UK Business News

Lloyds plans to muscle in on market with Execution

The banking group aims to take a slice of forthcoming takeover activity with a move into the broking market

Anger over bill for investment fund’s wind-up

Investors to bear brunt of costs after J O Hambro Capital Management is put into voluntary liquidation by management

• Wealthy dump pensions for high-risk schemes

• Investors plough back into funds

Landlords to vote on Blacks rescue deal

The landlords will have to agree to give up their leases in return for only six months’ rent to save 5,000 jobs

• Blacks Leisure seeks to leave shops

• Blacks Leisure jobs go to placate lenders

Private sector fall in commercial developments

Number of new building projects drops 20 per cent from same time last year because of lack of construction contracts

World Business News

US dreams of a flat Christmas

Early indications are that Christmas sales will be flat, up or down by one or two percentage points, on Black Friday

EADS executives try to overturn ruling

Seventeen present and former EADS executives are to be questioned but there are claims evidence has been overlooked

• EADS profits down as recession hits prices

• Ex-EADS chief detained over insider trading

RBS dumping toxic assets on Ireland

Hester stirs diplomatic row by using EU rules to force Dublin into accepting £7bn bad loans

• We aim to put the taxpayer in profit, says Hester

• RBS losses swell to £1.5bn as bad debts triple

Pirates find easy pickings with e-books

Publishers are estimated to have lost hundreds of millions last year to piracy with the figure likely to rise

Analysis

Globetrotting puts figures into perspective

One constant surprise for me is the emotional state of the discussions I encounter about the health of the UK economy

Alas, it’s the end of the road for petrolheads

Modern cars are complex and boring. Gone are the days of tinkering under the bonnet or lusting, like Toad, after a ‘motor’

No time for Cadbury to show flakiness

The group is beginning to look like a victim in this drawn-out bid battle, not the iconic international confectioner that it is

Law  

Board may lift ban on legal partnerships

Barristers accuse the Bar Standards Board of unfairly withholding the key recommendations on multi-disciplinary practices

MP expenses file to be sent to CPS ‘in weeks’

It is understood that three MPs and three peers are likely to be included in the file, which should be ready by Christmas

Intelligence services win secrecy ruling

A judge agreed that secret government information could remain hidden from individuals who are suing the security services

Money  

Santander launches 'free' bank account

Owner of Abbey and B&B offers an account with no overdraft charges - but only if customers take out a mortgage

125 per cent loans to homemovers

Existing customers in negative equity can move home with new deal from Coventry Building Society

• Stamp duty change to compound low prices in worst hit areas

• Self-employed face mortgage obstacle course

How to get the best credit card this Christmas

Follow our credit checklist to ensure that your Christmas shopping doesn’t cost more than it should

business travel  

Bmi revamps Diamond Club frequent flyer scheme

Airline adds family membership and unveils new rules for complimentary upgrades

Finnair launches mobile check-in and boarding passes

Passengers will now be able to proceed straight to the gate if they only have hand luggage

Manchester airport wants sky-high bar

Airport seeks partner to redevelop terminal 1 control tower into a cool drinking den with views of the runway