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Lidl's Updated Loyalty Scheme Faces Criticism from Shoppers

Lidl's updated loyalty scheme, replacing coupons with points, has drawn criticism from shoppers who feel it offers less value than before. Lidl says the changes provide better savings and align with competitors, while a retail analyst notes the system is more controllable long-term.

3 min read

Getty Images A red, blue, and yellow Lidl sign above a Lidl supermarket with shoppers entering.

Nissan to Consolidate UK Production Line and Cut 900 Jobs Across Europe

Nissan will merge two production lines at Sunderland without job losses there but plans to cut 900 jobs across Europe, including warehouse closures and imports to Nordic countries.

2 min read

Reuters A worker uses a hoist to move components along the production line for the Qashqai model car at the Nissan car factory in Sunderland.

UK Homebuyers Face Worst Mortgage Affordability Since 2008, UK Finance Reports

UK homebuyers face the highest mortgage affordability pressures since 2008, with significant regional disparities and increased costs following the Iran war, UK Finance reports.

3 min read

UK 30-Year Borrowing Costs Reach Highest Since 1998 Amid Oil Price Surge and Political Uncertainty

UK 30-year borrowing costs hit highest since 1998 amid oil price surge and political uncertainty. UK car sales rise driven by EV demand. HSBC profits fall due to Iran war impact and fraud. Philippines inflation hits 3-year high amid rising costs.

12 min read

Edinburgh Winter Festival Boosts City Economy by £241m, Report Finds

Edinburgh's winter festival generated £241m for the local economy in 2025/26, with over 115,000 attending Hogmanay events and significant community benefits reported.

3 min read

Getty Images A large luminous sign saying the word 'Edinburgh' in front of a huge Ferris Wheel lit up in blue and white.

Cynnal Bro Machno yn codi dros £145,000 i brynu tafarn Yr Eagles ym Mhenmachno

Mae grŵp Cynnal Bro Machno wedi codi dros £145,000 mewn cyfranddaliadau i brynu tafarn Yr Eagles ym Mhenmachno, gan sicrhau dyfodol y dafarn fel canolfan gymunedol a chymraeg bwysig.

3 min read

Llun o dafarn wedi'i adeiladu allan o gerrig gydag awyr cymylog tu ôl iddo.

Northern Ireland Economy to Grow by Just 0.7% Amid Rising Costs

Northern Ireland's economy is expected to grow by 0.7% in 2026 due to rising energy costs and global volatility, while the Republic of Ireland forecasts 2.7% growth amid ongoing uncertainties.

2 min read

Getty Images Pound coins and a 5,10,20 and 50 pound note

Tech Leader Proposes 'Minimum Wage for Robots' to Curb AI Job Losses

Tech entrepreneur Charles Radclyffe urges a 'minimum wage for robots' tax to manage AI's impact on jobs, warning of rapid automation risks. Meanwhile, Welsh manufacturers embrace AI cautiously, and political parties outline varied AI strategies ahead of the Senedd election.

6 min read

Getty Images A humanoid robot being demonstrated at an event. With the stance of a human, its arms, torso and pelvis are silver brushed metal, with black joints and black hands. The face is a hollow ring that glows icy blue around the perimeter. In the background is a display board with large images of the same robot, while human hands reach out to shake the robot's black hands.

Scotland's Vape Boom: Exploring the Surge in Retail Outlets and Its Impact

Scotland has seen a 28% rise in vape retailers since 2020, concentrated in deprived areas like Greenock. Experts warn of health risks and youth uptake amid concerns over unregulated growth.

6 min read

Shelves stacked with colourful vape products - e-cigarettes of all sizes and shapes. There are neon-coloured stickers saying 'No ID, No Sale' and others advertising offers and discounts. Sofy Saleem stands on the right, BBC reporter David Wallace Lockhart stands on the left.

Kirsty Young’s Loch Lomond Island Listed for £3 Million with Luxury Lodge Option

Kirsty Young’s private Loch Lomond island, home to Scotland's only wild wallabies, is for sale at £3m with luxury lodge plans available.

3 min read

Sotheby's Inchconnachan island - a heavily wooded land amid a loch

GameStop Proposes $56 Billion Unsolicited Bid to Acquire eBay

GameStop has made a $56 billion unsolicited offer to acquire eBay, valuing the company at $125 per share, about 20% above its recent closing price. CEO Ryan Cohen envisions eBay as a major competitor to Amazon and has secured $20 billion in debt financing from TD Bank.

1 min read

Reuters/Nick Zieminski A GameStop store is seen in the Jackson Heights neighbourhood of Queens, New York City

How the US Economy Performs Amid Iran Conflict Will Influence Voters

The US economy showed 2% growth in Q1 2026 despite the Iran conflict's energy shock. Rising costs and inflation challenge voters ahead of midterms.

4 min read

Getty Images Donald Trump, against a backdrop of American flags, points to a crowd and smiles while wearing a navy blue suit with a long red tie.

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