Biz update

The cost of renting privately has surged in the last five years, but tenants may now see a slowdown.

What the Warner Bros deal could mean for streaming, cinemas and news

If Paramount's takeover of Warner Bros goes ahead it could significantly reshape Hollywood.

Brewdog expected to announce sale early next week

Staff are told Brewdog's German arm is not included in the sale and will now be liquidated but bars will trade as normal this weekend.

Government to give go-ahead for £1bn defence helicopter deal

The chancellor has stepped in to protect jobs at the helicopter manufacturer in Somerset, the BBC understands.

Why you should consider fixing your energy tariff now

Martin Lewis explains what the upcoming change to the energy price cap means for your bills.

'I was on Instagram all day' - woman tells landmark trial

The young woman, who accuses Meta and Google of making addictive social media platforms, has been speaking in court.

Dyson settles forced labour suit in landmark UK case

Migrant workers alleged they were subjected to abusive treatment in a Malaysian factory for Dyson.

Paramount set for $111bn Warner Bros takeover after Netflix drops bid

Netflix's decision to back down from the bidding war clears the path for Paramount to win the takeover battle.

Jack Dorsey's Block cuts thousands of jobs as it embraces AI

The Twitter co-founder says he believes the majority of firms will make similar changes "within the next year."

Why you can't get a signal at festivals and sports matches

Connecting up music and sports events to the internet is a massive undertaking.

Burger King rolls out AI headsets that track employee 'friendliness'

The fast-food chain is testing OpenAI-powered headsets that monitor staff interactions with customers.

Mandelson referred to EU anti-fraud agency over Epstein emails

The European Commission says it is assessing whether the peer breached its code of conduct while its trade envoy.

'Is this all bad debt or good debt?'

Karen has not only left the family in emotional turmoil but also in serious debt.

Walmart to pay $100m over claims it misled drivers over pay

The company told drivers they could expect to receive more in pay and tips than they actually did.

Nearly a million 16-24 year-olds not working or in education

People at the start of their careers are particularly affected by the UK's weak job market.

Instagram to alert parents if teens search for self-harm and suicide content

Safety campaigners say Meta is "passing the buck" with its new feature for parents using Instagram's teen supervision tools.

World Economic Forum boss quits after review of Epstein links

Brende acknowledged communications with Epstein but said he was "completely unaware" of his past criminal activity.

Royal Mail bosses to be called to Parliament over letter delivery failures

It comes after hundreds of people contacted BBC Your Voice to express frustration over late deliveries.

Ocado to axe 1,000 jobs in cost-cutting drive

The technology and online grocery group is cutting about 5% of its global workforce, with two-thirds of the losses in the UK.

The family-owned soda firm that still uses returnable glass bottles

Soft drinks company Twig's Beverage has a loyal following for its old-fashioned approach.

Aldi shop staff to receive two pay rises this year

The German budget supermarket is a growing competitor among British supermarkets.

Chip giant Nvidia defies AI concerns with record $215bn revenue

Demand for Nvidia chips rose even as the company sets out to create AI products of its own.

Why Asian firms are not cheering Trump tariff ruling

The US Supreme Court's decision to block a pillar of US trade policy has caused yet more uncertainty.

Faisal Islam: Is the UK economy really turning a corner?

The Chancellor is trying to use this moment as a launching pad for a wider attempt to gee up consumer and business confidence.

MrBeast video editor fined over insider trading

A former California governor candidate was also disciplined as the prediction market Kalshi cracks down.

MrBeast video editor fined over insider trading

A former California governor candidate was also disciplined as the prediction market Kalshi cracks down.

Martin Lewis on what the new energy price cap means

Typical household energy bills will fall by 7% in April, regulator Ofgem has announced, following a shake-up in charges by the government.

Not even potholes will hold up self-driving cars, UK firm predicts

Wayve says it's confident all cars will one day be autonomous, as it announced more than a £1bn in additional investment.

Gucci criticised for 'AI slop' images ahead of major fashion show

Users of social media - where the marketing campaign has been launched - say it is out of keeping with Gucci's reputation for luxury.

Aston Martin cuts 20% of workforce as losses widen

About 600 jobs will go at the luxury car maker, which in part blames US tariffs for its troubles.

New travel rules for UK visitors kick in - how are you affected?

From 25 February, a new system will come into force which will affect many people, including British dual nationals.

Discord delays age verification plans after user outcry

Users were unhappy about plans for age verification to require facial or ID scans.

Apple says some Mac Mini production will move to the US

The technology giant had pledged to increase investment in the US by $600bn, under pressure from Trump.

Google apologises for Baftas alert to 'see more' on racial slur

Google said the news alert was an error that should not have happened.

Chocolate kept in anti-theft boxes as shops warn it's being stolen to order

Retailers and police forces tell the BBC that thieves are targeting chocolate and selling it on.

Number of workers on zero-hours contracts hits record high ahead of crackdown

There has been a 181,000 increase in the number of zero-hours contracts since Labour was elected.

FedEx sues for Trump tariff refund

The US Supreme Court ruling that the US president overstepped when imposing levies paved the way for firms to seek a refund.

Orbital space race heats up in Arctic north

Europe lags far behind the US and China in orbital space launches, but new facilities are opening up.

Company director jailed over £7m airline parts fraud

The judge said the actions were a "more or less complete undermining" of rules designed to ensure passenger flights are safe.

When is the Spring Statement and what might be in it?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will give an update on her plans for the UK economy when she gives a statement alongside an economic forecast on 3 March.

Are you cut out for living and working in Antarctica?

February 22, 2026

Jobs are available on the icy continent for chefs, plumbers, carpenters and even hairdressers.

Trump tariffs ripped up global trade order. What now?

If you think the Supreme Court ruling heralds a return to pre-Trump business as usual - think again.

KFC, Nando's, and others ditch chicken welfare pledge

Wingstop, Burger King, and others have walked away from an industry commitment to avoid using fast-growing chickens

Asos co-founder dies after Thailand apartment block fall

Quentin Griffiths co-founded Asos in 2000 and remained a significant shareholder after leaving the firm five years later.

Lobbying firm co-founded by Mandelson goes into administration

Global Counsel's clients cut ties with the firm over Lord Mandelson's links with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

When the retail staff can't help you

This customer might be feeling trolled, in this scene from Small Prophets.

Higher tax helped UK government reach record January surplus

The government took in more from tax receipts than expected, official data suggests.

Starmer 'appeasing' big tech firms, says online safety campaigner

Baroness Kidron tells the BBC the PM has being "late to the party" in regulating social media.

Live Nation sees strong ticket sales as monopoly lawsuit looms

The entertainment giant's revenue surged last year as 159 million fans attended its concerts.

Epstein eyed record label investment to access women, files suggest

His associate said the music industry was "related to P", a way Epstein apparently often referred to women.

How do you modernise mango farming?

India's mango farmers are being urged to innovate as climate change makes cultivation "unpredictable".

The Chinese AI app sending Hollywood into a panic

Clips of Deadpool and other film characters have sparked alarm within Hollywood over copyright infringement.

Microsoft error sees confidential emails exposed to AI tool Copilot

The company says it has addressed the issue and it "did not provide anyone access to information they weren't already authorised to see".

US trade deficit hits fresh high despite Trump's tariffs

The US bought more goods than it sold in 2025 as the White House attempts to reverse the flow.

Etsy sells second-hand fashion app Depop to eBay for $1.2bn

The "pre-loved" fashion firm has been sold by Etsy just five years after it bought the firm.

Warmer weather hits profits at British Gas owner

Savvy bill payers shopping around for fixed-tariff energy deals also dented earnings at British Gas.

Warmer weather hits profits at British Gas owner

Savvy bill payers shopping around for fixed-tariff energy deals also dented earnings at British Gas.

Why there's no quick fix in sight for the problem of dazzling headlights

Road users say headlight glare is an issue - but experts warn a solution might not be straightforward.

Bill Gates pulls out of India's AI summit over Epstein files controversy

The Gates Foundation said the decision was made to "ensure the focus remains on the summit's key priorities".

'We're still on edge': Toy firms look to US Supreme Court as tariffs hit profits

"You cannot go to sleep on this president," says one toymaker, of the ongoing uncertainty over trade policy.

Zuckerberg defends Meta in landmark social media addiction trial

The billionaire boss said he "always" regretted not making faster progress to identify users under 13.

Reeves fixated on 'dysfunctional' borrowing rules, says IFS

The think tank suggests the chancellor's fiscal rules need to shift the focus from one key figure.

Tech firms will have 48 hours to remove abusive images under new law

The government is proposing that intimate image abuse should be treated more severely.

The two farms in Senegal that supply many of the UK's vegetables

During winter in Britain fresh produce is sent by cargo ship from the West African nation every week.

Are UK interest rates expected to fall soon?

The interest rate set by the Bank of England affects mortgage, loan and savings rates for millions.

Are UK interest rates expected to fall soon?

The interest rate set by the Bank of England affects mortgage, loan and savings rates for millions.

Are UK interest rates expected to fall soon?

The interest rate set by the Bank of England affects mortgage, loan and savings rates for millions.

Why are UK prices still rising?

UK Inflation has dropped back from record highs but remains above the Bank of England's 2% target.

Why are UK prices still rising?

UK Inflation has dropped back from record highs but remains above the Bank of England's 2% target.

Why are UK prices still rising?

UK Inflation has dropped back from record highs but remains above the Bank of England's 2% target.

Why are UK prices still rising?

UK Inflation has dropped back from record highs but remains above the Bank of England's 2% target.

Why are UK prices still rising?

UK Inflation has dropped back from record highs but remains above the Bank of England's 2% target.

Why are UK prices still rising?

UK Inflation has dropped back from record highs but remains above the Bank of England's 2% target.

Why are UK prices still rising?

UK Inflation has dropped back from record highs but remains above the Bank of England's 2% target.

Lower fuel prices and airfares help drive inflation down

The rate at which prices are rising is slowing down, which could lead to lower interest rates.

Illegal skin lightening cream being sold in UK butchers, watchdog warns

February 17, 2026

A trade body has warned illegal skin bleaching products are being sold in an increasingly wide range of places.

Why youth unemployment is rising

February 17, 2026

Unemployment in the UK rose to its highest rate in nearly five years at the end of 2025

Netflix and Paramount are battling for Warner Bros. Who is likely to win?

February 17, 2026

What to know about the two firms' blockbuster battle to control Warner Bros Discovery.

Reddit's human content wins amid the AI flood

Reddit says its human contributors are valued amid an internet awash with AI-generated content.

Reddit's human content wins amid the AI flood

Reddit says its human contributors are valued amid an internet awash with AI-generated content.

Reddit's human content wins amid the AI flood

Reddit says its human contributors are valued amid an internet awash with AI-generated content.

Reddit's human content wins amid the AI flood

Reddit says its human contributors are valued amid an internet awash with AI-generated content.

Reddit's human content wins amid the AI flood

Reddit says its human contributors are valued amid an internet awash with AI-generated content.

Reddit's human content wins amid the AI flood

Reddit says its human contributors are valued amid an internet awash with AI-generated content.

Reddit's human content wins amid the AI flood

Reddit says its human contributors are valued amid an internet awash with AI-generated content.

ByteDance to curb AI video app after Disney legal threat

Videos featuring Spider-Man and other characters which are Disney's intellectual property have gone viral since Seedance's update.

Trump eyes Venezuela visit – but obstacles to his oil plan remain

The US president wants American energy firms to start extracting the crude but they are reluctant.

Bedding firm backs down on 'Swift Home' trademark after Taylor Swift appeal

February 15, 2026

Swift’s team had flagged similarities between her trademark and the company’s contested design.

The £10 tricks I used to make my rented room into a home

February 15, 2026

Talented tenants share decor hacks that won't cost you a fortune - or your deposit.

Could Manchester be a model for the UK to kickstart growth?

February 14, 2026

With an annual growth rate of 3.1%, Manchester's economy has performed twice as well as that of the UK as a whole.

Could Manchester be a model for the UK to kickstart growth?

February 14, 2026

With an annual growth rate of 3.1%, Manchester's economy has performed twice as well as that of the UK as a whole.

Craft beer maker Brewdog put up for sale

February 14, 2026

Consultants Alix Partners have been brought in to oversee the sales process which could lead to the businesses being broken up.

Andrew facing claim he shared Treasury document with banking contact

Reports suggest the former prince shared a Treasury document when he was serving as trade envoy.

Amazon's Ring ends deal with surveillance firm after backlash

A Super Bowl advert had sparked new scrutiny of the smart doorbell company's privacy practices.

Head of Dubai-based ports giant quits after Epstein links revealed

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem’s exit comes after files showed he appears to have exchanged hundreds of emails with Epstein.

Why you should consider switching bank accounts

Martin Lewis explains why now might be a good time to think about changing your bank account.

Taylor Swift asks US government to block 'Swift Home' trademark

Her team argued that a bedding firm's designs showed similarities to her trademarked signature.

Rain and politics driving up half-term holiday bookings, travel agents say

The Advantage Travel Partnerships says rain plus the political environment is creating a "powerful psychological need for escape".

The US economy is growing - so where are all the jobs?

As hiring rates and job openings drop, some worry a tough job market could be here to stay.

Get a grip: Robotics firms struggle to develop hands

Developing a durable and affordable hand is one of the biggest challenges in robotics.

US antitrust chief resigns amid tensions with Trump officials

The departure of Gail Slater has raised questions about the White House's approach to policing big mergers and monopolies.

Tesco plans to give under-18s Clubcard access this year

Consumer outlet Which? has been campaigning on access to loyalty schemes, calling it a "huge win for shoppers".

Probe ordered into Daily Mail owner's £500m takeover of Telegraph

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy orders a review of the deal on public interest and competition grounds.

Thousands queue as beauty store arrives on island of Ireland

Almost 2,000 people joined the queue for the opening of a new store in Belfast this morning.

'Tens of thousands' affected by law firm collapse

The Solicitors Regulation Authority say an investigation into PM Law's collapse is ongoing.

Who is billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and how did he make his money?

The industrialist and Manchester United co-owner has apologised over comments he made about immigration.

Reeves says 'more to do' after sluggish GDP growth

The chancellor's comments came after figures showed the UK economy saw a lacklustre end to 2025.

Civil service pension backlog 'overwhelmed' Capita, boss says

Thousands of retiring civil servants have been left without pension payments causing hardship for some.

Civil service pension backlog 'overwhelmed' Capita, boss says

Thousands of retiring civil servants have been left without pension payments causing hardship for some.

The Dutch love four-day working weeks, but are they sustainable?

February 11, 2026

The Netherlands has the lowest working hours in Europe, but some say it is harming its economy.

Lloyds Banking Group to close another 95 branches

February 11, 2026

The closures have been announced days after Santander said it would shut branches.

What's driving Northern Ireland's falling fuel prices?

February 11, 2026

As petrol prices fall to their lowest levels in five years, BBC News NI takes a look at what's behind the drop.

Netflix and Paramount are battling for Warner Bros. Who is likely to win?

February 10, 2026

What to know about the two firms' blockbuster battle to control Warner Bros Discovery.

How £50m 'fish disco' could save farmland

February 09, 2026

Innovative tech scares fish away from nuclear cooling pipes.

Why food fraud persists, even with improving tech

February 09, 2026

Even with sophisticated technology it is still difficult to detect fake foods.

Donation appeal as vulnerable face food bank delay

A mental health support team set up a pantry in Wolverhampton to help those living in food poverty.

The shadowy world of abandoned oil tankers

A growing number of tankers and other commercial vessels are being ditched by their owners.

The tech firms embracing a 72-hour working week

In the race for AI, tech firms are asking for their staff to work long hours. But there are risks, experts say.

Plane makers chase Asia's super-rich with luxe new private jets

Parts of the aviation industry are shifting towards wealthy customers and selling a more luxurious type of international travel.

City volunteers seek drivers for meal deliveries

February 07, 2026

Friends of Di's Kitchen provides hundreds of meals each week in Wolverhampton.

How Britain became a fried chicken nation

February 07, 2026

An internet craze for American-style chicken has come to the UK, but what does it mean for traditional chippies?

Google staff call for firm to cut ties with ICE

More than 900 Google employees signed a letter opposing company links to federal immigration actions.

Uber ordered to pay $8.5m over claim driver raped passenger

The verdict is expected to influence the outcome of thousands of other cases against the ride hailing firm.

YouTube's $60bn revenue revealed amid paid subscriber push

YouTube's total revenue last year surpassed that of rival streamer Netflix as it seeks to dominate TVs.

Most smart motorways not value for money, say reports

National Highways found only three out of 16 schemes are on track to deliver the financial benefits expected.

Kids can be the harshest critics…

The candidates test their story on a group of kids.

Should you overpay your mortgage or save?

Martin Lewis explains.

Should you overpay your mortgage or save?

Martin Lewis explains.

Bank of England chief 'shocked' at Mandelson emails

The Bank governor criticised emails between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein during the financial crisis.

Can robots ever be graceful?

Firms are working to make the motors that drive robots more efficient and cheaper.

UK interest rates held at 3.75% but Bank says future cuts likely

The Bank of England has kept borrowing costs unchanged but opened the door to cuts later this year.

Bank hints at rate cuts, but don't expect Covid-era mortgage deals

The Bank of England may have suggested more rate cuts are on the way, but they are unlikely to go much lower.

Watch: 20-tonne reservoir wall installed in three-day project

The steel structure was lowered into place at the new reservoir in a 72-hour continuous operation.

Silence and inaction - how audio helped prove captain guilty of North Sea tanker crash

The top detective investigating the tanker collision says there were early signs of gross negligence from Vladimir Motin

Why Target is under fire over Minnesota ICE raids

Workers are writing letters, staging strikes and in some cases resigning over how bosses are handling the immigration crackdown.

Are UK interest rates expected to fall soon?

The interest rate set by the Bank of England affects mortgage, loan and savings rates for millions.

Why are UK prices still rising?

UK Inflation has dropped back from record highs but remains above the Bank of England's 2% target.

Warning of long airport queues under new EU border control system

Airport organisation says queues could last up to six hours over the summer holidays.

Gary Neville returns to the Den

Gary Neville re-joins the dragons as they put another set of business hopefuls to the test.

US launches plan to tackle China's critical minerals dominance

The event was attended by representatives of more than 50 countries, the White House said.

US probes Nike over white workers' discrimination claims

Court documents allege the sportswear company treated white employees less favourably.

Washington Post announces sweeping layoffs as it scales back news coverage

A former editor describes the massive cuts as one of the "darkest days" in the history of the storied newspaper.

Clients and staff in dark as law firm shuts doors

Staff and clients say they are desperate for answers following the sudden closure of PM Law.

Wegovy maker warns price cuts 'painful' for firm as shares plunge

Novo Nordisk is facing "unprecedented" price pressures, "intensifying competition" and patents expiring.

The yachting industry searches for alternatives to teak

Prized for its beauty, teak is in short supply, forcing the yacht industry to look for alternatives.

The Chinese planemaker taking on Boeing and Airbus

Comac's passenger jet is attracting customers in South East Asia where demand for affordable aircraft is growing.

Disney names Josh D'Amaro as new chief executive

The media giant chooses the head of its amusement park business to replace longtime boss Bob Iger.

Walmart becomes first retailer to hit $1tn market value

The milestone reflects the US retail giant's booming e-commerce business and investors' embrace of its AI investments.

PepsiCo to cut some US snack prices after backlash

The snack conglomerate is cutting the price of products including Doritos, Cheetos and Lays

Stop watching Netflix and go to the pub, Welsh first minister says

Eluned Morgan said her government can't be expected "to step in and do the work" to save struggling pubs.

One million people miss HMRC tax return deadline

The UK's tax authority says 27,456 people filed in the final hour before the cut-off at the end of Saturday.

EU has 'open mind' on UK customs union debate, says commissioner

Valdis Dombrovskis says the EU is willing to engage with Britain amid mounting global uncertainty.

Musk's SpaceX and xAI merge to make world's most valuable private company

Musk says the combined firm - which has been valued at more than $1tn - will be an "innovation engine".

Hope and uncertainty as India and US strike long-delayed trade deal

Indian industry has welcomed lower tariffs, but experts caution against celebration until details are clearer.

China bans hidden car door handles over safety concerns

It makes China the first country to stop the use of designs first made popular by Elon Musk's Tesla.

Warning for sellers amid rollercoaster gold and silver prices

Experts say there are things to consider before selling off your gold or silver.

Faisal Islam: Mandelson, Darling and the conversation I can't forget