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January Retail Sales Surge Driven by New Year Sports Supplement Demand

January retail sales in Britain rose 1.8%, driven by increased demand for sports supplements and online jewellery amid gold price spikes, though analysts warn the growth may be temporary due to weak employment and slowing wage growth.

2 min read

Getty Images A man crouches next to shop shelves filled with sports supplements, while looking at one container of cream-coloured powder.

UK Government Records Highest Monthly Surplus in January

The UK government recorded a £30.4bn surplus in January, the highest monthly surplus since 1993, surpassing analyst expectations. Retail sales volumes also rose 1.8% from December, according to the ONS.

1 min read

Getty Images Rachel Reeves walking outside Number 11 Downing Street, smiling and wearing a green blazer.

UK Reports Record £30.4bn Budget Surplus in January Amid Strong Retail Sales

The UK posted a record £30.4bn budget surplus in January, driven by strong tax revenues and retail sales exceeding forecasts, marking the highest surplus since 1993.

3 min read

A view of the Bank of England in the city of London.

US and Indonesia Finalize Deal to Reduce Tariffs to 19%

US and Indonesia have finalized a deal reducing tariffs to 19%, covering over 99% of US imports. The agreement includes tariff exemptions, market access improvements, and $38.4bn in business deals, aiming for mutual economic growth and stronger trade relations.

3 min read

Getty Images President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto taking his seat as he attends the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington DC.

Live Nation Reports Strong Ticket Sales Amid US Monopoly Lawsuit

Live Nation posted strong 2025 revenue and concert attendance despite a looming US monopoly lawsuit. The company highlights record ticket sales for 2026 but faces criticism over ticket prices and antitrust concerns.

3 min read

Getty Images for The Recording Academy Bruno Mars performs onstage during the 68th GRAMMY Awards.

Lobbying Firm Co-Founded by Mandelson Prepares for Administration Amid Epstein Links

Global Counsel, co-founded by Peter Mandelson, is preparing for administration after client losses linked to Epstein revelations. Mandelson resigned from the board in 2024 and was dismissed as US ambassador in 2025 amid investigations.

2 min read

PA Media Lord Mandelson - wearing a dark jacket, light shirt and blue jumper - getting into a car

US Trade Deficit Reaches Record High Despite Trump's Tariffs

The US trade deficit hit a record $1.2 trillion in 2025 despite President Trump's tariffs, with imports and exports reaching new highs amid shifting trade patterns and ongoing legal challenges.

3 min read

Getty Images A green container ship loaded with containers sits docked at the Port of Oakland by two cranes on June 07, 2023 in Oakland, California.

Vertiv to Create Over 200 Jobs in Major North West Expansion

Vertiv plans to create at least 200 jobs across its facilities in Londonderry and Donegal, investing millions to meet rising AI-driven demand in data centre equipment.

3 min read

Vertiv A number of people standing side-by-side in a line near a Vertiv advertisement

Most Staff at Scottish Rocket Firm Orbex Made Redundant Amid Administration

Orbex, a Scottish rocket manufacturer with 163 employees, has made most staff redundant after entering administration. The company, developing the Prime rocket and planning a spaceport in Tongue, is in talks with over 20 potential buyers to preserve operations.

2 min read

Orbex An artist's impression of a rocket launching from Sutherland Spaceport. There is a plume of smoke below the rocket as it takes off.

Warmer UK Winter and Tariff Changes Reduce Profits at British Gas Owner

Warmer UK weather and customers switching to fixed-rate tariffs led to an £80m profit drop for Centrica in 2025, despite British Gas growing its customer base.

1 min read

Getty Images A woman dressed in striped pyjamas cooks pancakes over a gas stovetop. A glass bowl of pancake batter is on the bench beside her

Finance Minister Faces Challenge Over Paused Business Rates Revaluation

Finance Minister John O'Dowd's pause of the Reval 26 business rates revaluation has sparked legal action from Omniplex cinemas, amid concerns over fairness and significant rate increases for hospitality businesses.

5 min read

PA Media O'Dowd has grey hair and a grey beard. He is wearing a black suit and light blue shirt with a red chequered tie.

£7.5m Allocated to Redevelop Former Peboc Chemical Site in Anglesey and Create Jobs

£7.5m secured to redevelop the former Peboc chemical site in Llangefni, Anglesey, aiming to create hundreds of jobs and meet growing demand for industrial units.

5 min read