World of Business

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Heating oil prices surge as winter approaches, leaving thousands facing financial strain

Heating oil prices have surged from 60p to 97p per litre as global tensions drive costs higher, leaving thousands of south-west households facing difficult winter choices. Devon, Cornwall and Guernsey are offering support through crisis funds.

5 min read

A person is taking a selfie while holding a young lamb in a grassy field at sunset. The lamb is white with dark markings on its nose and legs, and in the background there are several sheep scattered across green pasture, hedgerows, trees and a colourful orange and blue evening sky stretching across the horizon.

Iceland Supermarket to Launch First UK High Street Store in Falkland Islands

Frozen food supermarket Iceland will open its first branch in the Falkland Islands in December 2026, becoming the first major UK high street retailer in the territory. The Stanley store will offer prices estimated at 30% below competitors.

3 min read

STANLEY, FALKLAND ISLANDS - MARCH 2006: Stanley welcomes visitors to the Falkland Islands.

Supermarkets swap Atlantic mackerel for cheaper jack mackerel as stocks collapse

Supermarkets are replacing Atlantic mackerel with cheaper jack mackerel as stocks collapse from overfishing. The switch delivers less omega-3 and vitamin B12, prompting consumer groups to warn of "skimpflation".

5 min read

Record French heatwave forces champagne makers to boost alcohol content for first time

French champagne producers have been granted temporary approval to raise alcohol content to 15% for the 2026 harvest, the first such waiver ever granted, following record summer heat that produced unusually high-sugar grapes. Industry leaders warn similar conditions may become routine within 10-1...

4 min read

Alstom to build UK's first battery-electric long-distance trains for northern routes

Alstom will manufacture 29 battery-electric trains at its Derby factory for TransPennine Express, with manufacturing starting in 2028 and passenger service beginning in winter 2034. The €1.2bn contract supports over 6,000 UK jobs and will improve capacity and journey times across northern England.

4 min read

A red and blue train is parked up at station

Antique shop owner relocates business 20 miles to escape £300-weekly fuel bill

An antique shop owner has relocated her business 20 miles closer to home to escape fuel costs of nearly £300 per week. Melanie Wilson's move reflects broader struggles facing rural workers across Scotland as diesel prices climb above 189p per litre amid Middle East tensions.

6 min read

A young woman, Melanie Wilson, smiling at the camera inside a shop, with bright autumnal tree leaves next to her.

Global central banks weigh rate rises as Middle East conflict stokes inflation fears

Central banks worldwide are raising or preparing to raise interest rates as Middle East conflict drives oil prices higher and inflation concerns mount. The European Central Bank has already moved, while the US Federal Reserve and Bank of England face imminent decisions.

6 min read

A woman sits at her laptop while holding her bank card in her right hand. She looks deep in thought, with her left hand on the side of her head. She has blonde hair and is wearing a yellow jumper.

US inflation holds steady at 3.4% as diesel prices surge past $6 a gallon

US inflation remained at 3.4% in August as diesel prices surged past $6 per gallon, driven by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise interest rates next week to combat persistent price pressures.

4 min read

A woman pays for fuel at a gas station with her bank card

Ex-Southern Water CEO Faces Court Over Alleged Test Manipulation Scheme

Matthew Wright, former CEO of Southern Water, appeared in court charged with conspiracy to defraud regulators over allegations that water quality tests were manipulated to avoid penalties. Seven former employees face charges relating to artificial "no-flow events" created between 2012 and 2017 to...

4 min read

Matthew Wright, a man with grey/brown hair, is pictured outside. He is wearing a suit, with a dark blue jacket over a lighter blue shirt.

How one couple tackled the pension gap created by parental leave

Molly and Taylor Haylett discovered that having one partner contribute to the other's pension during parental leave can protect long-term retirement savings. Their approach offers practical lessons for couples navigating the financial impact of having children.

5 min read

Molly and Taylor Haylett on a boat in the water smiling

Vance Walks Back Trump's $5,000 Dividend Promise as Republicans Hold Midterm Convention

Vice-president JD Vance qualified Trump's $5,000 dividend promise at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, suggesting payments would exclude the wealthy and be funded through tariffs. Fiscal experts questioned the proposal's viability given US deficits and debt levels.

7 min read

JD Vance at the Republican midterms conference in Dallas last night

Electric Ireland settles £750k charity payout after three-year regulatory probe

Electric Ireland has resolved a three-year Utility Regulator investigation by paying £750,000 to five charities supporting vulnerable people and child protection. The settlement closed the probe into the firm's customer communications, complaint handling and marketing practices without a fine.

5 min read

A householder switching on a domestic electricity socket to turn on a silver kettle on a kitchen counter. A silver milk jug and a blue striped mug are also on the counter.

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