15 h. ago WHSmith's rise and fall from high street icon to price fury and hospital shame

Henry Walton Smith opened the first shop - a newsagents week 230 years ago and this week announced the WHSmith name is disappearing from the High Street forever joining other axed brands Mothercare, Woolworths and C&A

Politics

38 h. ago Man dies after falling from the 755ft Heron Tower near Liverpool Street

City of London Police said the incident is being treated as non-suspicious

Events

66 h. ago Hopes rise for interest rate cut after inflation falls – but experts warn relief may be short

The Bank of England have promised a “careful” approach to reducing the rate this year

Events

67 h. ago Lower inflation – what it means for bills, taxes and shopping

A fall in the cost of clothes was the main reason for a drop in the rate of inflation; however, imminent increases to the cost of services mean people may not feel any better off

Economics

2 d. ago Odds of Bank of England interest rate cut strengthen after inflation falls to 2.8%

Bigger-than-forecast decline in annual rate in February is positive news for Rachel ReevesBusiness live – latest updatesThe odds of the Bank of England cutting interest rates in May have been strengthened after inflation cooled by more than forecast last month.In a boost for Rachel Reeves on the day of the chancellor’s spring statement, the Office for National Statistics said inflation as measured by the consumer prices index eased to 2.8% in February from 3% in January. Continue reading...

Economics

2 d. ago Annual house price growth accelerates but rental prices slow

The figures were released as the rate of Consumer Prices Index inflation slowed by more than expected.

Society

3 d. ago Annual house price growth accelerates but rental prices slow – ONS data

The figures were released as the rate of Consumer Prices Index inflation slowed by more than expected.

Society

3 d. ago Odds of May interest rate cut rise after UK inflation falls to 2.8% – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as pound dips after February’s inflation reportFurther benefits cuts planned as Rachel Reeves forced to find extra £1.6bnFive economic factors that will govern Rachel Reeves’s spring statementSterling is weakening a little, after UK inflation fell by more than expected this morning.The pound has lost nearly a third of a cent against the US dollar to $1.2915.The market reaction to this data has been minimal, as the focus remains on the Spring Statement later today.The pound has dropped slightly, but GBP/USD is down less than 20 pips so far on Wednesday, the bond markets are not open, but we think that UK Gilts will also have a mild reaction to this data. Continue reading...

Economics

3 d. ago Rate of inflation falls to 2.8% amid high street fashion price war

Official figures in prices come just hours before the Chancellor’s Spring Statement

Economics

3 d. ago UK economy receives welcome boost ahead of Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement as inflation falls to 2.8%

The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 2.8% in February from 3% in January, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said

Economics

3 d. ago Brits' hopes of interest rate cuts are boosted as inflation eases to 2.8%

UK inflation eased by more than expected last month to 2.8 per cent, new official figures show, delivering a boost to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her spring statement.

Economics

3 d. ago Chancellor Rachel Reeves hit by triple blow as outlook for growth is slashed, retail sales are falling and bosses warn the high street is dying

The hat-trick of gloomy signs about the state of the economy came as the Chancellor prepared to reveal worsening official forecasts in today's Spring Statement.

Events

4 d. ago This government has one last chance to take a progressive path. Otherwise, we’re at the point of no return | John McDonnell

In her spring statement, I urge Rachel Reeves to look beyond short-term economic stability – and towards tackling long-term inequalityIf someone read out the following list of policies, which party would you think was in power? Depriving 2 million pensioners of the winter fuel allowance. Refusing to scrap the two-child benefit cap to lift nearly half a million children out of poverty. Raising tuition fees for students by more than the rate of inflation. Cutting overseas aid to the poorest people across the globe by half. Cutting £5bn from benefits for disabled people. Introducing a new round of cuts to government department spending and laying off 50,000 public sector workers.I very much doubt even 12 months ago you would have thought that this would be the Labour party in government.John McDonnell is the independent MP for Hayes and Harlington. He was shadow chancellor for Labour from 2015 to 2020 Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago UK fashion retailer falls into liquidation with 35 high street stores to close

Select Fashion has been steadily shutting down its shops since January and will shut its remaining 35 this week in a move that highlights the ongoing struggles facing UK retailers

Politics

4 d. ago Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon warns 'you'd be lucky' as co

The actress is is currently on a break from the ITV soap but was recently seen back with her co-stars

Events

4 d. ago Debenhams slash price of 'classy' £1,200 watch that 'looks like Rolex' to under £150

"This watch feels, looks and operates perfectly."

Economics

6 d. ago Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon 'heartbroken' as she reunites with co

The actress is currenly on a break from the ITV soap, where she is famed for playing Bethany Platt

Politics

7 d. ago Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon melts fans' hearts with 'don't think' update after whisking kids to Disneyland

The actress and her partner Ryan Ledson welcomed their second child into the world earlier this year

Politics

8 d. ago TOM UTLEY: Thanks to my craven weakness for booze and fags, my personal inflation rate is treble what most people pay

TOM UTLEY: How much do you tend to spend on yoga mats? What about virtual reality headsets, mangoes or pool sliders? If you're anything like me, your answer will be 'not a penny'.

Economics

9 d. ago Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon leaves fans 'sobbing' as she ditches UK weeks after daughter's birth

The Bethany Platt actress was seen ditching the UK with her partner and their children for their first magical trip as a family-of-four

Politics