32 h. ago UK manufacturing downturn continues as new orders slide; Profits surge at Royal Mail – business live

Weak market conditions, US tariffs and downbeat client confidence blamed for drop in factory ordersOuch! The UK manufacturing sector shrank again last month, as factories were hit by weaker demand at home and abroad.The latest monthly poll of purchasing managers across Britain’s manufacturing sector found that new orders and new export business both fell at quicker rates in August, leading to another drop in production volumes.“Production volumes are still showing resilience in the face of global geopolitical uncertainty and US tariff policies, with both July and August having seen only slight contractions that were milder than those suffered earlier in the year. Business confidence has also lifted to a sixmonth high, reflecting hopes that the trading environment is starting to settle down.However, August also saw a steep drop in UK manufacturers’ new orders, with total order books and overseas demand both falling at some of the fastest rates seen over the past two years. Weak marke...

Economics

3 d. ago Stunning 'colourful' UK village with 'Italian charm' — but there's a catch for tourists

If you're looking for a charming UK village that looks like it's straight out of a Mediterranean film, then this pretty spot should be at the top of your travel bucket list

Politics

3 d. ago Where Britain's Got Talent egg thrower is now – from Disney role to Star Wars spin

Natalie Holt made headlines in 2013 for egging Simon Cowell live on ITV, but few know just how well the Royal Academy of Music alumni is doing for herself in film and television

Events

3 d. ago Gardening expert says these houseplants can help remove dust and ease cleaning chores

Some plants have a process called phytoremediation which can filter the air and trap dust around your home

Politics

3 d. ago Five common household items could be attracting spiders into your home

September marks the start of mating season for spiders which means they will start to seek warmer, dry environments.

Society

6 d. ago Romantic castle house in Wales’ most colourful village lets you live like a royal for the weekend

No need for a crown or a dynasty to feel like a king or queen here

Society

6 d. ago Wind farms are driving YOUR electricity bills up, admits Ofgem as prices go up by DOUBLE expected amount amid Ed Miliband's green drive

Energy regulator Ofgem revealed this morning that the price cap will rise from October 1 by 2 per cent - double what was expected - for a typical household in England, Scotland and Wales.

Economics

6 d. ago Eliminate 'little black house flies' with The Chase's Darragh Ennis' little

Darragh Ennis, who is known as 'The Menace' on The Chase, is an entomologist and beekeeper and he often shares his knowledge on social media, including how to get rid of small black flies in house plants

Politics

6 d. ago Household energy bills will rise by £35 a year to £1,755 as 2 per cent price cap increase is announced

The energy price cap will rise by 2 per cent from October for a typical household in England, Scotland and Wales, regulator Ofgem revealed today.

Economics

6 d. ago Household energy bills will rise by £35 a year to £1,766 as 2 per cent price cap increase is announced

The energy price cap will rise by 2 per cent from October 1 for a typical household in England, Scotland and Wales, Ofgem revealed today.

Economics

6 d. ago Household energy bills expected to rise by around 1% in October – forecast

Ofgem, which sets the limit on what energy companies can charge customers, is to confirm its latest price cap on Wednesday.

Science

7 d. ago Welsh households buying olive oil urged to avoid mistake which can ruin taste

Olive oil can be pretty pricey, so you'll want your bottle to last as long as possible without losing its flavour. But there's a simple mistake that many people make when it comes to storing their olive oil, which can make it bland.

Society

7 d. ago September outbreak alert as UK households told to 'seek a pharmacist'

As school returns next month, parents are being advised to be on the lookout for the parasites

Events

7 d. ago Prince William's 'strategic reason' for new house move revealed by royal butler

A former royal butler has revealed why King Charles opted to live in royal residences other than the famous London Palace, and what he thinks will come of the landmark building when Prince William ascends the throne

Politics

7 d. ago How long it will take to save for a house deposit based on your salary

The average house deposit for a first-time buyer in the UK is now £68,154 - but how long would it take to save up for this deposit if you're earning a salary of £30,000 a year, for example?

Politics

8 d. ago Almost 800 shoplifting offences a day go unsolved, study shows

Liberal Democrat MP Joshua Reynolds described the figures as ‘shameful’.

Politics

8 d. ago Plans for student housing to be converted into private accommodation approved

The building has not been used as accommodation for several years and is no longer needed by the university, further justifying the proposed change of use, a report said

Politics

1 week ago Two houses suffer 'significant damage' after fire in Welsh town

All people and animals have been accounted for

Events

2 w. ago Elizabeth Bennet's manor house from BBC Pride and Prejudice on sale for £4million

The property was the family home in the 1995 BBC adaptation of the Jane Austen classic novel

Economics

2 w. ago People with energy bill debt urged to apply for cash help of up to £1,700

Over 2,000 households across Scotland, England and Wales had debt worth more than £947,000 of written off by the British Gas Energy Trust.

Economics