News

Shake-up at Boots to see Ornella Barra step down as boss and replace her partner Stefano Pessina as chairman

Today

Barra (pictured with Pessina) - who has overseen the retailer since 2016 - said it was 'the perfect moment' to take on a 'less operational role'.

Private equity takeover talks boost shares in private hospital and GP practices operator Spire Healthcare

Today

The FTSE 250 company revealed over the weekend it is in discussions with potential buyers, including Bridgepoint Advisers and Triton Investment Advisers.

Hospitality woes worsen as four venues close EVERY DAY: Reeves under pressure to extend rates relief

Today

There were 382 net closures in the final three months of 2025. The figures will fuel concerns over rising costs with venues facing even higher taxes from April.

Lloyds fined for breaching Russian sanctions after opening an account for an ally of Putin

Today

The High Street lender was hit with a penalty of £160,000 after its Halifax arm allowed Dmitry Ovsyannikov to become a customer in 2023.

Gold glistens at its brightest as the world searches for a safety net: ALEX BRUMMER

Today

Gold lost its formal role as part of the monetary system long ago. Richard Nixon signed the death warrant in 1971 when the US ended the gold backing for the dollar.

Britain's worst drink driver has been caught SIX times in the last five years as Government considers lower limit

Today

The concerning figures come as ministers consult on lowering the drink-drive threshold from 35mcg per 100ml of breath to 22mcg.

Prosper offers boosted 120 day notice savings account at 4.5% - and short fixes that beat best one-year deals

Today

Prosper is offering boosted rates for new customers and interestingly, the boosted element is tax-free.

Nearly 1million households face mortgage payment spike in 2026: Here's how to lower yours

Today

Rate rises mean a potential £282 per month increase on the average mortgage bill - but there are still ways you can cut your costs.

River Island shuts six more stores in latest blow for the high street - check if YOUR branch is on the list

Today

Fashion chain River Island is set to close a total of 27 stores before the end of the month. The retailer currently has more than 220 stores in the UK and Ireland and employs 5,500 people.

Hargreaves Lansdown review: Is the 'Waitrose of investing' worth the cost?

Today

Hargreaves Lansdown is probably the UK's best-known investment platform. But it's up against a host of others, with many providing low fees

Hargreaves Lansdown CUTS account fee in huge shake-up of charges - but fund dealing will now cost you

Today

The platform could become more expensive for those who only hold shares and don't trade frequently, especially within a general investment account.

Is improving your home still worth it? The renovations that can leave you up to £55,000 out of pocket... and the ones that add value

Today

Home improvements may once have paid off handsomely when it came time to sell, but many homeowners are now disappointed to find this isn't the case for them.

ABERDEEN ASIA FOCUS seeks growth off the beaten path

Today

Its emphasis is on finding successful investments outside of the big Asian tech firms which attract most attention from investors.

Gold storms above $5,000 for the first time as global turmoil fuels 'astonishing' rally

Today

Gold stormed past the $5,000 an ounce mark for the first time today as global upheaval sent investors to the apparent safety of precious metals.

Ryanair forecasts rise in passengers as it puts Elon Musk spat to bed

Today

Musk suggested he could buy the company in a spat over Ryanair dismissing the idea of using his Starlink internet technology to offer in-flight wifi.

Can I still leave my pension to my daughter under new inheritance tax rules? STEVE WEBB replies

Today

If I die before my husband and still haven't touched my pension, will my daughter get this and how does this work as far as inheritance tax is concerned?

Plug-in hybrid cars dubbed a 'scandal' by think tank due to fuel bills double what drivers are told

Today

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit said motorists are being told their annual fuel bills per annum will amount to around £530 but the reality is they will be coughing up £985 a year.

Trump was right on North Sea! Business chiefs blast Labour over 'reckless' destruction of oil and gas

Today

Labour is facing a fresh onslaught from the oil and gas industry after Donald Trump lashed out at Britain's 'catastrophic' energy policies.

Expensive electricity is not helping growth in UK and Europe: HAMISH MCRAE

Today

We have the most expensive electricity of any major economy in the world - four or five times that of the US and double the average level on the Continent.

Nine dirt-cheap investment trusts you can pick up at big discounts: JEFF PRESTRIDGE

Today

It has been a torrid few days for stock markets as fears of a trade war between the US and its major European trading partners rose - and then de-escalated.

The latest news