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Unilever in Talks to Merge Food Business with US Spice Maker McCormick

Unilever is in talks to merge its food business with US spice maker McCormick, focusing future efforts on personal care products if the deal proceeds.

3 min read

Typical Household Energy Bills May Rise by £332 Annually in July

Cornwall Insight forecasts a £332 annual rise in typical household energy bills from July, driven by oil and gas price surges amid geopolitical tensions. Ofgem will set the new price cap on 27 May, affecting about 19 million UK households.

2 min read

Getty Images A young blonde woman wearing light blue jeans and a burnt orange t shirt sits on the floor in front of a tumble drier taking her clothes out of it

Rising Demand Destruction Fears as Iran Conflict Pushes Oil Prices Up; UK Borrowing Surges

Rising oil and gas prices due to the Iran conflict spark demand destruction fears globally, with Asia showing early signs. The UK government borrowing surged to £14.3bn in February amid economic pressures and energy market disruptions.

5 min read

A tanker ship docked by oil, gas and fuel storage units at the Navigator Terminal in Grays, Britain.

UK Government Borrowing Hits £14.3bn in February, Exceeding Expectations

UK government borrowing rose to £14.3bn in February, surpassing expectations and marking the second highest February level on record, driven by increased spending and debt interest payments despite higher tax receipts.

1 min read

Getty Images People walking through Liverpool city centre

How Rising Oil and Gas Prices Are Driving Up the Cost of Living

The Middle East conflict is driving up UK fuel prices and inflation, impacting mortgages and household budgets. Other news includes Post Office scandal updates, US trade relations, and entrepreneurial stories.

4 min read

Yellow letter tiles spell the word 'price' against a vibrant blue backdrop, ideal for business concepts.

NI Gas Prices Could Rise if Middle East Conflict Persists Another Month

The Utility Regulator warns Northern Ireland gas and electricity prices may rise if the Middle East conflict continues, with wholesale gas prices having doubled since the conflict began. Heating oil prices have also surged, impacting 62.5% of homes reliant on oil heating.

3 min read

Getty Images A person lights a gas stove using a match. There is a silver kettle sitting on one of the rings.

UK and Nigeria Forge Historic Steel Deal and Strengthen Bilateral Ties

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have agreed on a £70m steel deal to refurbish Lagos ports, marking a historic visit and strengthening trade, investment, and diplomatic ties amid security challenges in Nigeria.

3 min read

PA Media Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shakes hands with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu outside the black door on 10 Downing Street.

Faisal Islam: Iran Conflict’s Surprising Impact on UK Economy and Inflation

Faisal Islam reports on how the Iran war is unexpectedly impacting the UK economy, inflation, and mortgage markets, with insights from the Bank of England governor.

4 min read

Getty Images A young man and woman stand alongside each other looking at an estate agents' window.

Bank of England Likely to Hike UK Interest Rates Twice Amid Middle East Inflation Shock

The Bank of England is expected to raise UK interest rates twice this year due to inflation pressures from the Middle East crisis. Energy prices surge, impacting bills and markets globally, while the ECB holds rates steady amid rising inflation forecasts.

11 min read

US Craft Breweries Close as Pandemic and Market Shifts Impact Industry

US craft breweries, once booming, face closures due to pandemic impacts, rising costs, and shifting consumer habits, though industry leaders remain hopeful for future adaptation.

5 min read

Two men tap beer barrels underneath a board listing the different types of brew.

Bank of England Keeps Interest Rates at 3.75% Amid Inflation Concerns from Iran Conflict

The Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75% amid inflation fears sparked by the US-Israel war on Iran, with rising energy prices threatening UK living costs.

2 min read

Nearly 400 Employers Fined for Failing to Pay Minimum Wage to 60,000 Workers

Nearly 400 employers must repay £7.3m to 60,000 workers for minimum wage breaches. New rates rise in April 2026, with detailed info on National Living Wage, apprentice rates, and the voluntary Real Living Wage.

4 min read

Getty Images A young woman with long reddish-brown hair and wearing a dark blue apron stands behind the counter in a brightly-lit cafe, next to an ornate chocolate cake. There is a large coffee machine on the back wall, with piles of empty take-away cups and several boxes of tea bags.