BBC News Headlines

 

Empty shop numbers 'set to rise'
The number of empty shops on the UK's high streets is set to increase this year, a survey says, as economic conditions get tougher.

Greece says lender talks 'tough'
Greece holds further talks with its international lenders, as the debate on more austerity measures continues.

Fewer deaths 'may hit pensions'
The mortality rate in England and Wales improved in 2011, which could have a knock-on effect on pensions, actuaries say.

Gas price rises as freeze bites
The price of gas in the UK hits its highest level for five years as below-freezing temperatures lead to a surge in demand across Europe.

Clydesdale Bank owner could sell
The Australian owner of the Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank is looking for options to sell or radically reform the businesses.

China drives growth for KFC owner
The owner of restaurant brands KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell reports another set of strong figures, helped by growth in China.

Macquarie falls on profit warning
Macquarie Group, the largest investment bank in Australia, says it expects full year profits to drop 25% as a weak market hurts its business.

Citi to launch China credit cards
The Chinese unit of Citigroup wins approval to launch credit cards in China, the first non-Asian bank to do so.

Network Rail boss forgoes bonus
Network Rail bosses, including chief executive Sir David Higgins, say they will not accept bonuses this year amid growing political pressure.

Borrowers 'shunning credit cards'
Demand for credit cards is "feeling the strain" as UK borrowers turn to other forms of finance, a report suggests.

P45 tax form is given a reprieve
The P45 has been given a reprieve by the UK tax authority after employers said they did not want to see it go.

Tesco Bank delays account launch
Tesco Bank is not expected to launch its current account until next year in order to take advantage of new rules.

Brazil sells control of airports
The Brazilian government privatises operations at three airports as part of moves to upgrade transport links ahead of the World Cup.

Scots 'locked out' on procurement
Scottish firms are being "locked out" of public procurement contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds, a think-tank claims.

House prices 'up 0.6% in January'
UK house prices increased by 0.6% in January, according to the latest survey from the Halifax.

Final bids for retailer Peacocks
Six serious bidders remain in contention to take over the Cardiff-based clothing retail firm Peacocks, struggling with £750m debts, BBC Wales understands.

Ofcom wants Openreach price cut
Telecoms regulator Ofcom tells BT Group to cut the wholesale prices it charges for use of its lines

Annuity sales 'unfair and opaque'
The way annuities are sold is costing half a million retirees each year as much as £1bn in future pension income, the National Association of Pension Funds says.

1.1 million face £100 tax fines
Just over one million taxpayers face a penalty of £100 for failing to submit their self-assessment tax returns on time, HM Revenue and Customs says.

Euro crisis 'could damage China'
A eurozone recession could almost halve Chinese growth this year, according to a report by the International Monetary Fund.

Bank lending 'to shrink' in 2012
UK bank lending is set to shrink this year for the first time since 2009, according to the Ernst & Young Item Club.

Businesses 'cautious' on future
UK firms plan to cut back on capital investment and hiring as the UK economic outlook remains gloomy, a report suggests.

HTC profits up but outlook poor
Taiwan smartphone maker HTC reports a 57% jump in annual profits, but it predicts a downbeat start to trading this year.

China in EU carbon scheme 'ban'
China tells its airlines not to pay charges to the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme, aimed at cutting carbon emissions.

Mitsubishi to close Europe plant
Japanese car maker Mitsubishi Motors says it is to end production at its only plant in Western Europe.

Gers Whyte may have lied to court
BBC Scotland uncovers evidence which suggests Rangers owner Craig Whyte may have lied in court.

Redknapp 'one half of Odd Couple'
Harry Redknapp and former Portsmouth FC chairman Milan Mandaric were like "The Odd Couple", a court hears.

England players go unsold at IPL
Seven England players and Ireland batsman Kevin O'Brien fail to attract bids at the Indian Premier League auction.

VIDEO: Greece restarts debt crisis talks
The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst on the resumption of Greece's debt crisis talks and China's refusal to pay a new EU airline tax.

AUDIO: 'Unemployment emergency' in UK
David Miliband: A "deep structural problem" is breeding youth unemployment in Britain

VIDEO: Chinese airlines 'to shun EU tax'
Beijing has banned Chinese airlines from taking part in the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), aimed at cutting carbon emissions.

VIDEO: Why payday loans are on the up
Total bank lending in Britain is set to shrink for the first time since 2009 and the lack of credit from mainstream banks could help payday loan firms grow further.

AUDIO: Life as a manufacturing apprentice
Apprentices at a missile manufacturing firm told Radio 5 live what they like about the schemes and what they would change.

VIDEO: My Bottom Line: Ken Weir
Honda Motors Europe vice-president Ken Weir argues that the UK needs to develop apprenticeships for the benefit of young people as well as companies and communities.

VIDEO: Heathrow flights hit by weather
The Independent's Simon Calder explains why Heathrow airport was so badly affected by the severe weather on Sunday.

VIDEO: Your Money: Tips on money management
In this week's Your Money, Declan Curry looks problems with pensions, considers the benefits of credit unions and gets some top tips on how to manage your money.

What the Dickens is the author worth?
The worth of the author's brand, 200 years after his death

Road warriors struggle to get connected
Road warriors struggle to get connected

Bristol launches its own currency
Keeping it within the local economy

Tales of woe from the roaming professionals
When working in a new country can prove unlucky

Credit where it's due
Would Scotland inherit the UK's triple-A rating?

China loosens grip on yuan
Foreigners allowed to invest directly using yuan

Snow difficulties and your rights
Your rights if you are unable to reach work owing to snow and ice