14 h. ago Revealed: The top reason why precious local businesses are being forced to shut up shop

With mass closures of beloved UK chains like Poundland, Claire's and Hobbycraft, it is no secret the British high street (pictured, file photo) is in serious decline.

Economics

48 h. ago More businesses forced to close in July as cost pressures mount

The number of compulsory liquidations was slightly higher than in June, the Insolvency Service said.

Economics

5 d. ago Britain’s biggest bailiff firm forced into refunds programme after overcharging

Exclusive: Marston Holdings apologises to consumers for ‘enforcement fees’ errorBritain’s biggest bailiff company overcharged people it was pursuing for unpaid debts and has been forced to launch a refunds programme, the Guardian can reveal.Marston Holdings, which is used by companies and state-funded bodies including Transport for London to recover debts and fines, has apologised to consumers after overcharging “enforcement fees” related to unpaid road traffic penalties it was chasing. Continue reading...

Economics

6 d. ago Stirling's historic businesses and personalities to be celebrated in new collaboration

Go Forth Stirling BID, Historic Environment Scotland and Stirling Council have joined forces to celebrate the role that local businesses play in local life.

Culture

8 d. ago Stoke Newington murder: Business run by victim of fatal Hackney shooting forced to close by police

According to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, Mr Ozmen was gunned down as he closed up a coffee shop that he had been running for two weeks

Events

9 d. ago Ayahuasca and toad poison seized as police raid spiritual retreats in Spain

Three arrested and San Pedro cactus plants also found at rural properties that hosted lucrative ‘astral journeys’Police in eastern Spain have arrested three people and seized 11 litres of ayahuasca, 117 San Pedro cactus plants and several bottles of toad poison after raiding two rural properties that were used to host lucrative spiritual retreats promising “astral journeys”.Officers from the Guardia Civil force began investigating the business in the Pedreguer municipality of Alicante province five months ago after receiving a complaint from a former customer. They discovered that the retreat, which advertised online and billed itself as an award-winning and internationally renowned spiritual centre, offered “traditional curative medicine” breaks that were especially popular among European visitors. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Insurance red alert as 8 in 10 UK holidaymakers cut back on summer holiday spend

As the summer holiday season approaches its peak, new research from AllClear Travel Insurance reveals a troubling shift in public perception: more British travellers are downgrading or removing their travel insurance cover altogether - with cost pressures driving risky decisions and misunderstandings about protection on holiday.

Events

2 w. ago BP to report on cost cuts as activist investor Elliott steps up pressure

Status update on plan to save $5bn comes as US hedge fund pushes energy major to go even further

Economics