4 h. ago Independent businesses: have your online sales been affected by the rise of AI?

We’d like to hear from independent retailers about how changes to online searches has affected them. We’d also like to find out from customers about how easy it is to track down independent retailers We’d like to find out more about how your business has been affected by changes to online searches amid the rise of AI.Independent businesses have traditionally relied on online advertising for increased visibility and sales, even if they are based on the high street. However, with the introduction of AI mode and AI Overview summaries on Google, and the proliferation of LLMs such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, people are altering their search habits, which may affect the online visibility of small businesses. Continue reading...

Economics

5 h. ago Social cricket chain backed by Ben Stokes falls into administration

The brand has closed one of its venues as a result

Politics

6 h. ago Social cricket chain backed by England stars falls into administration

The brand has closed one of its venues as a result

Politics

9 h. ago Competition and Markets Authority to probe ABF’s deal to buy Hovis

In August, Associated British Foods (ABF) struck a deal to buy the 135-year-old business from US private equity owner Endless.

Economics

9 h. ago ‘Little Christmas cheer’ for Reeves as borrowing figures higher than forecast

A borrowing figure of £11.7 billion last month was higher than the £10 billion expected.

Politics

10 h. ago Racehorse named after Queen Elizabeth II recruited to save village pub

The Oxfordshire pub will rebrand as ‘Thank You Ma’am’ after a horse named in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II

Politics

11 h. ago Supermarket handed £17m tax bill over rotisserie chicken bags

The food giant believed that it was exempt from the tax

Economics

11 h. ago WH Smith bids to recover overpaid bonuses to bosses as accounting issues probed

Interim boss Andrew Harrison said he was ‘acutely aware that we have much to do to rebuild confidence’ in WH Smith.

Economics

12 h. ago Government borrowing higher than expected after winter fuel payments U

Official figures showed borrowing stood at £11.7 billion last month, the lowest level for November since 2021.

Politics

12 h. ago Retail sales dip unexpectedly in November as Black Friday fizzles

The Office for National Statistics said the total volume of retail sales is estimated to have fallen by 0.1% in November.

Politics

20 h. ago The contactless payment change that could be good news for shoppers

These regulatory changes are scheduled to commence on March 19, though individual firms will decide when to adopt the flexibility

Economics

20 h. ago Consumer confidence improves but remains subdued ahead of Christmas

GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index improved by two points to minus 17 for December.

Politics

31 h. ago Our pick of the best early holiday sale deals from the UK’s biggest online travel operator

We’ve scanned the first wave of early January holiday sale deals and picked out the best-value beach, luxury and all-inclusive breaks worth booking now.

Economics

33 h. ago Discover Amazon Business gift ideas for quick delivery and avoid the Christmas crowds

When it comes to last-minute Christmas shopping, Amazon Business has you covered

Politics

34 h. ago BP hires first female boss after surprise departure of chief executive

The abrupt departure of Murray Auchincloss follows the appointment of Albert Manifold as BP’s new chairman

Politics

35 h. ago Time Out targets new worldwide food markets as media sales tumble

The boss of the firm said it had taken ‘decisive action’ to improve profits as a result of the media industry experiencing ‘a number of challenges’.

Economics

35 h. ago Stansted could become second busiest UK airport after expansion plan approved

The aviation hub could see an increase of nearly 20 million passengers per year

Transport

36 h. ago AI tech and gaming helps lift sales for Currys amid ‘unhelpful’ cost pressures

In the UK and Ireland, where Currys has almost 300 shops, computing was the strongest category for sales.

Economics

53 h. ago Push made to sell Mossmorran site but no ‘viable offer’ received, say bosses

ExxonMobil has has had both ‘formal and informal’ discussions with potential buyers.

Politics

53 h. ago Bank of England poised for Christmas interest rate cut after inflation slows

The Bank of England is widely expected to reduce borrowing costs to 3.75% from 4% when it next announces its decision on Thursday.

Economics