Google makes credit foray

Monday 8 October 2012 9:00

Search engine giant Google is set to enter the credit business for the first time. the company will this week launch a new programme in the UK to finance purchases of its online advertising by businesses. The move marks the opening of a new front in the battle between the biggest internet companies, as they turn to their balance sheets as a source of competitive advantage.

BAE investor casts doubt over deal

Monday 8 October 2012 8:00

The largest investor in BAE Systems has reportedly said it has "significant reservations" over the defence firm's planned merger with Franco-German group EADS. Invesco Perpetual, which owns 13.3% of the UK company, said in a statement that it "does not understand the strategic logic" of the deal.

Car registrations accelerate

Friday 5 October 2012 10:00

Scottish exports remain on target, survey says

Friday 5 October 2012 9:00

Scottish food and drink exports are expected to hit an industry target of £7.1bn in five years' time, according to research by Lloyds Banking Group. The prediction was based on a survey of 100 companies with a current estimated turnover of £6bn.

Standard Chartered row

Friday 5 October 2012 6:00

Standard Chartered is in dispute with its largest shareholder, Temasek, over the structure of the bank's board, The Independent reports, raising fresh speculation that the Singapore investment house may look to offload its stake. Temasek wants the UK-listed bank to appoint more independent directors, while Standard insists it already has enough strong non-executives.

Deep crisis remains, says Cable

Thursday 4 October 2012 8:00

The British economy is "in a very deep crisis", Business Secretary Vince Cable has reportedly told the BBC, refusing to commit to when growth would resume. He said predicting when the economy would recover is "very difficult".  Business surveys this week have suggested that the economy will return to growth in the third quarter.

Halfords sales boosted

Thursday 4 October 2012 8:00

Car parts and bicycle retailer Halfords today said like-for-like sales in its cycling department grew 14.7% in the second quarter, which helped lift sales at stores open for a year or more by 4.6% in its retail business. .

Tesco's profits drop

Wednesday 3 October 2012 10:00

Tesco has reported a fall in group profits after sales growth in the UK was overshadowed by a downturn in Asia and Europe. The UK's biggest grocer recorded a 12% decline in group pre-tax profits to £1.7bn in the six months to August 25 - its first profits fall in nearly 20 years.

Rail deal scrapped

Wednesday 3 October 2012 8:00

The decision to award the UK's multi-billion-pound West Coast Main Line rail franchise to FirstGroup has been scrapped by the government. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said it was "deeply regrettable" that mistakes had been made by staff within the Department for Transport.

Armani 'takes control'

Wednesday 3 October 2012 8:00

Fashion designer Giorgio Armani has agreed to take control of his UK wholesale and retail business from long-term retail partner Club 21 after 23 years of cooperation. The move is aimed at improving efficiency in the retail sector.

Row hits merger

Wednesday 3 October 2012 8:00

The proposed merger between BAE Systems and Airbus aircraft manufacturer EADS has come under increased pressure after a major shareholder demanded an improved deal. French media tycoon Arnaud Lagardere, who is EADS chairman and whose company Lagardere owns a 7.5% stake, wants better terms for French controlling shareholders.

Economy sees Q3 growth

Tuesday 2 October 2012 10:00

The UK economy grew in the three months from July to September, according to a British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey of 7,593 UK firms. The economy grew by 0.5% in the third quarter, BCC said.