World of Business

More in World of Business

The Weekend Turns 100: Has Hybrid Work and 'Skiveday Fridays' Killed It Off?

A century after Henry Ford gave his workers Saturdays and Sundays off, historians and economists examine whether hybrid work, "skiveday Fridays" and a new Malaysian civil-service policy are reshaping the weekend beyond recognition.

14 min read

UK Braces for Fresh Cost of Living Squeeze as Energy Bills Push Inflation Higher

UK inflation is forecast to hit 2.9% in July 2026 as a 13% rise in Ofgem's energy price cap squeezes households, complicating the Bank of England's interest rate decisions.

6 min read

John Lewis Chief Peter Ruis to Step Down as Department Store Sector Reels

Peter Ruis is stepping down as John Lewis managing director on 6 September 2026, with Will Kernan set to take over as the department store sector faces mounting pressure following Harvey Nichols' rescue sale.

7 min read

Inside Magnum's Lab: Glow-in-the-Dark Lollies, Robot Testers and the Race for Ice Cream Innovation

At Magnum's Bedford research centre, scientists develop glow-in-the-dark lollies, energy-efficient fridges and protein-packed treats as the ice-cream giant battles volatile costs and fierce global competition.

8 min read

Selena Gomez Named in $1.2m Fraud Lawsuit Over Wondermind Startup

Five investors are suing Selena Gomez's Wondermind Global, alleging fraud and mismanagement after putting in roughly $1.2 million based on a claimed $95 million valuation.

3 min read

BP Strikes Gasfield Deal in Venezuela with Firms Tied to Trump Circle

BP will operate the second phase of Venezuela's Loran gasfield with Gulf-linked partners XRG and UCC, in one of the first major foreign investments since Maduro's removal, pending regulatory approval.

5 min read

White House: Over 40 Nations Helped China Skirt US Tariffs

The White House says more than 40 countries, including Canada, India, Mexico, Japan and South Korea, helped China dodge US tariffs by rerouting exports, costing billions in lost revenue.

4 min read

South Korean Investors Reel as Kospi's Wild Swings Wipe Out Savings

South Korean investors including bank worker Yongjoon Kim have lost thousands of dollars amid the Kospi's extreme volatility, as leveraged bets on AI-driven tech stocks unravel and regulators move to curb the swings.

8 min read

Readers Push Back on Burnham's Consumer Rip-Off Crackdown

Readers respond to Andy Burnham's pledge to end subscription traps and misleading discounts, questioning whether the reforms go far enough to tackle the wider cost of living crisis.

4 min read

Frasers Group Buys Harvey Nichols in Rescue Deal Amid Administration

Frasers Group, owner of Sports Direct, has acquired Harvey Nichols out of administration, taking control of its stores, online business and international franchise as the luxury retailer undergoes restructuring.

4 min read

Ofwat Approves £3.4bn Extra Funding, Paving Way for Fresh Water Bill Rises

Ofwat has provisionally approved £3.4bn in extra funding for 13 water companies, pushing up bills for millions, while a separate final decision on disputed price controls for five firms took effect in August 2026.

5 min read

Zero-Hours Contract Reforms Could Cost Businesses Up to £2.9bn Annually

Government analysis shows Labour's zero-hours contract reforms could cost UK businesses up to £2.9bn annually, with retail and hospitality firms hit hardest as a consultation on hour thresholds gets under way.

4 min read