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Showing posts from July, 2026

Sainsbury's agrees to sell Argos for £120m

Under the terms of the deal, Argos will still operate in Sainsbury's shops, sell Habitat products, and offer Nectar points.

Passenger on British Airways mayday flight describes fear and shout of 'I don't want to die'

Edward Killiwick was on the flight that issued a distress call, before it landed safely at Heathrow earlier this month.

UK petrol prices hit highest level since Iran war began

The price of unleaded hits 160p a litre, according to motoring group the RAC, as oil prices remain elevated.

UK petrol prices hit highest level since Iran war began

The price of unleaded hits 160p a litre, according to motoring group the RAC, as oil prices remain elevated.

'I will miss my shop tremendously after six decades'

Meredith's DIY Hardware and Ironmongery has been at Yate Shopping Centre, near Bristol, since 1965.

'I pay £580 a month to live in a disused care home': Property guardians show us around

Could you live communally in a disused building in exchange for a heavily discounted rent? Property guardians show us around.

India wants to join the strawberry superpowers

Indian strawberry farmers rely on varieties imported from the US and Europe, but that could change.

Virtual interviews don't show bosses your personality, says Burnham

Interviews online may not allow young people to "shine" and communicate their "passion", the prime minister says.

British Airways flight called mayday on approach to Heathrow

The call was made on an Airbus A320 flying from Dusseldorf airport in Germany on 6 July following two stall warnings.

Hundreds of jobs to go at Jaguar Land Rover

The car giant says it expects fewer than 300 people will lose their jobs.

Bank holds interest rates but says it is ready to raise them if Iran war escalates

The Bank also expects the economy to grow more than previously forecast this year, although uncertainties remain because of the Iran war.

Bank holds interest rates but says it is ready to raise them if Iran war escalates

The Bank also expects the economy to grow more than previously forecast this year, although uncertainties remain because of the Iran war.

Burnham says he told Trump UK will be pragmatic about North Sea oil

Andy Burnham says he told the US president he couldn't ignore North Sea resources when people are struggling.

US economic growth sees surprise slowdown in second quarter

The economy grew at an annual rate of 1.5% in the three months to June, down from 2.1% seen in the previous quarter.

Shell profits double as oil prices rise due to Iran war

Disruption to global supplies of oil and liquid natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up prices.

Burnham says nuclear sub investment will protect UK and boost jobs

Speaking ahead of a visit to Barrow-in-Furness, the PM seeks to stress the economic benefits of defence spending.

Beauty Pie founder on how she dropped out of university and built five beauty businesses

Marcia Kilgore, founder of Beauty Pie, shares her top tips on how to create a successful business.

Meta shares fall as frustration grows over AI spending plans

CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the firm intends to sell its AI tools to other companies for the first time.

The Chinese robot army transforming the UK's retail industry

Britain's weak productivity growth and labour shortages are creating an opportunity for China's robotics firms.

'No magic wand' to tackle high prices, Fed boss says as US interest rates held

The Federal Reserve's decision, which was broadly expected, means rates remain between the 3.5% and 3.75%.

What happens here has a big impact on your money

BBC business reporter Dearbail Jordan explains how it works from inside the Bank of England.

What happens here has a big impact on your money

BBC business reporter Dearbail Jordan explains how it works from inside the Bank of England.

Some tech shares are plunging - what does that mean for the AI revolution?

Sharp falls in the value of chip makers have stoked investor concerns that the euphoria around AI related companies is fading.

How cow showers and fans help farmers keep cattle cool

Dairy farmers are using cow showers and fans to protect cattle as hotter summers hit milk production.

1975: The world's first shop for left-handers

A London shop selling goods designed for left-handed people was doing a brisk trade.

Brits urged to avoid dangerous plug adaptors this summer - what to watch out for

Campaign group Electrical Safety First has urged those "heading abroad this summer to think before they buy".

Burnham has no scope to increase borrowing, think tank warns

The Prime Minister has announced a series of cost-of-living measure since taking office but is facing questions about how he will fund them.

'Don't wait until you want revenge' - why prenups are on the rise

More young couples are now signing prenups to set out who gets what in the event of divorce.

eBay agrees $56m settlement with bloggers over harassment case

Former eBay executives carried out "unprecedented" harassment over a critical newsletter.

Some parents on benefits to get up to £4,500 for child starting apprenticeship

Some parents on benefits lose income if their children take on apprenticeships.

What you wear can help you get a job - here's how

While you need to answer the questions in an interview, your appearance and mannerisms are also crucial.

Chip stocks slide in US and Asia as AI jitters rattle investors

Trading on South Korea's Kospi index was paused temporarily on Tuesday morning after slumping by 8%.

Some people's chats with Claude AI found to be publicly available online

Hundreds of conversations with Anthropic’s chatbot were discovered as being publicly accessible.

Johnson & Johnson offers up to $5.5bn to settle baby powder lawsuits

The proposed settlement aims to close a years-long legal battle over claims its talcs products cause cancer.

Is it time to stop using glue and labels on paper?

Labels and adhesives can prevent paper from being recycled but there's new tech aimed at changing that.

Will summer discounts make family days out cheaper?

Parents welcome summer discounts but say days out can still cost more than £100.

Shein swings to $99m loss as Trump tariffs hit sales

The announcement comes as the fast fashion giant prepares for its stock market debut in Hong Kong.

Would you choose £50,000 over the chance of £1m?

The vast majority of people - particularly women - answer a survey saying they'd take the certainty over chance.

Rental searches for pet friendly properties drop after law change

Agents say some renters wrongly believe permission to have a pet is guaranteed.

Money Box

What might the new team at the top of government mean for your money?

We split money equally even when one of us earned a lot more

Hannah and Max continued to pool finances after Max was made redundant but took "drastic measures" to cut spending.

Watch: Another day, more Trump tariffs - but are they working?

The BBC's Samira Hussain explains how President Trump's tariffs affect US economy, who pays the price, and whether they're working.

UK mortgage rates rise to highest level for a month

Renewed tensions in the Middle East feed through to the costs faced by lenders, pushing up borrowing costs.

How much money do you give for a wedding gift?

You've been invited by the happy couple, but they've asked for cash - not presents. North Londoners tell us what they would do.

UK complacent about war threat, warns BAE boss

The threat of attack has never been higher, the boss of Europe's biggest defence contractor has warned. Dr Charles Woodburn

Business Daily

What tech earnings reveal about AI investment and Donald Trump's tariff talks

Burnham says 20% business rates cut for English pubs 'a first step'

Some hospitality firms will get a discount from next April but hotels and restaurants won't get a cut.

Gary Lineker among millionaires asking Andy Burnham to tax them more

A group including the former England footballer write to the new PM telling him "we can afford it".

Oil prices hit $100 for the first time since May

The price of Brent crude rose more than 6% on Thursday as the war in the Middle East continues to escalate.

Pubs cheer business rates relief while other firms 'left out in the cold'

Pubs welcomed the support package, while other High Street firms asked why they were left out.

What about cuts for cafes and hotels?

The new PM has announced at 20% business rate cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England,

What we know about 20% cut to some business rates

Pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will get a 20% cut in business rates from April.

Firm hacked by rogue OpenAI models says it is 'a wake-up call'

A co-founder of start-up Hugging Face told the BBC that most firms are not aware that the "game has changed".

Big bosses reveal the secret to getting hired

Business leaders share their best career advice and the qualities they look for when recruiting new staff.

Why the UK is dithering over what to do about e-scooters

Why is it taking so long for the government to regulate them, and what are the consequences of delay?

Aston Martin secures £550m loan deal

The luxury car maker says the loans will be used to fund current and future product plans.

Former Lloyd's of London boss's relationship breached rules, firm says

The insurance market's chairman said the CEO's conduct "fell significantly below the standards expected of him".

I travel four hours on a bus per day - the bus fare cap will save me £500 a year

The BBC speaks to people around the country about their view on the newly-announced bus fare cap.

OpenAI says its AI went rogue and launched 'unprecedented' cyber-attack

It is one of the first publicly disclosed cyber-attacks carried out by AI without direct human involvement.

Some food prices have fallen – but inflation expected to rise from here

June's fall in inflation will be welcomed by the new prime minister but analysts warn the fall is temporary.

Will your job be replaced by AI? Here are the roles most affected

Artificial Intelligence companies make vast claims about their tools replacing human labour - our charts show what's happening.

The borough where families are slowly disappearing

Islington is a snapshot of a trend playing out across inner London, Britain and much of the world.

'I can't afford to turn the oven on': 7.4m households struggling to buy essentials

As Andy Burnham promises “breathing space” for households, millions are unable to buy items such as clothing, heating and food.

Tokyo urges men to wear shorts to work, but women say it's 'leg hair harassment'

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government wants workers to ditch the suit and tie for t-shirts, trainers - and shorts.

The 20-somethings betting big on tech stocks

The BBC hears from people about the risks and rewards of investing in technology shares.

Thousands of websites taken down for illegal World Cup streams

More than 1,000 illegal streaming sites were shut down in the US during the tournament, with a similar amount blocked in Colombia.

Paramount and Warner Bros mega merger paused by judge

US court temporarily stops Paramount and Warner Bros merging after 12 states launched legal action.

Who is new chancellor John Healey? Labour veteran who quit as defence secretary

The former defence secretary is seen as a safe pair of hands - and is now in charge of the government's finances.

Healey seen as 'safe pair of hands' as he is appointed chancellor

The BBC's Economics Editor Faisal Islam outlines the challenges facing the new chancellor.

This farmer wanted to quit the cocaine industry - he couldn't

Colombians who grow cocaine's raw material bemoan a lack of support to help them switch crops.

'My buyers dropped their offer by £15,000 the day before exchange': Gazundering and how to avoid it

It's a small but growing problem in the property market - here's how to protect yourself.

Why women should speak openly about money

Emma joins Nuala McGovern to discuss her book Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work and Life.

Brewdog founder faces data complaints over efforts to buy back firm

The UK data watchdog has received complaints after James Watt reportedly contacted former shareholders.

What are your rights if you buy something that breaks?

Martin Lewis explains why you should go back to the item's retailer, not the manufacturer.

How do you split the bill with friends?

Hands down the worst part of going out for dinner.

I wouldn't marry him until he paid off his debt, now I'm in charge of our money

Sarah and her husband have shared one account for 25 years, but she says managing it falls to her.

Business Daily

China's economy slows, New York targets AI centres, and the ‘king of fruits’ giveaway

White House teleprompter operator accused of making $100k from Trump speech bets

A White House staffer has been accused of using inside knowledge of speeches to make nearly $100,000 on Kalshi.

Investigation into parking tickets for drivers queuing at petrol stations

It's part of a wider crackdown from the consumer regulator into potentially unfair practices by private parking operators.

British Steel taken into public ownership to protect 'vital' UK supply

The Scunthorpe steelworks has been officially nationalised under new government powers passed this week.

Chip giant TSMC pledges another $100bn to expand US production

The company says it will create "high-tech, high-paying jobs", and raises its total commitment to the US to $265bn.

UK economy returns to growth in May

The modest growth reverses a slight contraction that had been seen the previous month.

Celebrity influencers paid up to £1m to advertise deodorant on Instagram

The chief executive of Wild reveals what happens behind the scenes of social media posts.

Buffett calls Bill Gates relationship with Epstein 'distasteful'

The billionaire investor's firm has stopped giving donations to the Microsoft co-founder's charity.

Salary information to be shown on job ads under new laws

The government argues the move would help jobseekers and could reduce pay discrimination claims.

SpaceX share price drops below stock market debut

Share trading in Elon Musk’s rocket company has been volatile since it went public a month ago.

Burnham faces crucial choice for chancellor as battle for No 11 continues

Whoever Burnham appoints to the key role will send a signal of his intent, writes Iain Watson.

Brewdog co-founder James Watt launches bid to buy back beer firm

Watt says he has made an offer to buy back the craft beer business months after it was sold to a US company.

Money Box

New regulations start for shoppers using Buy Now, Pay Later.

Cash-strapped Thames Water poses big test for Burnham

Despite returning to profit after hiking bills 40%, the deeply troubled company is far from out of the woods.

Midnight social media curfew proposed for UK teens aged 16 and 17

The government says it will improve teenagers' lives but campaigners call it a "missed opportunity".

Don't panic - five ways to stop your kids' endless scrolling

Parenting experts share their tips on how to keep children's screen time under control.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

We look at the different circumstances that affect you if you're due a refund for cancelled or delayed flights.

How will Buy Now Pay Later changes affect you?

Consumers should be better protected as Buy Now Pay Later lenders now require authorisation to operate.

Heating oil customers to get compensation after price hikes

The cost of heating oil spiked following the US-Israel war with Iran which forced up crude prices.

Billionaire Warren Buffett stops donations to Bill Gates charity

The investor's decision comes weeks after Gates' appearance before US Congress over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

Gas prices drive down US inflation - but will it last?

While the US inflation rate fell in June, concerns remain over price rises increasing again due to the renewed conflict in the Middle East.

Gas prices drive down US inflation - but will it last?

While the US inflation rate fell in June, concerns remain over price rises increasing again due to the renewed conflict in the Middle East.

Woman's Hour

We hear about a new study exploring the impact hormones have on women with ADHD.

Is tracking your food purchases good for your health?

Food tracking apps are popular, but are they a good way to make us eat a healthier diet?

The SpaceX IPO made history. One month on has it lost momentum?

A month on from the firm's stock market debut, the reality of how SpaceX currently makes money has seemed to come into clearer focus.

New era for Gibraltar with removal of 118-year-old border controls with Spain

It is hoped that free movement between the UK territory and Spain will provide an economic boost.

How to change bank, energy or broadband provider and save money

Changing your broadband or energy supplier, or even your bank, for a better deal is simpler than it used to be.

How Aldi is taking on US supermarkets with its $4 almond butter

The German supermarket's $9bn US push targets urban hubs like Manhattan. Can its discount model match Walmart?

Should you be switching bank accounts?

Martin Lewis covers whether you should be switching bank accounts.

Vapes to have less enticing names and flavours to protect children

People are being consulted about plans to stop vape companies using enticing flavour descriptions that "attract" children into experimenting.

'Cool in 90 seconds' - the fake portable air conditioners sweeping the internet

The ASA says adverts claiming small devices can rapidly cool rooms were too good to be true.

Pressure builds on Europe's biggest port to be greener

A lawsuit demands that the Port of Rotterdam moves faster to cut its dependence on fossil fuel firms.

Interest rates may need to rise this year, says Bank of England economist

Chief economist at the Bank of England says slower growth and inflationary pressures mean rate rise needed

Big fall in oil, gas and cargo ships taking US-backed Hormuz route after new strikes

Data shows a decline in the number of ships - many carrying oil and gas - going through the waterway after attacks this week.

Porn site company fined £630,000 over failed age checks

Ofcom has fined a slew of sites it says are failing to prevent children accessing their adult content.

Jackdaw boss warns of winter fuel shortage risk if gas field not approved

Adura says the UK government must approve North Sea production urgently to avoid domestic supply shortages.

How can I get air conditioning in my home and how much does it cost?

As summers in the UK get hotter, is it time for air conditioning to become a permanent feature in most homes?

Life of Sizewell B extended by another 20 years

The power plant was due to reach the end of its life in 2035 but will now continue until 2055.

Wealthy AI workers send San Francisco house prices soaring

The median cost of a home in the city is now $1.7m, a record high, according to the latest figures.

I run the UK's biggest bank, here are five ways to manage your money

The CEO of Lloyds Bank talks about how to save, budget, avoid scams and manage money in a relationship.

Why electric cars cost more to insure - and what's being done about it

The insurance cost of electric vehicles is still putting off many would-be buyers. So what can be done about it?

Online marketplaces still selling dozens of unsafe baby products, Which? finds

Pillows, sleeping bags and feeders subject to safety notices were found on sites including Amazon and TikTok.

How to find lost bank accounts

How to find lost bank accounts

Outcry as Meta lets users make AI images from public Instagram profile pics

The tech giant said people can opt out - but privacy campaigners called it a "recipe for disaster".

Virgin Media fined after hanging up on customers trying to cancel contracts

Millions of phone calls from customers were "likely mishandled" over nearly a three-year period, the regulator says.

From mouthwash to hair dye: How weight-loss jabs are changing shopping habits

The BBC looks at how spending habits have shifted as users report feeling less hungry.

Trains and emergency calls affected after major outage at Australia's largest telecoms company

Servers at data centres in Sydney and Melbourne were to blame but the exact cause remains unknown.

Australia dock workers call for 28-hour week in AI talks

A union says workers are "in the crosshairs" of automation as AI is being tested across ports.

Airbnb data identifies illegal social home sublets

Nearly 6,000 social homes are thought to be illegally listed on short-term rental platforms.

Hundreds of jobs at risk as John Lewis plans to cut some services

No final decision has been made but the job cuts will happen in the autumn if the redundancy plans are approved.

Victims of 23andMe data breach to get $47m payout, judge rules

23andMe compiles genetic profiles of people through DNA testing kits, but it was heavily criticised after a 2023 hack.

Online gamblers betting more than £1,000 to face new checks

Punters who bet more than £1,000 online in a 24-hour window will have to undergo an assessment, the regulator says.

People Fixing The World

The people turning life experience into business ideas with funding and other support

Robots available for rent: But what can they do?

Robotics tech is changing fast, so for many it makes sense to rent a robot.

Amazon bars breastfeeding boss from business course

Rachael Bews says she told on the way her child would not be allowed on site. Amazon has apologised for not communicating its policy clearly.

'I wear it on my middle finger': The rise of the defiant divorce ring

Around the world women are marking their split with new - or repurposed engagement - rings.

Banks accused of pushing customers away from basic accounts

Some of the UK's biggest banks have been failing their most vulnerable customers, according to the financial regulator.

Phone contract comparisons 'amounted to mis-selling' student loans, MPs say

A new report says students were not well-enough informed that their loan terms could change retrospectively.

Can China repeat its EV success with robotaxis?

China's self-driving car firms have been given a headstart by the country's EV supply chain as they expand globally.

Wegovy weight loss pill now available in UK - here's what you need to know

The once-a-day pill, from the makers of the Wegovy weight-loss jab, can now be bought privately in UK pharmacies.

Shoppers hit by hidden fees

Shoppers hit by hidden fees

Backlash after China bubble tea firm ordered to pay Louis Vuitton $1.5m

A court in China ruled that Molly Tea had infringed on the luxury brand's four-petal flower design.

Three things you can do to stop EU border checks at the airport costing you

Queues are expected at airports this summer owing to EU's new digital border control system.

Money Box

Half a million people say 'no thanks' to joining a workplace pension, why?

Consumer Fight Back

Linzi checks in on 89-year-old Margaret's battle to get her landline reconnected.

How to avoid fees when spending abroad

Martin is revealing everything you need to know right now to cut the cost of getting away.

'Not a lot of Gen Z trust the state pension system'

Young people tells the BBC what they think about the state pension.

No-gift policy for Taylor Swift, but how much should you give at a wedding?

Wedding lists are being replaced by cash requests, but guests are divided over how much to give.

AI is 'not smart' so what's next in artificial intelligence?

Leading AI researcher Yan LeCun has a start-up which is developing a more flexible AI system.

How to bag a bargain flight

Finance expert Laura Pomfret shares her top tips for finding cheaper flights, from spotting rare error fares to knowing the best time to book. Plus, why airline bundles aren't always the bargain they seem.

Why the expected fight over the North American trade deal never kicked off

The US has confirmed it will not extend the agreement for another 16 years, but stopped short of more dramatic action.

World Cup boom falters as US hospitality jobs fall in June

There had been early signs of a jobs boom from the tournament, but hospitality jobs declined in June.

Car finance compensation payments delayed until next year

Millions could be entitled to compensation as a result of commission arrangements between lenders and dealers.

Google must pay €4.1bn fine for using Android to 'block' rivals

A Google spokesperson said the judgement "fails to recognise" the firm's "significant investment to ensure Android remains open."

Singapore seizes $42m mansion over Nvidia chip smuggling

The luxury home was seized as part of a probe into the illegal trade of servers containing AI semiconductors.

'I spent $6,000 on a World Cup trip but was left stranded at the gate'

Hundreds of fans who bought World Cup tickets on resale site StubHub say they have had them cancelled at the last minute.

Don't expect connected car apps to save your stolen car, experts say

Kia told the BBC UK law prevented its location tracking function being used to live track vehicles.

Diesel sees biggest monthly fall in 26 years. What's happening to fuel prices?

When the US-Israel war with Iran began, fuel costs jumped, but they are now plummeting as hope of lasting peace grows.

Halifax brand to be scrapped after 173 years

Lloyds says it remains committed to the town of Halifax and very little will change for customers.

US blocks long-term renewal of North American trade deal

US blocks 16-year North America trade deal renewal, triggering annual rolling reviews

Bibles, Home Alone and perfume: Six takeaways from Trump's 2025 finances

Official documents show the US president made billions of dollars as he returned to the White House.

Trump made more than $1bn from crypto in first year back in office

The president's crypto income far outpaces his earnings from real estate and Trump-themed items such as watches.

Brewery boss who banned phones and swearing from pubs dies aged 81

Humphrey Smith had been at the helm of the Tadcaster brewer since the 1980s.

Up to 150 ex-WHSmith High Street stores to close as rescue deal approved

The sweeping restructuring, approved by a court, will see steep rent cuts on most remaining stores.

Why is crucial tech vulnerable to the heat?

Energy grids and train services are among the vital services that are vulnerable to very hot weather.