May 2011 Archive

Mobile broadband speeds hit average of 1.5 Mbps

The average page-load time for mobile broadband connections now stands at 8.5 seconds, with O2 providing the fastest connections overall.

Samsung Galaxy tops UK handset chart

The Apple iPhone 4 has been beaten to the top of the UK's handset chart by Samsung's latest offering.

Food prices to double by 2030 warns Oxfam

Oxfam warns on a global food supply crisis

New research from Oxfam suggests the global food system is in crisis and that the cost of many staples will double in the next 20 years.

How to get the best deal on your holiday money

There are many options for holiday currency

If you are planning a holiday abroad this summer follow our guide to tavel money that takes you through the best options on how to spend overseas.

Telecoms law shake-up good news for consumers

No 36-month mobile phone contracts for Europe

New European telecoms laws mean mobile phone providers can no longer lock customers into 36-month contracts.

Spending cuts hit bars, restaurants and hotels

Fewer glasses are chinked as Brits cut spending in pubs and bars

Bars, hotels and restaurants are bearing the brunt as consumers cut down on their discretionary spending.

Bank holiday calls to mobiles 'cheaper from landlines'

BT cuts cost per minute of calls to mobiles

Cheaper phone bills could await anyone who makes a call from a landline to a mobile phone this bank holiday weekend.

"Amazing" train ticket offer from Southern Railway

Southern Railway is offering customers a 90 per cent discount on tickets bought tomorrow (May 26th) as it celebrates its mascot's birthday.

MPC powerless to respond in run-up to recession

Bank of England could not afford to overreact, says Paul Fisher

MPC member Paul Fisher says short-term reactions would not have worked and may have introduced greater volatility.

High street sales still subdued, says CBI

High street sales up but subdued, says CBI

The CBI has reported above-expectations retailer performance in mid-May, but warns that the sector is still seeing only subdued growth.

E.ON announce new fixed rate energy tariff

E.ON announce details of a new fixed rate energy tariff

E.ON has announced details of its new fixed rate utility tariff and details of its partnership with Tesco whereby customers can pay part of their energy bill through Tesco Clubcard vouchers.

Public sector borrowing reaches record April high

Public sector borrowing figures were higher than expected in April

In a blow to the Chancellor George Osborne's attempts to reduce the UK deficit, figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show public sector borrowing reached £10billion in April.

HMRC cracking down on VAT dodgers

Firms face investigation for VAT evasion

Firms that should have registered for VAT but have not yet done so face an HMRC crackdown this summer.

"Quick Tap" mobile payments could speed up decline of cash

New mobile technology could revolutionise the way we pay for goods and services

The launch of the "Quick Tap" contactless mobile payments system by Barclaycard and Orange could change the concept of the wallet and hasten the end of cash.

ONS report says gap narrowing between UK rich and poor

ONS figures show benefits narrow the income gap substantially

The UK's richest fifth earn 16 times the income of the poorest 20 per cent - but this drops to four times when taxation and benefits are included.

British Gas launch WebSaver 12 fixed energy tariff

Consumers have been advised to take a look at their energy bills as tariffs are currently in the process of changing.

PAYE 'not ideal' for paying outstanding taxes

HMRC plans to claim unpaid taxes via PAYE

A rigid PAYE system to recoup unpaid taxes could lead to financial difficulties if individuals' circumstances change.

Government reprieve for Ofgem

Ofgem will continue to regulate the energy industry

Ofgem, the regulatory body that covers the energy industry, will not have its powers transfered to another body after a government review decided no major changes were needed.

Retail sales rise by 1.1% in April

Retail sales rose in April in part due to the wonderful weather

Good weather and an extra bank holiday due to the Royal Wedding contributed to a 1.1 per cent rise in retail sales in April, but experts warn that it could be a one-off.

Nationwide consumer confidence index shows fall in April

Consumer confidence fell slightly in April, according tothe Nationwide

The latest consumer confidence index from Nationwide shows a small fall in April caused by consumer concerns over job security, low wage increases and worry over the economic outlook for the UK.

One in four Brits driven to financial breaking point by inflation

Household budgets bend under the weight of inflation

Inflation takes weekly outgoings to an unmanageable level for a quarter of British families.

UK unemployment falls by 36,000, down to 2.46 million

Unemployment fell in the first three months of 2011

The latest unemployment figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show unemployment fell by 36,000 to 2.46 million despite the biggest increase in Jobseeker's Allowance claims since January 2010.

Mothercare to close 25% of UK stores over next two years

Mothercare to shut a quarter of UK stores

Mothercare has announced that it will shut a quarter of its UK stores over the next two years after poor financial results affected its UK operations.

UK music festivals boost nation's coffers by £1bn

UK music festivals like Glastonbury add £1bn to Britain's tourism income

Almost £1 billion of profit is added to the nation's coffers each year through spending at UK music festivals.

Consumer spending to remain subdued for 'next ten years'

Tough times expected on the high street as consumer spending remains subdued

Ernst & Young's Item Club is predicting that consumer spending in the UK will only increase by two per cent a year until 2020 which will lead to tough times on the UK high Street.

First | Previous | Showing 1 to 25 of 39 | Next | Last