Business news

BBC News - Business

John Lewis: Mary Portas warns retailer it has 'let go' of its soul

In an open letter the retail consultant says the store is "part of our collective cultural identity".

Firms hit back at Bank governor in prices row

Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin says bank managers are "breathing down the neck" of business owners.

Deutsche Bank share slide reignites worries among investors

Worries over the financial strength of the sector persist, with Deutsche Bank down 14% at one point.

Bank governor warns firms raising prices ‘hurts people’

Andrew Bailey tells the BBC price rises will fuel inflation and hurt the least well off.

UK retail sales boosted by second-hand and discount stores

Retail sales rose strongly last month as cash-strapped shoppers looked for cheaper options.

Average Treasury worker 34 despite over-50s back to work push

Over-50s are being urged to work but just 10% of Treasury staff are that age, the BBC has learned.

Pharmaceutical firm proposes Newbie plant closure

The company says about 65 jobs are at risk at the facility in Newbie near Annan in southern Scotland.

Do Kwon: Fugitive 'cryptocrash' boss arrested in Montenegro

Terraform Labs' Do Kwon has also been charged with fraud by US prosecutors.

Interest rate rise: Bank of England more hopeful on UK economy

Andrew Bailey's comments come as the Bank raises interest rates to 4.25% to try to combat inflation.

Jack Dorsey business target of Hindenburg report

Jack Dorsey's Block sees shares drop after famed short-seller Hindenburg levels claims.

UK interest rates: What the rise means for you

The Bank of England has raised the rate from 4% to 4.25%, creating higher mortgage costs.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew's Congress showdown: Five takeaways

Tech executives don't get an easy ride before Congress, but Shou Zi Chew's hearing was exceptionally bruising.

Loans firm Amigo to halt lending and wind down

The struggling high-cost firm has immediately halted all lending after failing to secure cash from investors.

Post Office scandal victim hopes to get home back

Hundreds of sub-postmasters who exposed wrongdoing will now be able to recover their losses in full.

Cost of living: Food banks used by 3% of UK families

Those in Scotland and the north of England were most likely to have used one in the last 12 months.

Ikea told to tackle sexual harassment after UK complaint

The firm signed an agreement to protect staff in the UK after concerns over how it handled an allegation.

US raises interest rates despite banking turmoil

The Federal Reserve moves borrowing costs higher as it focuses on efforts to stabilise prices.

Why is UK inflation higher than other countries?

February's shock rise in inflation figure means the UK now has the highest rate among major economies.

Man Utd takeover: Sir Jim Ratcliffe & Sheikh Jassim to submit new bids as deadline extended amid confusion

Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim are set to submit new bids to buy Manchester United after the deadline was extended.

Train strikes planned in March and April suspended

Rail workers across 14 train companies were due to walk out on 30 March and 1 April.

Wales freeports for Milford Haven-Port Talbot, Anglesey

The two new areas will have tax and duty relief and simplified customs, with hopes for 20,000 jobs.

Evergrande: Crisis-hit Chinese property giant offers debt restructuring plan

It will only account for less than 10% of China's former top-selling developer's $300bn debt.

Third of flights delayed in 2022

Fewer UK flights were on time last year than before the pandemic, says aviation regulator.

Veg shortages drive surprise jump in UK inflation

The cost of living rose more than expected in February driven by sharp hikes in food prices.

Amazon increases starting pay for UK workers again

The online giant follows other firms in raising pay amid a labour shortage and strikes across the UK.

Into the ‘lion’s den’: Questions the TikTok CEO will face from Congress today over a possible ban

The video-sharing app's chief executive will testify to US lawmakers in a much-anticipated grilling.

Shou Zi Chew: Who is the TikTok CEO?

The 40-year-old is facing questioning from US lawmakers amid growing suspicion of the Chinese app.

British Gas boss takes £3.7m bonus despite criticism

Chris O'Shea will still take a bonus after the firm's debt agents broke into vulnerable people's homes to fit meters.

Ukraine to clinch first IMF loan to nation at war

The $15.6bn financing package is expected to be approved in the coming weeks.

Stocks rebound as US and UK seek to calm investors

Markets higher after UK and US again seek to calm investor fears over banks' stability.

Bill Gates: AI is most important tech advance in decades

The former Microsoft boss says AI is the second revolutionary technology he's seen in his lifetime.

Just Eat: Takeaway firm to cut 1,900 jobs in UK

The delivery giant is restructuring its business after a slowdown in takeaway sales.

Energy bill help drives UK borrowing to February record

The government borrowed its highest amount of any February to fund support for energy bills.

Tesco to cut the value of Clubcard rewards scheme

The supermarket says vouchers will be worth a third less from 14 June.

Bard: Google's rival to ChatGPT launches for over-18s

The tech giant is rolling out its new AI chatbot, called Bard, to users in the US and UK first.

Jeffrey Epstein banks to face sex-trafficking case

A US court says the banks must face claims they enabled the deceased financier's sex trafficking.

Sri Lanka: $3bn IMF bailout for struggling economy

The deal is a lifeline for the country which is facing its worst economic crisis in over 70 years.

Zhao Weiguo: Chinese regulator accuses chip tycoon of corruption

Zhao Weiguo formerly headed Tsinghua Unigroup, which was one of China's leading chipmakers.

US firms 'more negative' about doing business in China

Five years since the trade war started, American firms seem less inclined to invest in China.

Sidemen manager: 'I cut out alcohol to succeed'

Jordan Schwarzenberger talks about his attitude to alcohol in the workplace for our CEO Secrets series.

‘I left teaching to train as a heat pump engineer’

Heat pumps could radically cut household CO2 emissions, but there's a shortage of qualified installers.

Are romance authors at risk from book-writing chatbots?

As AI-powered chatbots can now write fiction, human authors may have unwanted competition.

Car-charging and dog hotels: Seven perks to lure you to the office

Companies are trying a variety of incentives to lure staff back to the office.

The revolution underway in India's diamond industry

India's long history with diamonds enters a new chapter as lab-grown versions of the gem take off.

'A village's goodwill saved me from life on the streets'

A new report has found that rough sleeping and homelessness has increased across the English countryside

Why sleeper trains are being revived across Europe

A number of rail operators are launching new sleeper train services across the continent.

Could waste plastic become a useful fuel source?

A process that turns waste plastic and CO2 into fuel has been developed at Cambridge University.

Maharashtra: India farmers march in protest as onions rot

Farmers in Maharashtra are protesting after onion prices suddenly crashed over the past few weeks.

Has social media killed the famous advert?

Advertising veteran Sir John Hegarty explains why it is hard to make hit adverts in a digital world.

The tech helping women manage the menopause

A growing number of start-ups are making wearables and apps to help alleviate the symptoms.

UK microchip firms ask government for hundreds of millions

The boss of a leading microchip maker warns without huge investment companies will go abroad.

How slimmed-down websites can cut their carbon emissions

Businesses are discovering tweaks that can dramatically reduce the environmental impact of their websites.

Trains: How can it take so long to fix a struggling railway?

One company is promising passengers "generational" change - but said there must be "pain" first.

The mushrooms you can wear and build with

A growing number of firms are turning fungi roots into clothing and building material.

Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales

Makers of Japan's traditional drink are seeing success abroad offset falling domestic demand.

Brexit deal: Sausage, plant and potato firms welcome new framework

Sausage producer Heck, garden centre Hillmount and Wilson's Country potato growers express their "delight".

Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia

The K-pop superstars are among major acts that have returned as pandemic restrictions ease.

Vivek Ramaswamy: The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president

Multimillionaire investor Vivek Ramaswamy is a surprise candidate in the race - how might he fare?

The tiny diamond sphere that could unlock clean power

A diamond sphere made in Germany was key to December's breakthrough fusion experiment in California.

Source: BBC News - Business

BBC News - Business

Pints, power and parents: Three ways the Budget could affect you

The BBC's Vishala Sri-Pathma breaks down how the government's spending plans might impact your pocket.

'Customers freaked': Silicon Valley Bank saga in 80 seconds

Has the collapse of two US banks sparked another financial crisis?

Jeremy Hunt on HSBC buying UK arm of collapsed Silicon Valley Bank

The company, which specialised in lending money to tech companies, was shut down by US regulators on Friday.

The Dutch twins shaking up the UK drinks industry

Joyce and Raissa De Haas, who founded Double Dutch drinks, explain the power of twins in business.

We have avoided recession - Jeremy Hunt

The UK has narrowly avoided falling into recession, after the economy saw zero growth between October and December.

Bank chief Andrew Bailey: 'We think inflation will fall rapidly'

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey says lower energy prices should help lower inflation.

CEO Secrets: Chess gets a risqué makeover

Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess, shares his business advice for our CEO Secrets series.

CEO Secrets: Boxing boss reveals his punishing routine

Ben Amanna, founder and CEO of Boxraw, which sells kit and clothing for boxing, shares his business advice.

How drones could be the future of Indian farming

Companies in India are encouraging farmers to switch to drones - but is that working?

Business Secretary Grant Shapps defends anti-strikes bill

The government will introduce a bill requiring a minimum level of service during public sector strikes.

Battery lights vs mains LED bulbs: What's cheaper?

As some shoppers swap mains bulbs for battery lights, we investigate if money is really being saved.

House bills: Grant Shapps shares energy saving tips from inside his house

During a tour of his home, Grant Shapps faces questions about the government's intervention on energy bills.

Cost of living: 'I want to be prepared for any eventuality'

Battery-powered lanterns and cleaning the fireplace, the BBC explores how habits are changing this winter.

DJ Glade Marie: ‘I’m sexualised on nights out’

Studies show less than 5% of the music tech industry is female. This business is trying to change that.

Ros Atkins on… Why eggs are being rationed

BBC Analysis Editor Ros Atkins looks at what’s causing egg supply issues in some UK supermarkets.

Disability and the cost of living: 'It's our son's life'

Six-year-old Cohen survives off the machines in his home and his mum's energy bills could rise to more than £3,000 a year.

Everyone will pay more tax - Chancellor Jeremy Hunt

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt tells the BBC how taxes will rise as he prepares for Thursday's Autumn Statement

Meet the designers with learning disabilities

A design agency in Barcelona has creatives with learning disabilities, autism and schizophrenia.

Ros Atkins on... Brexit and the UK economy

Rishi Sunak says he wants to build an economy that embraces the opportunities of Brexit.

'Rental prices make me feel pushed out of my hometown’

With prices on the rise, could rents play a part in how people vote at the next election?

Why inflation is so high - and your other questions answered

The BBC's economics editor Faisal Islam answers your questions on inflation.

Rent increases: What you can do about a rise from your landlord

The BBC's Lora Jones tells you four things you can do, if your landlord asks for more money.

No sigh of relief at ditched tax plans - Martin Lewis

Consumer expert Martin Lewis says many people in the country are still looking at 'difficult times'.

Jacob Rees-Mogg blames interest rates for economic turmoil

The business secretary disagrees with the assertion that the government's mini-budget sparked market uncertainty.

Liz Truss defends tax cuts and energy costs help in mini-budget

The PM says her government needs to continue to "deliver economic growth, jobs and opportunities".

Why is the Bank of England buying government debt?

The BBC's Economics Editor Faisal Islam explains why the Bank of England had to act.

Energy crisis: £2,500 price cap for typical households - Truss

A typical household will pay no more than £2,500 a year in energy bills for the next two years.

Restaurants will just close until spring - Tom Kerridge

Chef Tom Kerridge says many hospitality businesses are considering "mothballing" through the winter because of energy costs.

'I turned my front room into a full-time bakery'

Ben Gray explains why he turned his home into a bakery in lockdown.

Martin Lewis 'begging, praying' for more energy bills help

Consumer expert Lewis says a lack of government support is causing a "mental health catastrophe".

CEO Secrets: Mopping the floor and a lesson in feedback

Steve Vamos of accounting software firm Xero shares his business advice for the CEO Secrets series.

Cost of living: 'A lot of people have nowhere to turn'

Inflation could rise to 13% and the cost of living is putting a squeeze on finances, so how are people feeling?

Martin Lewis: Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss must set out energy bill plans

The consumer journalist says rising prices are a crisis on a scale with the Covid pandemic.

Zimbabwe: Australian firm drills for oil and gas

Zimbabwe's first gas production could be led by a new well being drilled in the north of the country.

Truss: Business-as-usual policies won't stop recession

Liz Truss says her tax cuts are more important after the Bank of England's gloomy economic forecast.

CEO Secrets: Hard Rock Cafe boss on the shift he'll never forget

Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, shares a story for our CEO Secrets series.

Tory party debate: Sunak and Truss on borrowing and debt

Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss have been going head-to-head for the first time in the BBC's TV debate.

'I looked at the prices in London... and chose Leeds'

Morten Toft Tech, founder of Meatless Farm, which makes plant-based meat alternative food, shares his business advice.

Cost of fuel: Car meets getting too expensive

Car enthusiasts are used to spending on their motors, but the petrol costs could price some out.

Shanghai Covid lockdown: The struggle of blind massage therapists

Blind massage therapists say the lockdown and lack of government support are making life difficult.

Price rises: Why a simple lunch is costing more in Asia-Pacific

From Singapore, to Seoul, to Sydney - how the cost of living affects lunch hour.

Give workers a piece of the pie - Unite union

Sharon Graham, the head of the UK's biggest private sector union Unite, speaks to Faisal Islam about pay.

RMT's Mick Lynch says UK needs a rebalance of wealth

The RMT union's general secretary, Mick Lynch, speaks ahead of further rail strikes this summer.

CEO Secrets: Airtasker boss on his email regret

Tim Fung, co-founder and CEO of Airtasker, shares his business advice for our CEO Secrets series.

Why I kept my sexuality a secret at work

How an aircraft engineer overcame his fear of revealing his sexuality and set up a Pride network.

Rail strike: Government is making strike negotiations worse - RMT boss

Rail union boss Mick Lynch says that a deal with rail companies could have been made by now.

Ros Atkins on… Why rail strikes are happening

Ros Atkins examines why a dispute between the RMT union and employers has led to strike action.

Rail dispute has been manufactured by Shapps - RMT

RMT general-secretary Mick Lynch admits "the whole country is suffering."

Grant Shapps: Train strikes are 'full responsibility of the unions'

The Transport Secretary tells the Commons that the public ''will not be hoodwinked'' by the unions.

Love Island stylist gives sneak peek inside the wardrobe

For the first time, ITV's Love Island contestants will be dressed in pre-owned clothes.

Cost of living crisis: Sheerness cafe owner sleeps on shop floor to save money

Steve Jackson skips meals to help pay the rent on his vintage tea shop in Sheerness High Street.

Why your haircut is getting more expensive

Chain Trevor Sorbie says they are now spending thousands more each month.

Small businesses focus on rising costs ahead of the local elections

Small businesses are the 'lifeline' of the economy says Prince, whose business has felt the impact of inflation.

'An hour a day built my million-pound side hustle'

Joel Remy-Parkes of kids tableware company Bamboo Bamboo shares his business advice for CEO Secrets.

The Zomato and Swiggy riders risking their lives to deliver food in 10 minutes

The BBC followed overworked delivery riders as they raced against time to take food to customers.

CEO Secrets: 'I begged my dad not to give out business cards'

Gaby Hersham, CEO of co-working space network Huckletree, shares her business advice.

Why I didn't use my real name at work

Should you change your name to fit in at work? We look at why some people have anglicised their names.

Former Twitter exec questions seriousness of Musk offer

Vivian Schiller, who used to work there, tells Newsnight Elon Musk enjoys "throwing bombs" on Twitter.

Cost of living: 'My money-saving life hacks'

With a squeeze on household budgets, how are Londoners saving money?

This plug socket tells you if your energy is green

A power socket that helps you save electricity and tells you if it's from renewable sources.

Inside London's only pointe shoes factory

The craft of making pointe shoes for ballet dancers has recently been put on the heritage craft red list.

Energy strategy won't reduce energy bills - Milliband

Shadow climate change secretary Ed Miliband says the government should focus on onshore wind power.

The Apprentice winner Harpreet Kaur: Sometimes I don't realise how direct I am

Harpreet Kaur also tells BBC Breakfast that her sister is "definitely staying within the business".

Martin Lewis: ‘We need political intervention on cost of living’

Personal finance expert Martin Lewis calls for government intervention to tackle the cost of living.

Spring Statement: One family's cost of living experience

The Fords are a busy family and, like many, they’ve noticed the impact of rising prices.

P&O boss Peter Hebblethwaite asked if he is a 'shameless criminal'

P&O Ferries chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite issues a "late apology" after the on-the-spot sacking of 800 staff.

E-waste: Royal Mint wants to turn your old phone into gold

The Royal Mint has found a way to turn old circuit boards from phones, computers and televisions into gold.

Martin Lewis: Fuel and energy price rises 'catastrophic'

Martin Lewis, Founder of the MoneySavingExpert website, says he is ''out of tools'' to help people.

P&O Ferries: Natalie Elphicke heckled by protesters in Dover

Chants of "shame on you" are directed at Natalie Elphicke at a protest against the firm's mass sacking.

Source: BBC News - Business

Business News