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Showing posts from January, 2026

Asda has lost its mojo and has a big fight to get it back

The industry data suggests that despite Asda embarking on a turnaround, it has been losing ground to rivals.

Will Trump's pick to lead US central bank get him the change he wants?

Opinion is divided over whether Warsh will align with the US president's views over how the Federal Reserve should be run.

How Guest Dragon Jenna Meek likes to do business

Jenna Meek joins the Dragons' Den as a guest for the first time.

Trump says 'very dangerous' for UK to do business with China as Starmer lands in Shanghai

The US president's comments come as Sir Keir Starmer arrives in Shanghai on the third day of his visit to China.

Healthcare, visas and whisky: What did UK and China get from Starmer's visit?

Sir Keir Starmer's visit to China brought agreements on visas, services, healthcare, green tech and finance.

West Midlands Railway joins publicly owned network

The transport secretary says thousands of rail passengers will be using public services from Sunday.

Is your boss toxic? This is how to handle them

Workers share how toxic managers have affected them and their lives. Here's what to do if you have one.

Visit the North Sea oil field used to store greenhouse gas

Hundreds of miles from Denmark's coast a project is underway to inject CO2 into an old oil field.

Ministers reject Waspi calls for compensation after rethink

Women hit by changes to the state pension age say the decision shows "utter contempt" for their situation.

Boss of Post Office IT scandal firm Fujitsu to step down

Paul Patterson will become the chair of Fujitsu's UK business responsible for its inquiry response.

Emergency loans offered to civil servants waiting on pensions

Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds says the waits faced by retired civil servants are unacceptable.

Santander to close 44 branches and put 291 jobs at risk

The high-street lender is the latest to announce a swathe of branch closures.

The Apprentice is back! Meet the new candidates

Twenty candidates are hoping to secure a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar.

'You don't feel judged': Why we buy more at self-service terminals

How restaurants and retailers use behavioural science to get us to increase our spending.

Water bills to rise again: Use our tool to find out by how much

The average annual household bill in England and Wales will increase by £33 from April.

Vehicle production in the UK falls to 73-year low

The industry has "the toughest year in a generation" as vehicle making falls back to 1952 levels.

Driverless taxis set to launch in UK as soon as September

Waymo has laid out plans for a robotaxi service in London with a pilot scheme due to begin in April.

Watch: Why Trump is hitting the road to rally Americans

The BBC's White House reporter Bernd Debusmann explains why the president is refocusing his attention on the US economy.

Can India be a player in the computer chip industry?

India is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in building up a computer chip industry.

Caribbean cannabis growers eye budding domestic sales and exports

Producers in Jamaica and Antigua hope that increasing liberalisation will lead to higher revenues.

1975: Could you do your food shop just once a year?

Grocery shopping with a couple who bought all their supplies yearly rather than weekly.

Trump covets mineral-rich Greenland, but what natural resources does it actually have?

Greenland's natural resources include large reserves of rare earth deposits.

Does TikTok's US deal threaten the company's global ambitions?

TikTok has finalised a deal to allow its American business to continue, by creating a new US entity separate from its global operations. The BBC's Asia Business Correspondent Suranjana Tewari breaks down what this could mean.

AI ready: The advantages of being a young entrepreneur

The latest generation of entrepreneurs have a head-start with AI but also face familiar challenges.

How Slovakia became the world's number one carmaker

The European country is the biggest autos manufacturer relative to the size of its population.

Trump says tiny cars are amazing but will Americans actually buy them?

The president wants to bring to the US tiny vehicles, like those commonly seen on the streets of Japan.

Are 'tech dense' farms the future of farming?

A host of technology is on offer to farmers, promising to raise farming yields and lower food prices.

'The finest in the world': Why the US is buying icebreakers from Finland

The Nordic nation leads the way when it comes to both the design and construction of the vessels.

'The finest in the world': Why the US is buying icebreakers from Finland

The Nordic nation leads the way when it comes to both the design and construction of the vessels.

'The finest in the world': Why the US is buying icebreakers from Finland

The Nordic nation leads the way when it comes to both the design and construction of the vessels.

'The finest in the world': Why the US is buying icebreakers from Finland

The Nordic nation leads the way when it comes to both the design and construction of the vessels.

'The finest in the world': Why the US is buying icebreakers from Finland

The Nordic nation leads the way when it comes to both the design and construction of the vessels.

'The finest in the world': Why the US is buying icebreakers from Finland

The Nordic nation leads the way when it comes to both the design and construction of the vessels.

'The finest in the world': Why the US is buying icebreakers from Finland

The Nordic nation leads the way when it comes to both the design and construction of the vessels.

'The finest in the world': Why the US is buying icebreakers from Finland

The Nordic nation leads the way when it comes to both the design and construction of the vessels.

The threat to the US economy from Trump’s fight with the Fed

Donald Trump's stand-off with the US central bank has recalled episodes in other countries - which ended badly for the economy.

Star Wars boss departs after leading franchise reboot

She oversaw the expansion of the franchise, including five feature films and new TV shows.

Star Wars boss departs after leading franchise reboot

She oversaw the expansion of the franchise, including five feature films and new TV shows.

Star Wars boss departs after leading franchise reboot

She oversaw the expansion of the franchise, including five feature films and new TV shows.

Star Wars boss departs after leading franchise reboot

She oversaw the expansion of the franchise, including five feature films and new TV shows.

Star Wars boss departs after leading franchise reboot

She oversaw the expansion of the franchise, including five feature films and new TV shows.

Star Wars boss departs after leading franchise reboot

She oversaw the expansion of the franchise, including five feature films and new TV shows.

How realistic is India's quest for magnets made of rare earths

India has a $800m plan to make rare earth magnets, aiming to reduce dependence on Chinese imports - but can it work?

'They are essential': How smoke detectors are evolving

AI trained to recognise fire is among the latest developments in fire alarm tech.

Government to give cash payouts to people in financial crisis

The replacement for the Household Support Fund aims to help people facing sudden difficulties.

Government to give cash payouts to people in financial crisis

The replacement for the Household Support Fund aims to help people facing sudden difficulties.

US to cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods after investment pledge

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal would help boost semiconductor production in the US.

US to cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods after investment pledge

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal would help boost semiconductor production in the US.

US to cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods after investment pledge

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal would help boost semiconductor production in the US.

US to cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods after investment pledge

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal would help boost semiconductor production in the US.

US to cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods after investment pledge

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal would help boost semiconductor production in the US.

US to cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods after investment pledge

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal would help boost semiconductor production in the US.

US to cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods after investment pledge

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal would help boost semiconductor production in the US.

The Bottom Line

Lessons learned from a dotcom entrepreneur on the boom and bust of his company, boo.com.

'We don't need a sticking plaster', say pub owners

More than 40 hospitality firms have come together to campaign against tax increases.

Labubu toy manufacturer exploited workers, labour group claims

Investigators allege that a factory making Pop Mart products neglected staff safety and welfare.

California investigates Grok over AI deepfakes

The state attorney general urges xAI to take action over the "shocking" material as Musk denies the allegations.

Reeves doesn't rule out wider business rates support across hospitality

Chancellor says support for pubs is on its way and leaves the door open for further tweaks to business rates changes

Why the Northern Powerhouse Rail plan will really go ahead this time

Faisal Islam says the Labour argues the difference in its plans this time is that the planning has come first.

TGI Fridays closes 16 UK stores, with 456 job losses

The UK restaurant chain's remaining 33 restaurants will stay open after a rescue deal was reached.

No 10 welcomes reports X is addressing Grok deepfakes

The use of the AI tool to digitally undress women has sparked a backlash as well as intervention from the government and regulator.

China announces record $1tn trade surplus despite Trump tariffs

Beijing reported the largest-ever trade surplus at $1.19tn as China diversified its trade.

Honey, I shrunk the data centres: Is small the new big?

Huge data centres are being built to handle AI computing but some experts say they aren't necessary.

Charity shortlisted after helping keep homes warm

Severn Wye has been shortlisted for the Health Service Journal Partnership Award.

Why are more bosses sharing the top job?

More bosses are sharing the top job giving them more time for family and breaks.

Trump warns of 'mess' ahead of legal ruling on tariffs

The Supreme Court's decision on Trump's trade strategy could come as soon as Wednesday.

Faisal Islam: Trump faces extraordinary moment in spat with Fed chair

Jerome Powell's public response to a DoJ investigation could be a seismic moment for Donald Trump's presidency.

UK set for a 'booming' mortgage market, say analysts

Competition among lenders in the UK suggests that rates could be cut in the coming weeks.

Why luxury carmakers are now building glitzy skyscrapers

Bugatti is the latest auto firm to construct an opulent apartment building for the super rich.

Why luxury carmakers are now building glitzy skyscrapers

Bugatti is the latest auto firm to construct an opulent apartment building for the super rich.

The FTSE 100 has hit a record high. Is now the time to start investing?

As the FTSE hits the 10,000 mark, the chancellor is encouraging more of us to become investors - but is it the right time?

The FTSE 100 has hit a record high. Is now the time to start investing?

As the FTSE hits the 10,000 mark, the chancellor is encouraging more of us to become investors - but is it the right time?

'I had no electricity for six months': US families struggle with soaring energy prices

Rising electricity costs have emerged as a key cost-of-living concern, pushing families further into debt.

The real impact of roadworks on the country - and why they're set to get worse

There is a fine balance between the benefits of improved infrastructure, versus the cost of disruption. Does the country have it right?

Google employee made redundant after reporting manager who showed nude of wife, court hears

Victoria Woodall claims she was retaliated against after reporting a manager who told clients stories about his swinger lifestyle.

Martin Lewis on 'the most dangerous form of mainstream debt in the UK'

Martin Lewis explains how building up overdraft debt compares to credit card debt.

Businesses call to be included in any pub rates backtrack

Shops, pharmacies and music venues want any climbdown on business rates for pubs to apply to them too.

Ofcom urged to use 'banning' powers over X AI deepfakes

It follows an ongoing backlash against the use of X's AI Grok to digitally remove clothing from images.

Excel: The software that's hard to quit

Companies are trying to wean staff off Excel spreadsheets to centralise control of their data.

Weight loss jabs affecting Greggs, boss says

The Greggs boss says there is "no doubt" weight loss jabs have led it to having a healthier menu.

Elon Musk's Grok AI appears to have made child sexual imagery, says charity

It said analysts discovered the images on a dark-web forum, by users who claimed to have used Grok

Sportswear firm Castore defends price of football kits

Tom Beahon, of sportswear firm Castore, says fans buy official shirts because they can afford to.

The Inquiry

Can Kenya’s plan for digital outsourcing solve its jobs crisis?

Inside the sub-zero lair of the world's most powerful computer

Faisal Islam gets rare access to Willow - Google's quantum computer.

Trump calls for US military spending to rise more than 50% to $1.5tn

The president also called on defence firms to increase production or face a crackdown on payouts.

How tariff disruption will continue reshaping the global economy in 2026

Trump's import levies are still changing the patterns of international trade.

Unions accuse McDonald's of 'repeated harassment' against 'mostly teenage' staff

It follows a BBC investigation three years ago which exposed a toxic culture at the fast-food chain.

Trump backs ban on institutional investor home purchases

Wall Street investors have bought thousands of homes to rent out, a practice that has sparked concerns about affordability.

US will control Venezuela oil sales 'indefinitely', official says

Officials say sales were expected to start with 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil and the revenue would be controlled by the US government.

Young people say new driving rules are condescending and expensive

Young drivers have spoken to the BBC about how the proposed changes could affect them.

How the new road safety measures could affect you

The government is proposing lowering alcohol limits for drivers and regular eye tests for older motorists.

Warner Bros urges shareholders to reject 'inferior' Paramount offer

The Warner Bros board said it remained unanimous in recommending the deal with Netflix instead.

What are cold weather payments and who can get them?

Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can get help with heating costs during cold spells.

Learner drivers may have to wait six months before taking test

Proposed changes by the government may also include lower drink-driving limits for novice motorists.

Trump says Venezuela will be 'turning over' up to 50 million barrels of oil to US

Earlier the president said US oil firms could be "up and running" in the country within 18 months.

Fujitsu 'not a parasite' for profiting after Horizon scandal, says boss

The European boss of the tech firm said it had been awarded £500m of government contract extentions.

Target 'divisive' Reform in 2026, Keir Starmer tells ministers

The PM says Labour needs to contrast its "renewal" of the country with Reform's "grievance and division".

Next raises profit forecast to £1.15bn after bumper Christmas sales

Festive trading at the retailer beat expectations, but rising unemployment is expected to weigh on demand this year.

Electric car discounts are unsustainable, says industry group

The SMMT warned of a growing gap between consumer demand and the government's ambitions for EVs.

Warm Welcome helps fight cold and isolation

This Warm Welcome venue is one of more than 80 across Surrey which are open over the coming months.

Nestle issues global recall of some baby formula products over toxin fears

The food giant discovered some batches of SMA infant and follow-on formula could lead to vomiting

'We became best friends at a warm hub'

Alan Thompson and Jane Innes were childhood friends and reunited at a community hub in Lincoln.

Car giant Hyundai to use human-like robots in factories

The firm plans to deploy the technology at the same plant that was involved in a huge immigration raid in 2025.

Why are more gamers than ever playing the 2000s classic RuneScape?

Millions of people have returned to the iconic online game to farm, go on quests and fight big bosses.

The 'magical' blue flower changing farmers' fortunes in India

Indian farmers are turning to butterfly pea flower which is in demand for its bright blue colour.

The 'magical' blue flower changing farmers' fortunes in India

Indian farmers are turning to butterfly pea flower which is in demand for its bright blue colour.

Anonymous crypto gambler made $436,000 on Maduro capture

The account placed a $32,000 wager just before Trump announced the Venezuelan leader was in US custody.

Claire's and The Original Factory Shop to enter administration

The firms' owner said "alarming" low Christmas trading left both in a "vulnerable" position

Ofcom asks X about reports its Grok AI makes sexualised images of children

Elon Musk's social media platform has warned users not to use Grok to generate illegal content.

US oil companies gain after seizure of Venezuela's Maduro

Investors bet the action may open opportunities to tap the country's oil wealth.

Trump wants Venezuela's oil. Will his plan work?

Donald Trump has said that American oil firms will invest billions to produce oil in Venezuela.

Warning against 'systematic reliance' on reserves

A scrutiny committee says the Manx government's size and scope should be reduced to cut spending.

What's behind PM's notable shift on closer ties to Europe?

Sir Keir Starmer has given details of his plans for a "Brexit reset". What could it mean for the UK?

New funding launched for low income households

People living in the district can apply for up to £225 of funding in addition to government grants.

Junk food TV and online advert ban comes into force

Soft drinks, chocolate, pizzas and ice creams will be targeted in the UK government's plan.

The French university where spies go for training

Sciences Po Saint-Germain near Paris trains current French secret agents and potential new recruits.

Dreading going back to work? How to ease the post-Christmas return

Career coaches and leaders share practical advice for managing anxiety and overload after the break.

How UK plush toy Jellycat conquered China

The plushies bring "emotional value" to Chinese youth navigating economic uncertainty.

How the defence sector is battling a skills crisis

Attracting younger workers into the defence industry can be challenging.

The Inquiry

How did live music evolve into a billion-dollar business for global stars?