UK Business News

Manufacturing slows sharply in November

Latest survey of British industry shows signs that industrial output could be about to peak despite rising new orders

Tui Travel on track despite sluggish demand

Europe' s largest tour operator says late booking trend continues but that it is confident that its capacity cuts will suffice

• Former Travelzest boss ready to rejoin TUI

• TUI Travel refinances £900m shareholder loan

Greene King taps into confidence

The brewer said that it was buying seven pubs in Scotland for £12.7 million, using capital raised in a rights issue

• Greene King positive despite 15% profit fall

• Heavyweights line up for Merchant Inns fight

Darling to make banks say more on top earners

Chancellor aims to extend Walker report's proposals on financiers' pay, as call is made for annual vote in companies

World Business News

GE set to buy Vivendi's share of NBC Universal

The transaction could clear the way for GE to pass control of the entertainment group to Comcast, the cable company

US manufacturing slows in November

While rate of growth in manufacturing sector slows, the signs are encouraging, according to Institute for Supply Management

• US unemployment highest for 26 years

• Manufacturing slows sharply in November

Tullow eyes $1.5bn bid for Ugandan fields

The oil explorer is considering buying out Heritage Oil, its joint venture partner in two fields, by matching an offer from Eni

• Heritage axes Genel deal in $1.5bn Ugandan sale

• Heritage boss to pocket £80m

Australia raises rates for third month in a row

The Reserve Bank of Australia raises interest rates to 3.75 per cent in a move to keep inflation under control

Analysis

Is it time to drink up and move on?

Adam Fowle, the new M&B chief executive, wants to focus on running the company’s hostelries efficiently

• Darling should beware of debt default

• Defenestration must not rule yearly vote

Dubai troubles cast doubt on fundraising

Emirate's debt default rollercoaster is placing enormous uncertainty on future initial public offerings and other issues

Tempus: Numbers cannot tell Aberdeen's story

The fund manager's gross outflows added up to £29.8bn, roughly equivalent to the stock market value of Tesco or Barclays

Law  

Former Morgan Crucible boss goes to top court

Retired chief executive Ian Norris, 66, is fighting attempt by the US to extradite him on charges of obstructing justice

Test case appeal is last hope for McKinnon

Businessman's battle to stop extradition to US on human rights grounds could have ramifications for computer hacker

• Government 'powerless' to stop hacker extradition

• Profile: Gary McKinnon

Peer’s plan to halt libel abuse

The leading human rights barrister is drawing up a defamation reform bil which would prevent lawyers pocketing excessive fees

Money  

Women’s guide to a happy and peaceful retirement

Relying on a husband’s pension provision can be a recipe for hardship in later life

China: Bolton’s bet for the next decade

One of the country’s top stockpickers, is launching a China fund, hailing it as the 'investment opportunity of the decade'

• Rights issue could spell windfall for Lloyds shareholders

• Have you missed the market rally?

Getting ready for a comfortable old age

We help a couple seeking more tax-efficient investments to maintain a good quality of life as they grow older

business travel  

Rail nightmare for Gatwick and Luton airport services

Industrial action and service restrictions from the £5.5bn Thameslink programme are causing headaches for business travellers

How to bag the best seat on the plane

A new seat-finding service gets our business travel editor thinking about other technology he would like to see

Heathrow's terminal 2 closes after 54 years

The old Europa Building will be demolished to make way for a 30 million passenger a year mega-terminal