Business

More in Business

AstraZeneca chief urges drugmakers to move at ‘Chinese speed’

Pascal Soriot said AstraZeneca and other western drugmakers must move at “Chinese speed” to avoid falling behind more innovative rivals, while the company reported first-half 2026 revenue up 6%.

4 min read

Oil falls as US and Iran pause attacks

Oil prices fell sharply after the US and Iran paused attacks, with Brent crude dropping more than 9% as markets weighed hopes for talks against ongoing uncertainty.

4 min read

Businessman and philanthropist Sir Ian Wood dies aged 84

Aberdeen businessman and philanthropist Sir Ian Wood has died aged 84. His family said he died peacefully at home and remembered his kindness, generosity and commitment.

1 min read

Oil falls below $90 as US-Iran tensions ease; AstraZeneca beats forecasts

Oil slipped below $90 a barrel as US-Iran tensions eased, while Vodafone, DCC Energy, Shein and AstraZeneca all reported major updates.

6 min read

Nissan repair delay puts driving instructor’s livelihood at risk

A self-employed driving instructor in Eastbourne says Nissan’s repair delays left him paying for a car he could not use and forced him to hire a replacement vehicle.

3 min read

CXMT becomes mainland China’s most valuable listed firm

CXMT surged more than 470% on its Shanghai debut, lifting its valuation to about 3.3 trillion yuan and making it mainland China’s most valuable listed firm.

3 min read

Shein posts quarterly loss as US trade rules hit sales

Shein reported a quarterly loss after US tariff changes hit sales, while also outlining plans for a Hong Kong listing and noting pressure from the Iran war.

4 min read

Would you take £50,000 now or a 50/50 shot at £1m?

A YouGov survey found 73% would take £50,000 now rather than a 50/50 chance of £1m, with women especially likely to choose the guaranteed cash.

3 min read

Northern Ireland home heating oil prices jump £100 in three weeks

Northern Ireland home heating oil prices have risen sharply, with the average cost of 500 litres up nearly £99 in three weeks as households worry about winter bills.

2 min read

Pubs add £150m in World Cup sales as England reach semi-finals

Pubs gained £150m in extra World Cup sales as England reached the semi-finals, while some restaurants struggled in hot weather.

4 min read

Family calls for ‘Adrian’s law’ after former Vodafone manager’s death

Adrian Howe’s family are urging the government to introduce “Adrian’s law” after he was found drowned days before his Vodafone franchise was due to open.

4 min read

Primark cuts prices to lure shoppers in online price war

Primark is cutting prices on hundreds of items as it faces pressure from Shein, Temu and other rivals. Analysts say the move is meant to pull in value-focused shoppers.

5 min read