Biz update

Will farmers want AI tools to help judge when to pick fruit, or is their own intuition enough?

Vape tax comes into effect - but prices won't rise yet

Vaping is about to becoming more expensive due to a new tax on products.

Greggs to shut four factories and cut 740 jobs

The company says it needs to "keep evolving alongside changing customer expectations".

Household energy bills forecast to see biggest rise in four years

A typical household faces an annual gas and electricity bill of £1,999 from January, based on a key forecast.

Regulating AI 'not the right place to start' says Bailey

AI needs "rigorous" testing and safeguards to contain risk, Andrew Bailey says.

Doubters spur me on: why more women are taking up DIY

Female DIY experts and tradeswomen talk about their experiences of a traditionally male-dominated domain.

Three takeaways from Trump's 'Super Intelligence' summit

The meeting at the White House came as some tech bosses and experts have called for tighter rules around AI.

The start-ups hoping to return battery making to the US

Batteries based on sodium-ion technology could be made in the US with locally sourced materials.

Huel ad banned for suggesting its products could replace all meals

The advertising watchdog said that viewers could assume from the ad that replacing all normal food with Huel was "nutritionally appropriate".

Faisal Islam: Triple lock move is significant, but it's a gamble

I had expected him to try to forge a political consensus on this thorny issue at this stage, but he has gone further than that.

Aldi boss says some of rivals' loyalty discounts 'dupe' customers

September 28, 2026

Aldi is the only major supermarket chain that doesn't operate a loyalty scheme, which are hugely popular and used by millions of shoppers.

What is the Budget and what could be in it?

September 28, 2026

Chancellor John Healey will set out his plans for UK taxes in October.

Why the PM could finally drop the triple lock pension pledge

September 28, 2026

Andy Burnham said that he would make tough decisions to fund a new national care service.

How much is in your savings account?

September 27, 2026

From £65 to $60,000 - we talk savings with people in East London's Brick Lane.

My hometown shows that high streets have to change or die

September 27, 2026

Aberdeen is launching an ambitious bid to revive its struggling centre. Could it offer lessons for other high streets?

OpenAI bots meddled with multiple US government agency sites

OpenAI said its bots accessed public data from a range of institutions during test exercises.

Clubs seek legal advice over Man City charges compensation

Premier League clubs are seeking legal advice as to whether they would have a compensation claim over the Manchester City 115 charges case.

Save or Overpay? What to do with your mortgage if interest rates rise

Save or Overpay? What to do with your mortgage if interest rates rise

Sir David Beckham nets £38.5m after World Cup ad deals

His stake in DRJB Holdings has entitled him to almost half of its £85.5m in dividend payments.

Business Daily

Did trade frenemies find common ground at the White House?

Europe's car makers are in crisis. Will the threat of war rescue them?

Auto executives across Europe hope rearmament can help them flex their industrial muscles once more.

What's the smallest amount you'd ask a friend to pay back?

We ask New Yorkers to share the smallest amount they'd ask a friend to pay back.

X-planes: Are they needed in the new era of drones?

Where do America's X-plane projects fit in an era of cheap drones?

'We're all broke': Would you chase a friend for £5?

What's the smallest amount of money you would ask a friend to pay you back?

Why Australia chose the world's biggest political stage to reveal OpenAI hack

Australia, which has strict social media restrictions and has proposed controls on algorithms and smart glasses, announced the breach at the UN.

What to think about when buying travel insurance

Consumer expert Harry Kind walks through what to do when buying travel insurance.

They were labelled 'pervert glasses'. Will a camera-free version transform their image?

Meta has unveiled audio-only smart glasses, with some questioning whether it is a response to the backlash over privacy.

How the oil capital of the US welcomed a solar power boom

Texas is now the country's biggest producer of solar-farmed electricity.

£170 a bag? Protein users squeezed as prices soar

Consumers are feeling the pinch from the rising cost of protein.

US rejects pleas from OpenAI, Anthropic for global AI standards

OpenAI's Sam Altman has called for risk evaluation standards, as have Anthropic's Dario Amodei and Hugging Face's Clement Delangue.

Trump and Xi come face-to-face as US and China battle to win the AI race

The US and China are vying for AI supremacy while seeking to keep it under human control.

Lidl banned from selling copycat Birkenstock sandals, Dutch court rules

Lidl must also compensate Birkenstock and pay its legal fees, according to the court ruling

Bentley unveils its first fully electric car

The SUVs will be built on a new production line in Crewe, which has been Bentley's base since 1946.

Barrecore and Boom Cycle owner suddenly shuts studios

Common Bond has emailed customers announcing its locations were closed "until further notice".

Trump reveals millions of dollars' worth of share deals in big tech and AI

Stock in major firms such as Microsoft, Nvidia and SpaceX was bought and sold on behalf of the US president.

UK warned over ballooning debt costs and slower growth ahead of Budget

Higher energy prices due to the conflict in the Middle East and climate change could hit growth.

Off sick? You need to phone your boss, back-to-work adviser says

Relying on text and email means sick workers disengaged and were less likely to work again, says Sir Charlie Mayfield.

UK and US warned to take action on spiralling debt costs by IMF

In an interview with the BBC, Kristalina Georgieva says economic shocks had pushed "debt levels up like a staircase not to heaven".

Trump wants AI to be rebranded as super intelligence. Will it work?

Some people close to the president have started to use the term but experts say it is unlikely to catch on.

Will a switch to light speed cut power use at data centres?

To save power and add capacity, data centres are switching from copper wires to tech using light.

Trump says he would back ban on diesel exports

Republicans lawmakers have put pressure on the president to curb exports as diesel prices soar to record highs in the US.

'We screwed up': Doordash admits underpaying New York workers

The food delivery giant will pay a $131.5m settlement following a city probe into wage violations.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe suspends production at key UK plants blaming high gas prices

Ineos said natural gas in the UK is twelve times more expensive than in the US.

Spain battles climate change on several fronts

A summer of wildfires and heatwaves underlines the threats to the country's economy.

Unexpected UK borrowing surge adds to pre-Budget pressure on chancellor

Borrowing was higher than expected in August as inflation piles pressure on the government ahead of the Budget.

Will you get £13,000 a year when you stop working? Here's how to check

September 21, 2026

How to find out how much state pension you're likely to receive - and what you can do about it now.

US and China discuss AI safety plan ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Top US and Chinese officials held talks in New York on Sunday ahead of a Trump-Xi summit this week.

UK should 'team up' with Canada in new Europe alliance, Canadian minister tells BBC

It comes after European Commission President proposed "opening the door" for Canada to become an associate member of the EU.

Ed Davey calls for immediate 10p cut to fuel duty

Sir Ed blamed Donald Trump's war with Iran for damaging the UK economy and pushing fuel prices up.

Billionaire Man United owner loses moral high ground after tax exile, Labour chair says

The billionaire businessman told the BBC he has lost confidence in the UK due to a combination of high taxes and high immigration.

Warren Buffett steps down after six decades at Berkshire - 'Father Time always wins'

Since taking control in 1965, Buffett grew a struggling textile mill into a global conglomerate.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary apologises over 'high-fare rapists' remarks

O'Leary described his choice of language as "careless" and said "it won't happen again".

Flight chaos caused by 'millisecond' software defect, report says

The failure led to more than 2,000 flights being cancelled and hundreds of thousands of passengers affected.

Dragon Deborah opens with a terrible negotiation tactic

Deborah Meaden makes a bold opening move in response to a pitch.

Former shoplifter ran 'steal-to-order' Whatsapp group

Keeley Knowles ran a Whatsapp group with about 200 people asking her to steal specific designer items.

'I would tip up to 30% at a restaurant'

New Yorkers and Londoners share what they usually tip in a restaurant - and whether tipping culture has gotten out of hand.

Early Bowie music available to stream for first time

Previously unheard material from the start of the artist's career has been released for the first time.

The virtual worlds where robots are trained

Training systems that allow robots to negotiate the real world are getting more sophisticated.

Barclays workers ask for more money to return to the office

Unite union, which represents 36,000 Barclays staff, calls for a one-off payment to offset increased travel and childcare costs.

Interest rates held but Bank signals rise if energy prices stay high

Rates are held for the sixth time in a row but the Bank of England says high energy prices make a future rise more likely.

The Documentary

Katy Watson explores Australia's relationship with China - partner, rival or 'frenemy'?

US interest rates raised for first time in three years

Rates were hiked in a unanimous decision despite fierce opposition from President Donald Trump, who had called for a cut.

Why Trump's hand-picked Fed chair defied him by raising interest rates

The 0.25% increase comes despite fierce opposition from the US president, who has called for rates to be cut.

EU chief backs plan for Canada to become 'associate member'

Trump, who has frequently clashed with Canada's PM, threatens to cut trade with the European Union in response to the proposal.

Snapchat open to putting time limits on teens, boss tells BBC

Evan Spiegel says it would be "an important step forward for the industry" in an interview with the BBC.

Would you buy branded clothing from your favourite tech firm?

Nvidia, OpenAI and Anthropic are all now selling their own limited edition fashion lines.

Henry Zeffman: Andy Burnham and his chancellor have a battle on their hands as the Budget approaches

The Budget is only six weeks away and the economy is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing the prime minister.

Petrol and diesel price rises push UK inflation higher

Summer holidays and disruption to global oil supplies by the Middle East conflict stoked price growth.

OpenAI boss says world 'right to be afraid' but should trust AI firms

Sam Altman and other tech CEOs say there are incentives to limit advancements in AI, as fears grow over the threats it poses to humanity.

We managed to get jobs after uni - here's how we're keeping them

Four recent job starters share their tips on what helped them have a smooth transition and survive their first few days.

Complaints to watchdog about water firms soar

Many complaints were about affordability, after customers saw steep hikes to bills.

How rising bond yields impact American consumers

The BBC’s Samira Hussain explains why some could see increased interest rates for mortgages and business loans.

UK in talks about joining global defence bank led by Canada

Supporters of the scheme say the bank would enable governments to get cheaper loans to spend on defence projects.

Do you feel guilty when calling in sick at work? This might be why...

As many as half of people report working when sick. The reasons for this are complex, experts say.

A backlash over data centres is another threat to the AI juggernaut

The global AI race is being hit by very localised political and environmental concerns

AI app ads promoting 'objectification of women' banned by watchdog

The ad regulator said it had "zero-tolerance" for ads promoting AI tools that could sexualise or objectify women.

The extreme engineering of aircraft windows

Few companies have the technology to make aircraft windows which are getting harder to make.

US borrowing costs hit highest level since 2007

The effective interest rate on US government bonds over 10 years, known as the 10-year Treasury yield, has risen as high as 5.04% but has eased back since.

State pension likely to top £13,000 a year as UK wage growth slows to 3.9%

The rise has reignited the debate about the state pension's long-term affordability and generational fairness.

Trump says AI safety fears a 'hoax' as he rejects calls for greater safeguards

The US president's comments come after Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark told the BBC an AI "kill switch" may need to be mandatory.

AI regulation faces political deadlock as calls grow for Congress to act

With Trump opposed and Congress divided, new safety legislation on AI is unlikely to pass anytime soon despite mounting pressure.

AI 'kill switch' may need to be mandatory, Anthropic co-founder tells BBC

US President Donald Trump dismisses calls to slow the development of AI, saying that claims of it "taking over the World" are a "HOAX".

I got paid $5,000 to move to a place I'd never heard of

Relocation schemes offer support for people who want to swap big cities for a cheaper, quieter life.

Pubs in England and Wales to allow digital ID apps to prove age

New rules introduced on Tuesday mean establishments will be able to accept digital ID apps alongside physical documents.

Government set to nationalise troubled steel firm

Production at SSUK sites in South Yorkshire and the West Midlands was paused earlier this year.

AI boom helps drive surprise UK growth in July

September 11, 2026

The economy expanded by 0.4%, official figures show, whereas analysts had predicted no growth.

Can Europe recharge its battery industry?

Europe has some promising battery tech, but can it make up ground lost to Chinese battery giants?

I asked my husband to pay into my pension when we had a child - here's why

Molly and Taylor Haylett explain the changes to how they managed their finances when they started a family.

Watch: Three times Trump has promised money to Americans

The BBC's Samira Hussain looks at the president's past claims after he announced he would pay American adults $5,000 if Republicans win in the midterm elections.

When a Dragon gives you a helping hand

When a Dragon gives you a helping hand

Primark introduces home delivery

Primark has said it plans to launch a home delivery service in Britain, four years after it made its first foray into e-commerce.

Air traffic chaos and compensation: 'Shutdown cost us more than £1,000'

Flight disruption has ruined holidays and left passengers sleeping on airport floors - so what are their rights?

Primark finally set to launch home deliveries

The retailer launches the service four years after making its first foray into internet shopping.

Apple's new boss starts with big gamble on £1,999 first folding iPhone

Apple showed off at an event the first major design change to the iPhone in almost 20 years.

Tax banks to cut energy bills, unions tell Burnham

The TUC says a bank surcharge should be reversed - and estimates it would raise £9bn over four years.

Why some experts increasingly fear AI will take over

AI agents went on an uncontrolled hacking spree, leaving some in the industry worried

The one thing you need to do to succeed - according to top bosses

What makes someone stand out in a crowded workplace? Six business leaders tell us what they look for.

Air traffic failure was avoidable, says transport secretary

Heidi Alexander orders an investigation into the glitch that caused more than 2,000 flight cancellations.

Anthropic researcher believes more than 10% chance AI 'could kill all humans'

It is the latest in a series of increasing warnings about the safety threat posed by artificial intelligence.

More flight cancellations as fallout from air traffic control glitch continues

Departures from a number of airports are affected by a technical problem affecting air traffic control provider Nats.

Petrol prices rise by 5p over a week as Iran war sends oil higher

A litre of unleaded now costs 167.17p which is the biggest weekly increase since April, data shows.

Learner drivers still forced to wait months for tests

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency had been given a target to reduce average wait times to seven weeks.

US to ban imports of some Canadian alcohol, dairy goods and motorbikes

It is the latest strike in a long trade war, and comes after Canadian counter-tariffs on US goods come into force.

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

Flights are cancelled owing to air traffic control problems, so what are your rights if you're affected?

Singaporean man pleads guilty in US to massive crypto heist

Malone Lam and his associates used the proceeds of their crimes to fund a luxurious lifestyle, US authorities said.

Cowboy builder tore my home apart and disappeared off the face of the Earth with £14k

Victims of cowboy builders describe how they were exploited with one couple left "scarred for life".

Should promotion depend on how workers use AI?

More companies are tying career progression to AI use: is that fair?

I'm 27 and I've already written my will - here's why

For many young people making a will may not seem necessary, but here's why you shouldn't put it off.

OpenAI says it cracked 90-year-old maths problem in 88 hours

OpenAI's claim that it solved parts of Navier-Stokes equations has quickly stirred controversy.

Borrowers expecting mortgage rates to drop have hopes dashed

Major lenders have raised rates on new deals in recent days, leaving many borrowers needing to make a decision.

UK's third-biggest taxpayer to leave for Greece

Chris Rokos plans to open an office in Athens, reports say, and was ranked third in the Sunday Times's list of the UK's top taxpayers.

AI will cure cancer in our lifetime, claims boss of UK chip giant

Arm Holding's chief executive Rene Haas says artificial intelligence will find a solution to the disease.

'Tirana teeth': Albania hopes to be the new Turkey for dental work

The Balkan nation is aiming to become a new centre for medical tourism.

The firms turning recruitment into X Factor-style competitions

Applicants have to pitch their ideas on stage in front of a panel of judges and an audience. But is this exciting or unfair?

Scammers demand ransoms from Instagram users over fake copyright claims

September 07, 2026

Users say they are losing money or risk having their accounts suspended because Meta struggles to identify scammers.

Why a famous Montreal sandwich shop has been forced to swap its soda

Schwartz’s, one of Montreal’s most famous delis, has changed suppliers for its black cherry soda.

Aviation faces hotter, stormier skies – and passengers might have to accept more disruption

Are people going to have to increasingly accept more delays and diversions as the effects of climate change intensify?

Money Box

What can we expect from a major review of financial literacy?

Consumer Fight Back

Rejected for PIP? Most tribunal appeals succeed. We ask why.

How much can Canada fight back in its trade war with the US?

The US may be the bigger trading partner, but Canada shouldn't be counted out quite yet in the escalating trade fight.

Trump calls for interest rate cut after jobs figures raise hike bets

The president's remarks came as stronger-than-expected jobs figures added to growing expectations that rates could be increased.

1986: Manchester's second-hand fashion mecca

Designer Jeff Banks visited Affleck’s Palace, an indoor emporium selling vintage clothing.

UK petrol prices hit highest level since Iran war began

The price of unleaded hits 163p a litre, according to motoring group the RAC, as oil prices remain elevated.

Stock up on food to prepare for extreme weather, minister says

Dame Angela Eagle warns the weather event could lead to extreme storms this winter.

Prosecco, cakes and beauty products - how to get birthday freebies and why there's a catch

Cake, coffee, make-up and burgers are just some of the free things you can get on your birthday.

Argentine leader threatens to sanction oil firms and reiterates Falklands claim

Javier Milei reiterates his country's claim on the British overseas territory, saying the "winds of change" favour it.

Controversial Jackdaw gas field set to be approved in weeks, sources say

The government is set to give the go-ahead for the gas field off the coast of Aberdeen, the BBC understands.

Would you lie to get a birthday freebie?

We ask people in London if they would fib about their birthday to get a free treat from a shop or restaurant.

From 'dog fruit' to darling: India's avocado boom

Demand for avocados is booming in India and local growers hope to grab more of the market.

'I lost my savings after a job interview scam'

Jobseekers, especially Gen Z, are being targeted with fake, booby-trapped recruitment apps.

Is India's internet boom running into an undersea problem?

At least 13 of India's 18 intercontinental cables come ashore within six kilometres of Mumbai's Versova beach.

Nvidia strikes $12.9bn deal to buy AI platform Hugging Face

The deal gives Nvidia control of a leading open-source AI platform and developer community.

Trump $1 coin makes him first living president on US currency in a century

The US Mint special edition is stamped with a portrait of Trump alongside the words "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST"

Households warned gas price spike could pile fresh pressure on energy bills

Experts warn low storage levels could push up gas prices further, leaving households with higher bills.

B&Q and Five Guys among firms that paid staff below minimum wage

More than 600 companies underpaid staff, with £4m returned to workers, according to the government.

Almost half of households do not see benefits of economic growth, report says

Analysis has found a "stark" gap in the spending power of households in the north and south of England on average.

Hundreds of North Sea workers too heavy for new helicopter rules

Workers should weigh no more than 19.5st fully clothed so that they can be winched to safety in an emergency.

Heathrow expansion an 'outdated' risk, mayor says

Sir Sadiq Khan is repeating his opposition to a third runway in response to a government consultation.

Who is Alejandro Betancourt, colourful oil baron behind US-Venezuela oil deal?

The 46-year-old figure of international intrigue has an apparent knack for being in the right place at the right time.

Uber launches UK's first robotaxis with a driver - here's what it's like to ride in one

The ride-hailing app has launched 15 self-driving taxis, but they will have safety drivers inside.

Stingy bosses and spare change: How much should you give to the office whip-round?

Office whip-rounds are a staple of working life but they can raise a lot of awkward questions.

How Victoria Beckham turned her fashion firm around and made it profitable

The pop star formerly known as Posh Spice has taken nearly two decades to turn a profit.

Why wait? Business grads buying firms to install themselves as CEO

Impatient to be the boss of an established company they are borrowing money to fund their purchases.

Uber to cut over 3,000 jobs in major global restructuring

The company says cutting roles would make its operations "simpler and faster".

Faisal Islam: Why bond market wildfire is keeping world leaders up at night

Huge AI spending plans and the ongoing war in Iran are driving up borrowing costs around the world.

Why are UK borrowing costs rising and what does it mean for me?

Some government borrowing costs have hit their highest level for 28 years - what does it mean for you?

The Interview

Economist Daron Acemoglu on liberal democracy in crisis and how AI could make it worse

Will self-flying planes transform the skies?

Autonomous crop-spraying aircraft are leading the way in pilot-free flying.

Kids eat free and loyalty points - six ways to eat out but not break the bank

The cost of dining out is getting increasingly hard to swallow - but clever planning can get you cheaper deals.

Business Daily