Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Ex-FTX boss Bankman-Fried: 'I didn't try to commit fraud'

In a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, the former FTX chief says he has almost no money left.

Paying for the basics is pushing people into debt, charity says

Citizens Advice says homeowners and pensioners are among those increasingly seeking debt advice.

US signals shift to slower interest rate increases

Markets soared after the Federal Reserve signalled a shift in its inflation fight.

UK strikes digital trade deal with Ukraine

The agreement is expected to improve cooperation on cyber security, AI and new technologies.

EU tells Elon Musk 'huge work ahead' for Twitter

Twitter risks a ban if it is not in compliance with EU rules on targeted adverts and disinformation.

Transport secretary says North's railways have a real problem to solve

The transport secretary says he is "focused" on trying to improve services in the North of England.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Twitter ends Covid-misinformation policy, under Musk

The Twitter website says it stopped enforcing its misleading information policy on 23 November.

Train cancellations: 'Some days I spend more on travel than I earn’

One in every 26 trains has been cancelled this year, which on top of strikes are adding to passengers' woes.

Royal Mail postal workers begin fresh two-day strike

The action is the latest in a series of walkouts and will affect deliveries of letters and parcels.

Octopus takeover of Bulb challenged by rival firms

Octopus Energy's acquisition of collapsed energy firm Bulb could be delayed by a legal fight.

Onshore wind: Grant Shapps criticised for 'nonsense' claims

The business secretary says wind turbines are now "so big" they cannot be built on land.

Bird flu: Free range turkey supplies hit by bird flu

About 600,000 birds have been culled or have died in the UK's worst avian flu outbreak.

Monday, November 28, 2022

Plan to make big tech remove harmful content axed

Minister denies weakening the Online Safety Bill after dropping the "legal but harmful" material measures.

Energy bills: 'We cut back but our direct debits trebled'

Many households are seeing their energy bills going up despite the power they use going down.

Christmas savings clubs help spread the festive costs

How small businesses are using savings clubs to help customers spread the cost of Christmas

Musk feuds with Apple over Twitter advertising

Elon Musk has tweeted that Apple has largely stopped advertising on his platform.

Crypto firm BlockFi files for bankruptcy after FTX collapse

The collapse of FTX had already forced BlockFi to suspend most activity on its platform.

Emergency energy plan for Tuesday postponed

National Grid decides not to activate a scheme to help avoid power cuts after being poised to do so.

Balenciaga campaign: What did the fashion house do?

Kim Kardashian is pulled into a row over the fashion house's latest campaign after heavy backlash.

Sunday, November 27, 2022

US bans sale of Huawei, ZTE tech amid security fears

The restrictions on five Chinese companies are the first to be put in place on security grounds.

Thousands of apprentices quit over quality of schemes

Around 100,000 people are dropping out of schemes after firms fail to provide basic training, says a report.

Energy firms warned over hiking direct debits

The government says companies must match bills with customers who are cutting energy use.

Friday, November 25, 2022

Train strikes: Drivers to walk out in pay row

Passengers face further disruption with 11 rail companies being affected by the long-running dispute.

Jaguar Land Rover cuts output at UK factories due to chip shortage

The carmaker is reducing production at its factories in Solihull and Halewood until the spring.

When are the train strikes and what routes are affected?

More national rail strikes have been announced by the RMT union.

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Elon Musk says Twitter will offer 'amnesty' to suspended accounts

Several accounts - including Donald Trump's - have already been reinstated by the multi-billionaire.

Why Donald Trump isn't returning to Twitter (for now)

How the former US president might lose money if he starts tweeting.

The little-known nut that may save at-risk rainforests

Growing sales of an Indonesian nut called kenari is helping to reduce deforestation.

Kanye West: Adidas investigates after claims of 'toxic' behaviour

Rolling Stone has reported that staff have complained about West's "problematic behaviour".

Police to text 70,000 victims in UK's biggest anti-fraud operation

The website iSpoof, used by criminals to make fake calls, has been taken down.

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Foxconn: iPhone maker apologises after huge protests at China plant

It comes after protests broke out at the world's largest iPhone factory over pay and work conditions.

How Qatar’s riches touch millions of UK lives

From how you heat your home to where you shop, the UK's links to Qatar may be part of your day-to-day life.

Holiday swindlers: The rise of digital travel scams

Social media is helping travel agents to impress clients, and sometimes to scam them.

Jeremy Hunt: Cut energy use to stop Putin 'blackmail'

People need to cut consumption to reduce the UK's reliance on Russia, the chancellor says.

Pound hits post-Truss high as dollar weakens

Sterling has reached its highest level against the US dollar since mid-August.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

CEO Secrets: Seatfrog founders share their business advice

The founders of Seatfrog share their business advice for the CEO Secrets series.

Black Friday deals: Why bigger discounts may come next month

With too much inventory and a possible squeeze on demand, retailers may offer deeper price cuts in December.

'I wouldn't leave South Africa, I have a kid here'

South African software developers discuss what it means to them to do business in the country.

Next wave of cost-of-living payments to hit accounts

Millions of people will receive help with energy bills over the coming weeks and months.

Manchester United: Glazer family owners look to sell all or part of Premier League club

Manchester United's American owners say they will "explore strategic alternatives" for the club "including new investment, a sale, or other transactions".

FTX: Court says Sam Bankman-Fried ran FTX as a 'personal fiefdom'

FTX's collapse was described in court as "one of most abrupt and difficult" in corporate America.

More train strikes announced by rail union

The RMT says further strike action will take place across four 48-hour periods in December and January.

Monday, November 21, 2022

Penguin scraps $2.2bn deal to buy rival publisher

Last month, a US court blocked the planned deal, saying it could "substantially" weaken competition.

We must wean economy off immigration, Labour leader to warn businesses

Sir Keir Starmer will promise a "pragmatic" immigration policy in a speech to business leaders.

Are flying taxis getting closer to lift-off?

US air regulators said they would add flying taxis to the list of regulated aircraft.

Crypto rules needed after FTX collapse, says Bank of England

The UK could face a "crypto shock" without better regulations, says a senior official at the Bank.

Cost of living: 'We both work but we can't afford the family rent'

A nurse is facing eviction with her family, and they can't find a new home within budget.

Winter weather: Keeping costs down when it's cold

As energy bills rise and temperatures fall, there are extra payments available.

WhatsApp groups help get food to those who need it

Messaging apps have become a popular way to reach people who are struggling with the cost of food.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Warning over 'cowboy' foam insulation firms

Homeowners should check carefully that companies are reputable before hiring them, says Nationwide.

Libraries at risk of cuts despite 'unprecedented' rise in users

Local libraries are seeing more people come through their doors, but fear services will be cut.

FTX crypto exchange owes biggest creditors $3.1bn

FTX owes about $1.45bn to its top 10 creditors, according to its US bankruptcy court filings.

Musk lifts Donald Trump's Twitter ban

The former US president's account is reinstated - but he says he sees no reason to return.

Jeremy Hunt has no plan for growth, says CBI boss

Tony Danker tells the BBC the Autumn Statement will tackle inflation but won't revive growth.

Theranos scandal: Who is Elizabeth Holmes and why was she on trial?

"She just seemed absolutely confident of her own brilliance," a Stanford professor remembers of the former student.

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Will you be allowed to watch the World Cup at work?

Bosses have to decide whether to get behind the controversial World Cup.

Friday, November 18, 2022

Banksy accuses clothing brand Guess of 'helping themselves' to his artworks

The graffiti artist called on shoplifters to visit a London branch of Guess in retaliation.

Higher taxes look to be here to stay, says IFS

The Institute for Fiscal Studies warns households are in for a "long, hard, unpleasant journey".

UK house prices forecast to fall for the next two years

A drop of 9% is expected between now and autumn of 2024, the government's official forecaster suggests.

World Cup 2022: Beer sales banned at World Cup stadiums in Qatar

Alcohol will not be sold at the World Cup's eight stadiums in Qatar after Fifa changes its policy two days before the start of the tournament.

Autumn Statement: Jeremy Hunt defends tax rises for middle earners

Jeremy Hunt says his plan is "balanced", after think tank says it piles more pressure on "squeezed middle".

Shop sales rise but remain below pre-pandemic levels

Sales rebounded in October after the previous month was affected by stores closing for the Queen's funeral.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Autumn Statement: Jeremy Hunt warns of challenges as living standards plunge

The chancellor tells the BBC's Chris Mason times are difficult as he defends tax rises in his Autumn Statement.

Elon Musk: Twitter closes offices until next week

It comes amid reports that large numbers of staff have resigned from the social media platform.

Taxing electric cars 'short-sighted' say manufacturers

Extending the tax to include electric models is "short-sighted" says Ford.

Postal workers to strike on six more days in run-up to Christmas

Industrial action is scheduled for six days in December, including Christmas Eve.

'Digital newsletters really humanise you to your readers'

The young authors connecting with their followers via weekly digital updates.

Why smart thermostats don't always save you money

The makers of smart thermostats says the devices can cut energy bills but the evidence is not conclusive.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Ukraine war: Billionaire Andrew Forrest launches $25bn fund for reconstruction

Andrew Forrest's Ukraine Green Growth Initiative aims to replace destroyed infrastructure.

Taylor Swift Ticketmaster crash draws ire on Capitol Hill

A glitch caused by high demand for her concerts has triggered monopoly busters in Washington DC.

Autumn Statement: Jeremy Hunt to unveil spending cuts and tax rises

Pensions and benefits will rise with prices but energy support is expected to be scaled back, the BBC understands.

Chinese buyout of Newport microchip plant a 'security risk'

The UK government says Nexperia's takeover of Newport Wafer Fab creates national security risks.

What is behind the big tech companies' job cuts?

Thousands of redundancies have been announced by some of the largest firms in the industry.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Byjus, Meta, Twitter: India tech workers fight back amid mass layoffs

Many young Indians who've lost their jobs are looking for ways to air their frustration and build support.

Estee Lauder to buy designer brand Tom Ford

The cosmetics giant will purchase the designer fashion brand for £2.4bn.

Water customers may be owed £163m for sewage spills

Water companies have been discharging waste in to rivers, claim researchers of corporate wrongdoing.

Twirls substituted in some Heroes chocolate boxes

The chocolate is another casualty of supply chain disruptions blighting manufacturers.

No uniform choice for Virgin Atlantic crew on World Cup flight

The airline's gender-neutral uniform policy does not apply to staff flying the England team to Doha.

Made.com collapse: Nottingham auction house to sell off stock

It comes after the online furniture retailer collapsed, leading to hundreds of job losses.

Heinz, Dolmio and Anchor: Top food brands see prices soar

The price of some popular branded foods have as much as doubled in two years, Which? research suggests.

Monday, November 14, 2022

Cost of living: Japan economy unexpectedly shrinks after yen slide

People and businesses spent less than expected as the weak Japanese currency made imports more expensive.

Cost of living: Electric heaters may pose fire risks despite savings

The popularity of portable heaters to warm a single room has increased as energy bills have soared.

Amazon 'prepares mass job cuts' as sales slow - reports

The reductions could affect about 10,000 people at the e-commerce giant, reports suggested.

Cost of living: 'We've got to sell our family home due to mortgage rise'

A mother-of-three says she can't see any option than selling her house due to mortgage rates rising.

What do we know will be in the Autumn Statement?

Jeremy Hunt is expected to dismantle his predecessor Kwasi Kwarteng plans announced two months ago.

Rishi Sunak: We’ll deliver public finances markets expect

The PM says this week's autumn budget would "put our public finances on a sustainable trajectory".

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Cost of living: Expanded energy bill discount scheme under way

A bigger rebate under the Warm Home Discount begins but concerns remain some are missing out.

Why does the government want to cut spending?

The Autumn Statement will address the risk of a future “black hole” in the UK's finances.

KFC says a third of hires will be disadvantaged youth by 2030

The target for 2030 will help thousands of young people get their first job, the fast food chain says.

The repair Budget to defuse a financial timebomb

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's key message this week will be about restoring stability and controlling price rises.

Jeremy Hunt: Everyone will have to pay more tax

The chancellor also tells the BBC he wants to make sure any recession is as short and shallow as possible.

The fall of the FTX ‘King of Crypto’ Sam Bankman-Fried

How a crypto empire built on video game battles and beanbags came crashing down.

Autumn Statement: When is it and how will it affect me?

With the UK facing a cost-of-living crisis the government is set to unveil tax and spending plans.

Friday, November 11, 2022

'There really is more to life than posting on Instagram'

A small but growing number of people are giving up the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Twitter drama continues with blue-tick confusion

A number of executives have walked out after a turbulent launch of new Twitter features.

Heathrow Airport says no passenger limits over Christmas

The airport has been working with airlines and ground handlers to prepare for the busy period.

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Cost of living: Shares jump in US and Asia as inflation cools

Investors are betting the US central bank will slow the pace of rate rises as it tackles inflation.

Amazon: Robots spread but 'we still need humans'

Amazon's latest robot has the ability to pick up items before they are packed.c

Labour vows to lift ban on onshore wind

A Labour government would ease planning rules for new onshore wind farms, Sir Kier Starmer says.

KFC apologises after German Kristallnacht promotion

The fast-food chain urged German customers to commemorate the Nazi pogrom with cheesy chicken.

100,000 civil servants vote for strike action

The Public and Commercial Services Union is calling for a 10% pay rise and no cuts to redundancy terms.

Musk tells Twitter staff remote working will end

The boss of the social media firm also warns workers to prepare for "difficult times", reports say.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Elon Musk foreign ties worth being looked at, Joe Biden says

The US president was asked whether Saudi Arabia helping the Tesla boss to buy Twitter should be probed.

Economists question 'black hole' in UK finances

The government's justification for upcoming UK tax rises and spending cuts is shaky, economists say.

Christmas adverts toned down during cost of living crisis

John Lewis says the cost of living crisis was "front of mind" as it joins other big brands launching festive campaigns.

Binance walks away from FTX crypto exchange bailout

Binance will not pursue the deal for its smaller rival citing reports of 'mishandled customer funds'.

M&S warns of 'gathering storm' as profits fall

Profits fall sharply at the High Street giant as it struggles with higher energy bills and overheads.

Made.com goes bust with up to 500 jobs lost

The firm, which enjoyed soaring sales during Covid lockdowns, hit problems as households cut back.

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Kids' Christmas toy pester-power limited by cost of living

Rising prices affect parents' shopping habits as sales of Christmas toys are forecast to be hit.

'One of the hottest start-up spaces in the US'

North Carolina is aiming to become a hub for start-ups to grow and do business.

Disney says streaming business at 'turning point'

The company has more than 235 million subscriptions across its three streaming platforms, including Disney+.

Egg farmers squeezed as costs rise

Some farmers have accused supermarkets of not paying them a fair price for their eggs.

Tesla recalls 40,000 cars over power-steering fault

The recall affects the 2017-21 Model S and Model X vehicles.

Primark owner says customers face difficult choices as costs rise

The firm's owner says the soaring cost of living is putting households under pressure.

Monday, November 7, 2022

Rail disruption: Many services to start late on Tuesday

First trains will run later on many lines - as Avanti West Coast says services are limited all day.

Ex-Made boss says offer to save company ‘rebuffed’

Former boss of furniture brand says his offer to rescue firm from administration was rejected.

Facebook owner Meta expected to announce major job losses

The company faces difficult economic conditions and is investing heavily in its metaverse push.

Do not end green energy grants, manufacturers urge MPs

Manufacturing firms urge MPs to match an EU scheme subsidising the cost of renewable energy systems.

Ten days of Twitter chaos

Elon Musk's first week-and-a-half at Twitter has been a rollercoaster of big changes.

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Apple: iPhone shipments delayed over China Covid lockdown

Firm warns customers to expect longer wait times for its new iPhone due China's Covid lockdown.

Ebay urges shoppers to pick old over new this Black Friday

This Black Friday the online marketplace is promoting used items to avoid unwanted spending and waste.

Made.com expected to go into administration this week

Around 500 staff are expected to lose their jobs after the online furniture store failed to find a buyer.

Rail passengers urged to check Monday travel

Most train companies will operate limited services on Monday despite strikes being called off.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

National Insurance: Will tax cut save me money?

The government's reversal of the 1.25p increase in National Insurance has come into effect.

Twitter confirms fee for blue-tick verification after Musk takeover

Controversially Twitter says blue-tick status will be open to those who pay a monthly $7.99.

Liberal Democrats: Give struggling homeowners £300 a month

People whose mortgage payments had risen more than 10% would get a grant, under the party's plan.

Cost of living: Pub halves beer and cider choice to survive

A landlord is pinning energy bills to walls to show regulars why the cost of their pint has gone up.

Jack Dorsey: Twitter co-founder breaks silence on Elon Musk takeover

The former CEO appeared to agree with the dismissals, saying he had grown the company "too quickly".

Twitter UK staff get deadline over cuts consultation

Hundreds affected by Twitter's worldwide job cuts have three days to elect a representative.

Friday, November 4, 2022

Twitter: Musk defends deep cuts to company's workforce

The site's new owner says he had "no choice" but to slash jobs - cuts which appear to affect 50% of staff.

Workers at Heathrow to strike in World Cup run-up

A union says 700 workers at the UK's biggest airport will walk out for three days from 18 November.

Money-off energy scheme launches to avoid blackouts

Households with smart meters could save up to £100 on bills if they cut peak-time use over winter.

Avanti West Coast: Rail boss apologises for recent disruption

Avanti West Coast and Transpennine Express have been criticised for reduced timetables and cancellations.

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Twitter to make job cuts after Elon Musk takeover

The social media giant says staff will be told on Friday whether they are to be laid off.

Sizewell new nuclear plant is under review

The £25bn nuclear project could be delayed or even axed as the government tries to cut spending.

Mortgages: What happens if I miss a payment?

Homeowners are worried about rising mortgage costs - but lenders must help those struggling.

Bank of England raises UK interest rate by most in 33 years

The Bank of England raises rate to 3% from 2.25% as it warns UK faces "very challenging" recession.

One in four have accents mocked at work - survey

Almost half of those surveyed have also faced jibes over their accents in a social setting.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

TikTok says staff in China can access UK and EU user data

The Chinese social media giant said the policy is "based on a demonstrated need to do their job".

House prices: What happens when they fall?

How could rising interest rates affect the housing market around the UK?

Cost of living: The homebuyers anxious about their mortgages

Three people from Derby tell BBC News how they will be affected by the Bank of England base rate hike.

China Covid: Panic and fear drove iPhone factory breakout

Workers at the plant in Zhengzhou, China, thought they were going to be part of a huge Covid experiment.

US interest rates rise to fresh 14-year high

The Federal Reserve is steering borrowing costs higher at the fastest rate in decades.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Questions raised about AI weapons-scanning company

BBC News has seen evidence Evolv, which claims to have the "signatures" of all weapons, has limitations.

Four areas added to banking hubs waiting list

The shared premises serve customers from a range of banks but only two have opened so far.

Prison job advert banned for racial stereotyping

The photo of a black inmate and white officer was likely to cause serious offence, a watchdog found.

Elon Musk says £7 monthly fee for Twitter blue tick

Critics say the change could make it harder for people to find reliable sources on the social media site.

Bank makes history as it reverses ‘quantitative easing’

It is the first central bank to start unwinding the emergency support brought in after the 2008 financial crisis.

Morrisons to close 132 McColl's stores putting jobs at risk

Owner Morrisons says that closing the loss-making stores will put 1,300 jobs at risk.