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China's Q3 Growth Accelerates on AI-Driven Export Surge

China's third-quarter GDP growth accelerated to 4.5%, driven by surging AI-related exports, though domestic spending remains weak amid property sector struggles and high youth unemployment.

4 min read

Britain's home sellers slash asking prices on 3,000 properties daily

Home sellers in Britain are cutting asking prices on more than 3,000 properties daily, the highest rate in 15 years, as elevated mortgage rates and market oversupply force sellers to adjust expectations. Average reductions of 7% reflect buyer caution in a market where affordability remains strained.

5 min read

Heating oil customers brace for costly winter as prices surge 82%

Heating oil customers across south-west England face a difficult winter as prices surge 82% due to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Some residents have delayed purchases hoping for price falls, while others fear they cannot afford adequate heating.

4 min read

Pokémon's 30-year reign: From playground cards to global phenomenon

Pokémon is experiencing a global resurgence as longtime fans rediscover childhood favourites and new generations join the craze. The franchise became the world's top toy property in 2025, with trading cards, competitive tournaments and retail operations driving unprecedented growth.

5 min read

Ulster University writes off £800,000 on cancelled Londonderry sports dome

Ulster University has written off £800,000 spent on a proposed indoor sports dome in Londonderry after cancelling the project in August due to financial pressures. The facility's estimated construction costs had escalated from £16.8 million to £20.1 million, and annual operating expenses would ha...

4 min read

PPE scam ringleader sentenced to eight years for fraud worth millions

Jogesh Bhandari, 60, has been jailed for eight years after leading a PPE scam during the Covid-19 pandemic. He spent £126,000 on a Porsche and purchased luxury vehicles using £1.75 million obtained through fraud targeting US and German companies.

4 min read

Jersey Businesses Squeezed as Diesel Tops £2 Per Litre

Diesel prices in Jersey have exceeded £2 per litre, squeezing profit margins for construction, tree surgery and plant hire businesses. The government proposes freezing fuel duty in 2027, but firms warn it offers limited relief against global price volatility.

5 min read

Farmer warns 4G mast deal has become 'nightmare' after rent halved and legal costs mount

A Welsh farmer hosting a 4G mast for over 20 years says negotiations have become a 'nightmare' after his rent was halved to £2,500 and he incurred £10,000 in legal costs. Changes to telecoms law have shifted power toward operators, he claims.

6 min read

Pub landlord quits after year, blaming TV and supermarket alcohol

A Spalding pub landlord has quit after 14 months, blaming supermarket alcohol prices, changing habits and roadworks. The closure reflects a wider crisis: 27% of Lincolnshire pubs have closed since 2009, with South Holland hit hardest at 53%.

5 min read

Thames Water's Endless Crisis: Why Sector Reform Stalls as Uncertainty Mounts

Thames Water's financial crisis and the government's stalled water sector reform are creating mounting uncertainty. Credit rating agencies warn that regulatory delays could increase borrowing costs, while the company seeks £2.4 billion in additional emergency funding.

5 min read

Grid balancing costs hit nearly £50m a day as wind farms shut down

Grid balancing costs hit nearly £50m in a single day as wind farms were shut down due to transmission bottlenecks. September saw record monthly costs of £505m, with projections reaching £3.2bn annually. Infrastructure delays are driving expenses higher.

5 min read

Banks brace for tax raid in October budget as Healey weighs options

Chancellor John Healey is preparing to raise taxes on Britain's banking sector in his 28 October budget to address fiscal pressures caused by the Middle East conflict. The most likely option involves raising the bank surcharge from 3% to 8%, generating around £2.25 billion annually. Bank shares h...

10 min read