 2019: What is Labour offering to Waspi women?
Reality Check looks at the compensation being offered by Labour to women born in the 1950s.
Tesco pulls honey off shelves amid purity concerns
The supermarket chain has 'temporarily withdrawn' pots of its own-brand honey.
Elon Musk reveals why Cybertruck window smashed
Tesla's chief executive was left embarrassed after a mishap during the vehicle's launch.
Viagogo buys rival ticketing website StubHub in $4bn deal
The secondary ticketing firm says the deal will create more choice for customers.
Uber loses licence to operate in London
The firm will appeal against the decision and can continue to operate during that process.
TSB to close 82 branches next year to save costs
The Spanish-owned bank will close 15% of its branches as it aims to make £100m of cost savings.
General election 2019: What are rent controls?
A simple look at how rent controls work and how effective they are.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Louis Vuitton buys jeweller Tiffany for $16bn
LVMH, the world's biggest luxury goods company, buys Tiffany for more than $16bn.
Frozen 2 rakes in $127m at its US box office debut
Expectations were high for the sequel of Frozen, which became a global phenomenon after its 2013 release.
Web inventor attacks Tories over misinformation
Sir Tim Berners-Lee tells the BBC the renaming of a Conservative Twitter account was "unbelievable".
Artificial eyes: How robots will see in the future
Laser scanning technology, Lidar, is getting cheaper and could be how machines see in the future.
Do you know when you're being manipulated?
When it comes to Black Friday shopping deals, do you know when you're being manipulated?
National Grid and SSE move offshore over Labour plans
National Grid and SSE have opened offshore holding companies citing fears about nationalisation.
Cybertruck: Tesla truck gets 150,000 orders despite launch gaffe
Elon Musk boasts of high demand despite the truck's windows shattering during its launch.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
"I launched my business while living on the streets"
From sleeping in a phone box to founding a six-figure business, it's been an eventful two years for Gavin Eastham.
Farm troubles raise risk for Trump in trade talks
The US-China trade war has taken its toll on farmers and bankruptcies are on the rise.
Cryptoqueen: How this woman scammed the world, then vanished
How did Ruja Ignatova make $4bn selling her fake cryptocurrency to the world - and where did she go?
'Oldest pasty maker' to close Cornwall factory
Warrens said the decision could lead to "significant job losses".
Friday, November 22, 2019
'Freehold charges cost us our dream home'
A family says rentcharges on their home meant their move fell through and cost them thousands in fees.
General election 2019: Labour plans extra property tax on foreign buyers
The Labour Party says it will put a 20 per cent levy on foreign firms and trusts buying UK properties.
Huawei says latest US ban based on 'innuendo'
US telecommunications regulators have declared Huawei and ZTE national security threats.
World's most valuable whisky collection revealed
Guinness World Records confirms that a Vietnamese businessman's collection is worth nearly £10.8m.
Travel firm boss aims to keep it in the family
The owner of Hays Travel, which bought Thomas Cook's stores, says he will not sell the enlarged business.
John McDonnell: IFS have 'got it wrong this time'
The shadow chancellor was challenged after dismissing IFS comments about Labour's tax plans.
TSB customers hit by payments delay
The bank says that some payments into customers' accounts have been delayed overnight.
General election 2019: Tories plan stamp duty hike on non-UK residents
The party says the money raised would go towards tackling rough sleeping.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Victoria's Secret cancels fashion show amid ratings drop
Television audiences for the show have slumped and the brand said its marketing needs to "evolve".
'I used to pull sickies every few months because of stress'
Almost half of Britons would fake a sick day, but very often it is due to mental health issues.
'Speak up': Lloyd's takes harassment crackdown to pubs
The insurance market is running a campaign urging staff to report sexual harassment - but will it work?
Dubai Air Show: The challenges for us all in flying green
Sustainable, renewable and green: environmental goals the aviation industry is now grappling with.
How the trampoline became a million dollar idea
The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst explains how the trampoline became a million dollar idea.
WeWork axes 2,400 staff globally
The move follows the dramatic collapse of the company's listing plans.
Apple 'loses money on phone repairs'
Apple says it loses money when it repairs devices such as iPhones and Macbooks.
General election 2019: Could Labour build 100,000 council houses a year?
Is Labour's plan for 100,000 council houses and 50,000 housing association homes a year feasible?
Thomas Cook's new owner creates 1,500 new jobs
About half of the new roles will be for apprentices in each of Hays Travel's 737 shops.
General election 2019: How do government finances work?
Political parties are promising to spend lots of money, but how will they fund their plans?
New warning on global economic slowdown
The OECD predicts growth of just 3% as a lack of direction on climate policy threatens investment.
Government borrowing in October highest since 2014
Borrowing climbed to £11.2bn last month, some 25% more than the same time last year.
BA passengers face delays after 'technical issue'
The airline is booking passengers into hotels after some were stuck for up to 10 hours.
Johnson & Johnson loses vaginal mesh class action
In one of Australia's biggest class actions, a court ruled the firm failed to warn women of the risks.
Entrepreneurs back Prince Andrew's business scheme
A source close to the prince says he will continue to be involved in the scheme amid fears for its future.
General election 2019: Labour to pledge windfall tax on oil companies
The move is part of Jeremy Corbyn's plan to "transform" the UK into a low carbon, green economy.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
UK workers 'fake sickies to avoid going to work'
A BBC survey about morals in the UK finds 40% of adults would call in sick if they needed a break.
How to buy an Instagram following
The growing marketplace for buying fake followers on the social media site.
Ryanair baggage fee policy ruled as 'abusive' in Spain
A Spanish court made the ruling after a passenger was forced to pay a fine for extra luggage.
General election 2019: Boris Johnson pledges cut to National Insurance
The PM says he will raise the threshold so people do not have to pay until they earn £12,000 a year.
Climate change: China coal surge threatens Paris targets
China is adding coal power equivalent to the EU's entire generating capacity.
Vegan sues Burger King for cooking Impossible Whopper on meat grill
An Impossible Foods spokeswoman says vegans should ask for the burger to be cooked in a microwave.
Letter from Africa: Zimbabwe, the land where cash barons thrive
The authorities are battling to cap inflation as the Zimbabwean dollar is reintroduced.
Would you rent a vacuum cleaner for $499 a month?
Japanese firm Softbank says its robot is meant to replace "over-worked janitorial teams".
House of Fraser: 'House of Horror' for reversing fur ban, says charity
The change in policy at the department store is believed to have taken place since Mike Ashley's Sport Direct bought it
Prince Andrew: BT refuses to work with firm where the duke is patron
The telecoms firm says it could resume the connection if the Duke of York ended his role as patron.
UK gambling machines loaded with AI 'cool off' system
Software designed to curtail excessive play has come to all gambling machines in betting shops.
Music streaming market 'needs more choice'
Music fans deserve more options and choices from streaming services, says a new report.
Why do billions of people still not have glasses?
It's thought 2.5 billion people could benefit from technology first developed in the 1200s.
Aston Martin launches first car made in St Athan factory
The luxury car brand hopes the new DBX SUV will deliver a sales boost after a disappointing year.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Westpac bank 'breached anti-money laundering laws'
Australia's second largest bank is accused of 23 million breaches of anti-money laundering laws.
Freelancers should be paid higher minimum wage, says think tank
A higher rate would insulate workers from some of the risk they face, according to think tank Demos
Amazon and eBay criticised for 'unsafe toys'
A Which? investigation found toys listed on both sites which appeared to have been declared unsafe by the EU.
Dubai Air Show: Emirates boss says he took too long to accept climate crisis
Emirates' president Sir Tim Clark says climate change activists helped airlines focus on the need to act.
Is shopping at Primark really a way to be greener?
The High Street chain says shopping in-store harms the environment less than buying online.
How China plans to lead the computer chip industry
China wants to end its dependence on imported computer chips, but experts says it will struggle.
Mozilla CEO: 'Don't hide things from your workers'
Mozilla boss Mitchell Baker says "don't hide things - even the scary, risky things" from your staff.
US regulators call for updates to Boeing 737 planes
The recommendation came at the end of the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation of a fatal 2018 accident.
Juul faces mounting state lawsuits in US
The vaping firm is accused of targeting youth and misrepresenting the safety of its products.
American Airlines admits 'soap spill' did not divert flight
The airline initially made the claim after a flight was diverted because two crew members fell unconscious.
General election 2019: Workers under Labour 'will take back control'
John McDonnell also says there would be a cap on chief executives' pay in the public sector.
Manchester City post record £535.2m revenue in 2018-19 annual report
Manchester City brought in a record £535.2m last season, the club's 2018-19 annual report says.
Jamie Oliver to expand restaurants abroad after UK collapse
The celebrity chef's group says franchisees plan to open 21 restaurants by the end of 2020.
US state department official quits amid 'inflated CV' claims
But Mina Chang denies US media claims that she faked a university degree and a Time magazine cover.
TSB board lacked common sense before IT meltdown, says report
Some customers were left without online banking access for several weeks after the problems last year.
Boeing gets 737 Max vote of confidence
Airlines have expressed interest in buying the troubled aircraft once it is cleared to fly again.
General election 2019: How much tax do British people pay?
There are important choices to be made, no matter who wins the election on 12 December.
EasyJet relaunches package holiday business
The airline is seeking to move into the gap in the industry left by the demise of Thomas Cook.
Monday, November 18, 2019
Did a 'soap spill' really divert a flight?
Evidence seen by the BBC casts doubt on American Airlines' reason for two crew members falling unconscious.
Should workers be allowed to nap at work?
The US government has issued a directive banning sleeping at work. But sleep experts say they should reconsider.
'Why economists get things wrong'
Economists seek to explain our world but they often get things wrong, argue two Nobel prize winners.
'I spend 250 days a year away from home'
Federico González runs the Radisson Hotel Group, and refuses to name his favourite place to stay.
Chick-fil-A tweaks giving policies after protests
The firm has drawn fire for its owner's stance on same-sex marriage.
Tata Steel to cut 3,000 jobs in 'severe' market
Tata Steel says 3,000 jobs will go in its European business, which includes the UK and Netherlands.
Prince Andrew: KPMG ends sponsorship of royal's scheme
The controversy over the duke's ties to Jeffrey Epstein is understood to have been a factor in the move.
Business rates: 'We might as well hand back the keys'
One trader says that after a seven-fold increase in rates, he "might as well hand back the keys".
De-clutter guru Marie Kondo opens online store
After preaching against household clutter, the best-selling author is launching a store selling homeware.
Kylie Jenner sells stake in cosmetics company for $600m
The reality TV star said she is building the brand into an "international beauty powerhouse".
Pawnbroker warns probe could spark loan shark rush
H&T has stopped issuing cash loans as the City watchdog reviews some of its historic lending.
Ford unveils all-electric car - the Mustang
The new vehicle has a 370-mile range, no door handles and storage under the front bonnet.
Airbus wins $30bn of orders for 170 aircraft
Airlines Emirates and Air Arabia announce $30bn of orders for 170 aircraft at the Dubai Air Show.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Yahoo Japan and Line set to merge
The deal would combine Japan's largest messaging service with its largest search engine.
Are our financial lives controlled by biased algorithms?
Amid probes into Apple's "sexist" credit card, questions are being asked of IT-based financial decisions.
Dubai Air Show: The man putting a jolt into electric air racing
An Airbus-backed competition to race electric aircraft hopes to revolutionise engine technology.
Should we be worried by ever more CCTV cameras?
The global surveillance market continues to grow at a fast pace, led by Chinese technology.
General election 2109: Leaders woo business with tax and apprenticeship vows
Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn and Jo Swinson are all set to make speeches to UK business leaders.
Xbox's boss: Years before game streaming is mainstream
BBC Click's Marc Cieslak talks to Xbox's Phil Spencer about the future of gaming.
Saudi Aramco flotation values oil giant at $1.7tn
The Saudi Arabian state oil firm says 1.5% of its shares will be put up for sale.
Why US tech giants are putting billions into housing
The booming tech industry has pushed San Francisco house prices out of the reach of ordinary workers.
Saturday, November 16, 2019
The growing importance of the night-time economy
The UK's night-time economy is now said to be the UK's fifth-biggest industry with annual revenues of £66bn.
Friday, November 15, 2019
Uber's paradox: Gig work app traps and frees its drivers
Ride pick-up app's algorithm offers drivers freedom while trapping them at the same time, experts say.
Christmas adverts - do they really work?
Big budget ads are already gracing our screens but do they actually benefit the big brands behind them?
Hong Kong: 'I was tear gassed getting my lunch'
The increasing unrest in Hong Kong is affecting businesses in one of the world's biggest commercial hubs.
Cladding puts flat owners' lives on hold
People in UK tower blocks are unable to re-mortgage or sell their homes because of cladding.
Dubai Air Show: Aerospace industry meets for deals and displays
About 1,300 exhibitors are expected at the biggest aerospace and defence event of the year.
BT Sport retains exclusive Champions League rights in £1.2bn deal from 2021-24
BT Sport wins the exclusive rights to show the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League from 2021-24 in a £1.2bn deal.
General election 2019: What are nationalisation and privatisation?
The two topics are a big discussion point in the general election, but how do they work?
Lloyds shareholders lose legal fight over HBOS
Lloyds TSB shareholders claim they were "mugged" when Lloyds took over the lender.
Banks disagree on how to pay for fraud refunds
Without a new deal, victims of money transfer fraud could be left without protection from January.
Hong Kong in first recession for a decade amid protests
Months of anti-government protests have taken their toll on the territory's economy.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Alibaba backs Hong Kong's 'bright' future with huge listing
The $13bn listing would be the world's largest this year and comes amid growing unrest in Hong Kong.
General election 2019: Tories pledge help for 'left behind' towns
A reduction in business rates for small firms is among a raft of measures pledged by the Conservatives.
HS2: Five other giant projects facing big delays
The rail scheme faces huge cost overruns, but it's not the only big project behind schedule and over budget.
Party plans would ‘boost minimum pay for millions’
The plans would double or treble the number whose wages are set by government, a think tank says.
Zut alors! The Americans who are farming edible snails
Two snail farms in the US are now allowing top restaurants to switch from canned to fresh supplies.
General election 2019: Labour pledges free broadband for all
Labour would part-nationalise BT to deliver the policy and tax tech giants to help cover the £20bn cost.
European Investment Bank drops fossil fuel funding
The world's largest public bank is to stop backing oil, gas and coal projects at the end of 2021.
Australia and others ask for Brexit trade compensation
A number World Trade Organization countries have asked for compensation over Brexit disruption.
'Boeing was at my father's funeral and I was not'
The Ethiopian Airlines crash site has been covered over but few victim families were able to attend.
Argos recalls Cuggl baby gates over safety fears
Argos has asked customers to bring back the Cuggl gates for a refund after tests showed problems.
Social-media influencers: Incomes soar amid growing popularity
A post worth just £104 in 2014 is now banking £1,276 a report suggests.
'Cryptoqueen' brother admits role in OneCoin fraud
Konstantin Ignatov, brother of Dr Ruja Ignatova, pleads guilty to money laundering and fraud.
Germany narrowly avoids recession despite trade war hit
The country narrowly avoids recession as it struggles with trade conflicts around the world.
Mercedes-Benz to cut jobs amid tougher emissions rules
Reports suggest more than 1,000 jobs will be shed as the carmaker invests more in electric cars.
Nike to stop direct sales through Amazon
The sportswear firm ends its link with the e-commerce giant to focus on selling directly to consumers.
Hong Kong protests hit Burberry and Cathay Pacific
The fashion house's sales fell in Hong Hong while the airline said the civil unrest had hit demand.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Facebook removes 11.6 million child abuse posts
The latest figures for harmful content on Facebook highlight the enormity of the challenge to remove it.
Pay rise plans: Is minimum wage enough to live on?
Election promises of a rising minimum wage leave some bosses wondering how to fund staff pay rises.
Google is latest tech giant to reveal banking plan
Tech companies are increasingly wading into finance, raising regulatory questions.
‘Women should be able to see male colleague’s pay’ - charity
Transparency law would help address unequal pay between men and women, says the Fawcett Society charity.
My Money: 'I used the same nappy for my nine children'
As part of a new BBC blog series, Katie Holden shares what she spent her money on this week.
Is surge pricing a fair way to manage demand?
Ride-hailing app Uber is far from the first company to change prices according to customer numbers.
General election 2019: Labour pledges to close gender pay gap by 2030
Labour vows to close the gap between the average hourly pay for men and women but Tories are critical.
Royal Mail wins bid to halt Christmas postal strikes
The postal union says a decision by the High Court to block industrial action is an "utter outrage".
Toy sales slump as shops chase Christmas cheer
Parents have cut back on impulse buys and face the threat of shortages of festive favourites, analysts say.
Trump speaks to 'his people' on Wall Street
Donald Trump gets a warm welcome from the New York financial community.
Project Nightingale: Google probed over US patient data deal
Regulator says it will examine the details of Google's deal with a major healthcare firm in the US.
City watchdog slams own staff's 'shameful' toilet habits
The Financial Conduct Authority is "appalled" at the insanitary conduct of its own workers.
Inflation falls to three year low as energy prices fall
Official data shows UK consumer prices rose 1.5% as a new price cap kept a lid on energy prices.
Wetherspoon boss attacks 'up the spout' City rules
Tim Martin says 'Noddy-in-Toyland' corporate governance codes are holding back companies.
Hong Kong shares slide as violent protests continue
The losses came as the Asian financial hub faced another day of clashes between protestors and police.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Tesla to build first European factory in Berlin
Elon Musk says "outstanding" German engineering is part of the reason he picked the new factory site.
Xinjiang cotton sparks concern over 'forced labour' claims
Rights groups claim Xinjiang products made using forced labour may be sold to Western brands.
'Little sign of change' for number of women in top roles
More women are needed in senior roles, although board membership is making progress, a review finds.
Is China gaining an edge in artificial intelligence?
The US-China over artificial intelligence is heating up, but some warn the US could be over-reacting.
How do you update an iconic electric guitar?
How do you update an iconic product like the Fender Stratocaster electric guitar?
England flooding: Why insurance may not cover damage
Schemes are in place to protect most householders, but businesses may face extra costs.
Disney+ hit by technical glitches on launch day
Disney's new streaming service is reported to be down by many users as its global launch unfolds.
Royal Mail fails to halt record £50m Ofcom fine
Royal Mail challenged the decision in August 2018 that it had abused its dominant market position.
HS2 should happen despite rising cost, says review
A draft copy of a review into the project says it might cost even more than its current price of £88bn.
McDonald's UK staff join global day of protests over pay
It comes as staff in the US, France, Brazil and Chile also stage protests over "poverty pay".
Disability web access: 'I've already clicked away'
Businesses lose an estimated £11.8bn a year in click-away costs owing to poorly designed websites.
Fracking: Have the Conservatives left open the back door?
The Conservatives are accused of harbouring ambitions to revive fracking after the general election.
FT sees first woman editor in its 135-year history
The pink-coloured financial paper names Roula Khalaf to replace long-serving editor Lionel Barber.
Stop right now: Mel B advert pulled by Tesco after singer complains
Supermarket says it had permission to use a Mel B image but pulled an ad because she was unhappy.
UK wage growth slows as unemployment falls
Average earnings increased by 3.6% over the three months to September, while unemployment fell by 23,000.
Branson South African launch marred by Twitter row
Sir Richard Branson's tweet to launch a new venture is criticised for showing "so many white people".
Boots' parent firm Walgreens 'gets record buyout offer'
Private equity group KKR is reported to have made the bid for the business.
Brexit 'puts brakes on UK launch of e-scooters'
Voi Technology says the UK could be left behind by not changing regulations to allow electric scooters.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Formula 1 launches a plan to become carbon neutral by 2030
Formula 1 launches a plan to become carbon neutral by 2030 and will "begin carbon-reduction projects immediately".
Swine fever devastates China's pigs
China's pigs are being devastated by African swine fever which has now spread throughout the country.
PMC Bank: Indian customers protest after fraud investigation launched
Nearly a million Indians are left without full access to their bank accounts as police investigate alleged fraud.
Conned out of my life savings, then 'failed' by police
Cynthia Tuck says fraudsters took her life savings and that no-one has faced justice for what happened.
The reigning queen of American reality TV
How Lisa Vanderpump juggles being a TV star with running a multimillion dollar business empire.
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