Next raises profit forecast after strong Christmas sales

Fashion retail giant Next has significantly upgraded its annual profit forecast, driven by a robust performance over the crucial Christmas trading period that exceeded market expectations. The retailer, known for…

Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop enter administration.

The high street retailers Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop are facing a critical juncture as their owner, Modella Capital, initiates insolvency proceedings across the UK and Ireland, placing approximately…

Ofcom asks X about reports its Grok AI makes sexualised images of children

A spokesperson for Ofcom confirmed that the regulator is actively investigating these allegations, which include claims that Grok has been producing "undressed images" of individuals. The BBC has independently verified…

Tandridge District Council launches cost-of-living support fund.

In a proactive and crucial move to alleviate the escalating financial pressures on its residents, Tandridge District Council has officially launched a new, dedicated cost-of-living support fund. This vital initiative…

What’s behind Starmer’s notable shift on closer ties to Europe?

Sir Keir Starmer’s recent, more definitive articulation of Labour’s approach to post-Brexit relations with the European Union marks a significant moment, signalling a strategic recalibration designed to send clear messages…

Tynwald committee warns against ‘systematic reliance’ on reserves

A Tynwald scrutiny committee has issued a stark warning to the Isle of Man’s government, cautioning that it faces "significant repercussions" if it fails to cease its "systematic reliance" on…

Gold price rises after US captures Venezuela’s Maduro

In the early hours of Monday morning trade across Asia, the benchmark price for gold surged by approximately 1.8%, reaching an impressive $4,408 (equivalent to £3,282) per ounce. This robust…

Junk food advert ban set to come into force

This sweeping UK-wide measure targets products identified as primary contributors to childhood obesity rates, encompassing a broad spectrum of items that have become staples in many households. Categories under scrutiny…

Trump wants Venezuela’s oil. Will his plan work?

Venezuela indeed possesses an extraordinary endowment of oil, boasting an estimated 303 billion barrels of proven reserves, which firmly establishes it as having the largest such deposits globally. Yet, this…

Will we see signs of economic growth in 2026?

The government’s November budget introduced a raft of measures designed to alleviate these pressures and stimulate the economy. These included an uplift in the minimum wage, the contentious decision to…