General News
Falcon Media to cancel trading on London Stock Exchange
Digital media group Falcon Media House announced its intention to delist its ordinary shares from the Official List of the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday.
SSE blames rising costs for increase in household energy bills
SSE blamed rising business costs as it announced a 6. 7% increase in energy bills for households on standard rates.
Pret A Manger swallowed by German investment firm for £1.5bn
Bridgepoint Capital has agreed to sell Pret A Manger to the German investor that owns Krispy Kreme donuts and Douwe Egberts coffee in a deal said to value the sandwich chain at more than £1. 5bn.
Complaints service sees surge in cases, with PPI topping the list
The long-standing stereotype of the complaining Brit was given some statistical backing on Tuesday morning, as a record 1. 3 million people contacted a free complaints service to get a problem sorted last year.
Poisoned chalice: Why the East Coast franchise keeps failing
Wednesday’s news that the East Coast rail franchise would once again fall into government hands marks the third time since privatisation that the high-speed route between London and Scotland has failed.
Stagecoach-Virgin East Coast franchise to be renationalised
One of the two high-speed rail routes between London and Scotland will be renationalised for the second time in less than a decade, after franchise holder Virgin Trains East Coast said it could no longer make payments on its £3. 3bn contract with the government.
Royal wedding to boost retail and tourism sectors, economists say
The royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could provide a noticeable fillip for the UK economy as it stumbles out of a gloomy first quarter, a major economic forecasting group has suggested.
Npower to hike energy bills for one million customers
Big six energy retailer npower announced a major price increase on Friday, taking its typical dual fuel annual energy bill up by an average of 5. 3% or £64, across all payment types.
Long-suffering commuters promised 'transformational' digital railway
A ‘digital transformation’ set to revolutionise the country’s railways and reduce disruption was outlined to the public on Thursday - but some City commuters would be forgiven for taking the announcement with the smallest pinch of salt.
Voters favour Labour economic policies, FT poll finds
Voters support Labour party economic policies including higher taxes for top earners and nationalising key industries, a survey for the Financial Times has found.
New York state Attorney General quits after allegations of physical abuse
New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigned on Monday after four women accused him of physically abusing them in an interview published by New Yorker magazine, leading to a call just a few hours later from Governor Andrew Cuomo for him to step down.
Richard Branson to become private equity fund partner
Richard Branson is making his first move into private equity as a partner by seeking €500m (£440m) from institutional investors to buy into consumer businesses.
MPs intervene in Sainsbury's-Asda deal
The chairs of two parliamentary committees have intervened in Sainsbury’s £7. 3bn takeover of Asda by asking the competition regulator to supply details of its investigation into the deal.
One in five low-paid workers stuck in dead-end job, TUC says
One in five low-paid workers remains stuck in a dead-end job after 10 years, according to research for the TUC.
Drink more to boost your pension annuity, suggests City analyst
Just as the millennial generation gets used to life without avocados in the hopes of saving for a house, new data released on Tuesday suggests a cheeky session at the pub might be the way to go for their elders, if they wanted to boost their pension.
National Crime Agency launches probe into HBOS fraud allegations
The National Crime Agency is carrying out a review of allegations of fraud at HBOS in a move that could lead to a full criminal investigation.