5 h. ago High street firms face £1bn 'tsunami' of surging costs as business rate cut

The changes were announced in last year's autumn Budget, with the Government committing to keeping the discount scheme for the next financial year but cutting the level of relief

Economics

14 h. ago High street firms facing extra £1bn tax bill next month as relief slashed

Businesses in London will be hit hardest by changes, according to analysis by business tax specialists Ryan.

Economics

4 d. ago European markets soar as Germany moves to lift ‘debt brake’ and raise defence spending

Berlin’s ‘big bazooka’ proposal sends industrial stocks surging but fiscal sea change also hikes borrowing costsBusiness live – German debt ‘bazooka’ rallies stocks and euroEuropean financial markets have rallied sharply and German borrowing costs have soared after the country’s prospective leaders announced a historic deal to loosen its “debt brake” rule to boost spending on defence.The yield – in effect the interest rate – on 30-year German government bonds rose by about 25 basis points to 3.08% in its biggest daily increase since October 1998. Continue reading...

Economics

5 d. ago European markets soar as Germany lifts ‘debt brake’ to raise defence spending

Berlin’s ‘big bazooka’ move sends industrial stocks surging but fiscal sea change also hikes borrowing costsBusiness live – German debt ‘bazooka’ rallies stocks and euroEuropean financial markets have rallied sharply and German borrowing costs have soared after the country’s prospective leaders announced a historic deal to loosen its “debt brake” rule to boost spending on defence.The yield – in effect the interest rate – on 30-year German government bonds rose by 16 basis points, after having earlier jumped by as much as 25 basis points to 3.07% in its biggest increase since October 1998. Continue reading...

Economics

5 d. ago US firm that commissioned Fearless Girl statue quietly ends diversity policies

State Street’s statue became symbol of gender diversity in the workplace – now US companies are retreating from goalsThe investment firm State Street, the company that commissioned the Fearless Girl statue that once faced down the Wall Street Charging Bull sculpture and became a symbol of gender diversity in the workplace, has quietly ended some of its diversity policies as US companies continue to retreat from diversity goals.Last year in its proxy voting and engagement policy the company said that it expected companies in its index funds to have boards with at least 30% female directors. State Street warned that it might vote against the nominating committee or the board leader if a company failed to meet the expectation. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago M&S launches major sale with up to 50% off clothing, beauty and brands

The high street firm's eagerly anticipated sale is finally here, with bargains across everything.

Economics

1 week ago ITV Coronation Street Bernie Winter star Jane Hazlegrove's life off screen

Jane Hazlegrove has been a firm favourite on Coronation Street since 2019, but many fans were left stunned after realising who her famous wife is.

Politics

1 week ago Glimmer of hope as No10 'recognises the strength of feeling' over Big Tech AI raid

Downing Street conceded that its controversial proposal to give AI firms a copyright exception may not emerge as the final option following a powerful campaign by the Mail.

Politics

2 w. ago UK firms cutting jobs at fastest rate in more than four years, survey shows

Businesses have been slashing jobs at the fastest rate in more than four years, with upcoming Budget cost rises 'intensifying' the pace of cuts, according to a new survey

Politics

2 w. ago UK businesses now cutting jobs at fastest rate since lockdown

Job-cutting is largely in response to higher payroll costs

Politics

2 w. ago River Island's 'stunning' new maxi dress for spring is already 'trending' online

The high street firm has impressed fashion fans with its new maxi dress that is suitable for wearing to many occasions this spring.

Politics

2 w. ago Where fashion brands most want to be: Milan overtakes New York to become home to the world's most expensive shopping street, where customers spend £2,000 per purchase

It's the first time a European street has topped real-estate firm Cushman & Wakefield's annual global ranking of the world's most expensive retail destinations, now in its 34th year.

Economics

2 w. ago Local business rate relief scheme in one Welsh county to continue

RCT has approved their local business rates relief scheme for another year which sees businesses able to claim up to £500

Politics

2 w. ago Meta and Google opt out of Sydney Mardi Gras amid move away from DEI in US

Former sponsors walk away from 2025 event – while organisers say they do not meet partnership requirementsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGoogle and Meta do not meet the requirements to partner with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the organisation has said, after the two tech giants ended their official involvement and ditched diversity obligations in the US.At the 47th annual Mardi Gras parade up Oxford Street next Saturday, a notable absence will be the two tech firms, previously event sponsors.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago FTSE 100 slides after higher inflation dampens rate cut hopes

The rise caused City traders to reduce their bets on interest rates being cut later this year by the Bank of England.

Economics

2 w. ago Martin Lewis: Energy Price Cap can be avoided with this one fixed rate, expert money saving tip

Energy bills are set to rise in April – but there’s still time to lock in a cheaper fix ⚡

Economics

2 w. ago Rate of inflation jumps to 3% in January in bigger than expected rise

Fuel and VAT on private school bills fuel the Consumer Prices Index

Economics

2 w. ago Boots shoppers race to buy 'lifting' serum that 'tightens skin in one week' as it's slashed to £10

The high street firm's £10 Tuesday deals has slashed the cost of the popular Nivea Expert Lift Cellular Three-Zone Lifting Serum.

Economics

3 w. ago FTSE 100 Live 17 February: Defence stocks surge, Assura rejects £1.6bn bid approach

Defence stocks including BAE Systems have surged on the outlook for increased spending by NATO allies.

Economics