FTSE 100 ends higher after US markets break record ground
The FTSE 100 enjoyed another day in positive territory on Thursday as it took its cue from across the pond, where US markets hit record highs.
UK and abroad
Evans Cycles seeks new owner amid high street crisis
Evans Cycles is seeking a new owner amid signs of further pressure on high street retailers from online competition.
Cashplus forced to outline compensation plans after systems failure
Cashplus is being forced to outline its compensation plans after customers were locked out of their accounts during a service failure this week.
Eve Sleep shares jump as investors back new strategy
Shares in Eve Sleep jumped on Thursday as investors took comfort in the company’s transformation progress.
Sky takeover battle to be settled in weekend auction
The long-running bidding battle for Sky will be decided in a quick-fire auction finishing on Saturday night, Britain’s Takeover Panel has announced.
Shoppers defy concerns to continue spending spree
Shoppers have defied Brexit concerns to continue their spending spree over the summer, figures show.
Kier cheers 9% profit jump as Carillion collapse sends order book to record high
Construction group Kier has cheered a 9% jump in annual profits and a record-level order book following Carillion’s collapse.
Poundland takes aim at landlords as it moves into 20 Poundworld stores
Poundland has unveiled plans to take over 20 former Poundworld stores, creating 400 jobs.
British American Tobacco poised to announce new boss as Durante retires
British American Tobacco has confirmed that chief executive Nicandro Durante plans to retire after nearly 37 years with the company and eight years at the helm.
Diageo profits set to take £45m hit amid market volatility
Drinks giant Diageo has warned over “volatility” in some of its markets, with profits expected to take a £45 million hit due to currency fluctuations.
French Connection sees losses widen amid House of Fraser hit
Fashion retailer French Connection has insisted it remains on track to return to annual profit despite revealing widening half-year losses and an £800,000 hit from the House of Fraser collapse.
Aston Martin targets £5 billion valuation with London IPO
Luxury carmaker Aston Martin is aiming for a £5 billion valuation when its shares begin trading on the London Stock Exchange next month.
Sterling takes Brexit punishment on topsy turvy day
Sterling endured another rollercoaster session on Wednesday, with the British currency jumping after higher than forecast inflation and then plummeting on renewed Brexit fears.
Fashion brand Orla Kiely famous for its distinctive prints collapses
Orla Kiely, a fashion brand worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, has closed its stores after falling into administration.
Jack’s v the rest – who is best on price?
Tesco boss Dave Lewis has claimed that Jack’s, the supermarket’s new chain, will be the “cheapest in town”. But is it true?
Tesco reveals discount store Jack’s to take on Lidl and Aldi
Tesco has launched its new discount store format called Jack’s, as it attempts to take the fight to German discounters Aldi and Lidl.
Burton’s sells Merseyside factory to Swiss chocolate firm
Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels maker Burton’s has sold its chocolate factory in Merseyside as part of a wider supply deal with Swiss chocolate giant Barry Callebaut.
Royal Mail chairman steps down months after shareholder revolt on executive pay
Royal Mail chairman Peter Long is stepping down just months after shareholders revolted over the new chief executive’s bumper pay packet.
Tesco launches discount store Jack’s to take on Lidl and Aldi
Tesco has launched its new discount store format called Jack’s as it attempts to take the fight to German discounters Aldi and Lidl.
Inflation jumps as transport, theatre and autumn fashion prices rise
Inflation grew more than expected last month, as higher price tags for transport, theatre tickets and autumn clothing raised pressure on household finances.
Shop Direct swings to loss over PPI and site closures
Shop Direct has slumped to a full year loss after the online retailer was stung by costs linked to PPI mis-selling claims and the closure of three warehouses.
B&Q owner Kingfisher insists turnaround on track despite profits slump
B&Q owner Kingfisher has seen half-year profits tumble after being hit by woes in its French arm and amid consumer belt-tightening in the UK.
Green Star Energy shells out nearly £680,000 in compensation and redress
Green Star Energy has shelled out nearly £680,000 to help compensate customers for mis-selling and failing to provide annual statements.
KPMG facing sanctions after admitting to misconduct on compliance report
KPMG may face sanctions from the accountancy watchdog after admitting to misconduct around compliance reports relating to assets held by the Bank of New York Mellon.
Tesco to launch discount store format called Jack’s
Tesco is to launch its new discount store format called Jack’s, taking on German discounters Aldi and Lidl.
Further probe launched into £12bn Asda-Sainsbury’s tie-up
Britain’s competition watchdog has launched the second stage of its investigation into the proposed £12 billion merger between supermarkets Sainsbury’s and Asda.
Drop in motor fuel prices expected to drag down UK inflation data
Inflation is forecast to have edged down in August after a drop in motor fuel costs helped offset a jump in food prices, according to economists.
HSBC unveils highest ever £12bn small business lending fund
HSBC has hiked its annual lending fund for small businesses to a record £12 billion and has ring-fenced £1 billion for the first time to help boost overseas trade as Brexit approaches.
MPs call for regulation of ‘wild west’ cryptocurrency market
The “wild west” world of cryptocurrencies should be regulated by the City watchdog, MPs have said.
Minister issues rallying call to Tories to ‘unshackle enterprise’
Theresa May has been urged by one of her senior ministers to prepare to fight the next general election on a radical pro-business platform of tax cuts and de-regulation.
Concern rises over House of Fraser gift cards amid Sports Direct silence
House of Fraser customers are becoming increasingly concerned that gift cards for the department store will not be honoured amid silence from new owner Sports Direct.
Stock rally fails to keep FTSE out of the red
European shares rallied on Tuesday as trade war fears cooled, but the boost was not enough to keep London’s top-flight out of the red.