UK Business News

Sliding service sales spark double-dip fears

Britain’s service-sector companies, regarded as engine room of the economy, report unexpected drop in sales

RBS relaxes loan terms for small businesses

CBI welcomes move after bank responds to criticism of the credit difficulties of Britain's recession-hit companies

• Get ready for a bumpy ride

• The lending paradox that prolongs recession

Co-op hits back with its own triple whammy

Customers are looking for a great deal locally and the mutually owned retailer is joining the price-cutting war

Surge in TV sales boosts John Lewis

Sales were up 22 per cent on last year, with demand for electronics helping to stimulate the pre-Christmas recovery

World Business News

China to be world's biggest gold market

Analysts predict that already high prices of the precious metal will soar as more buyers flock to this perceived haven

Spain turns down the air conditioning

Maximum heating and minimum cooling temperatures have been set for public buildings in attempt to limit power usage

• Spain injects €11bn into struggling economy

• Spain heads for recession as economy shrinks

BP battles Exxon over Ghana oilfield

British oil giant and American rival Exxon Mobil square up for battle over £2.4bn stake in oilfield off the coast of Ghana

UK company to help India harness tidal energy

Atlantis Resources forges deal with state of Gujarat to establish feasibility of power projects

Analysis

Britain’s tourist industry is in need of a break

Government plans to change tax rules on self-catering holiday properties could lead to eight out of ten going under

Enough debt: time for regime change

Dubai’s misfortunes give Abu Dhabi a chance to take political control in the region

The end of the world will hit your turnover

How can it be a bad business decision long term to take better care of our planet and be more mindful of its resources?

Law  

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

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

• Frances Gibb: publishers' nightmare

• Straw pledges action to end libel tourism

New Dresdner bonus claim in High Court

Group of ex-Kleinwort bankers has gone to court to sue former employer for millions in withheld bonuses

Money  

Best accounts to beat banks

Following the Supreme Court's ruling last week, we look at how you can beat the banks on current account charges

10 ways to beat the taxman before April

The new tax year will bring important changes for many people, so put your affairs in order. Here, we give our top 10 tips

• Fresh threat to tax evaders

• Offshore deadline approaches

Estate agents force buyers to use costly in-house mortgage deals

Purchasers are losing thousands as agents use a hard sell to chase commissions

business travel  

How to bag the best seat on the plane and other cool tools

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

Bmi revamps Diamond Club frequent flyer scheme

Airline adds family membership and unveils new rules for complimentary upgrades