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Alstom to build UK's first battery-electric long-distance trains for northern routes

Alstom will manufacture 29 battery-electric trains at its Derby factory for TransPennine Express, with manufacturing starting in 2028 and passenger service beginning in winter 2034. The €1.2bn contract supports over 6,000 UK jobs and will improve capacity and journey times across northern England.

4 min read

A red and blue train is parked up at station

Antique shop owner relocates business 20 miles to escape £300-weekly fuel bill

An antique shop owner has relocated her business 20 miles closer to home to escape fuel costs of nearly £300 per week. Melanie Wilson's move reflects broader struggles facing rural workers across Scotland as diesel prices climb above 189p per litre amid Middle East tensions.

6 min read

A young woman, Melanie Wilson, smiling at the camera inside a shop, with bright autumnal tree leaves next to her.

Global central banks weigh rate rises as Middle East conflict stokes inflation fears

Central banks worldwide are raising or preparing to raise interest rates as Middle East conflict drives oil prices higher and inflation concerns mount. The European Central Bank has already moved, while the US Federal Reserve and Bank of England face imminent decisions.

6 min read

A woman sits at her laptop while holding her bank card in her right hand. She looks deep in thought, with her left hand on the side of her head. She has blonde hair and is wearing a yellow jumper.

US inflation holds steady at 3.4% as diesel prices surge past $6 a gallon

US inflation remained at 3.4% in August as diesel prices surged past $6 per gallon, driven by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise interest rates next week to combat persistent price pressures.

4 min read

A woman pays for fuel at a gas station with her bank card

Ex-Southern Water CEO Faces Court Over Alleged Test Manipulation Scheme

Matthew Wright, former CEO of Southern Water, appeared in court charged with conspiracy to defraud regulators over allegations that water quality tests were manipulated to avoid penalties. Seven former employees face charges relating to artificial "no-flow events" created between 2012 and 2017 to...

4 min read

Matthew Wright, a man with grey/brown hair, is pictured outside. He is wearing a suit, with a dark blue jacket over a lighter blue shirt.

Amazon seeks approval to expand UK drone deliveries across Darlington

Amazon has applied to expand its UK drone delivery trial from a limited area to cover the entire town of Darlington after completing over 500 successful flights since February 2026. The company expects Civil Aviation Authority approval very soon.

3 min read

How one couple tackled the pension gap created by parental leave

Molly and Taylor Haylett discovered that having one partner contribute to the other's pension during parental leave can protect long-term retirement savings. Their approach offers practical lessons for couples navigating the financial impact of having children.

5 min read

Molly and Taylor Haylett on a boat in the water smiling

Vance Walks Back Trump's $5,000 Dividend Promise as Republicans Hold Midterm Convention

Vice-president JD Vance qualified Trump's $5,000 dividend promise at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, suggesting payments would exclude the wealthy and be funded through tariffs. Fiscal experts questioned the proposal's viability given US deficits and debt levels.

7 min read

JD Vance at the Republican midterms conference in Dallas last night

Electric Ireland settles £750k charity payout after three-year regulatory probe

Electric Ireland has resolved a three-year Utility Regulator investigation by paying £750,000 to five charities supporting vulnerable people and child protection. The settlement closed the probe into the firm's customer communications, complaint handling and marketing practices without a fine.

5 min read

A householder switching on a domestic electricity socket to turn on a silver kettle on a kitchen counter. A silver milk jug and a blue striped mug are also on the counter.

Oil and gas prices surge past $100 as Middle East conflict deepens, pushing up borrowing costs

Oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel and natural gas hit multi-year highs as US-Iran conflict intensifies, disrupting Middle East supplies. Rising energy costs are pushing up inflation fears and government bond yields to their highest levels since 2007, raising borrowing costs for governmen...

4 min read

Person wearing a black leather jacket filling up their car from the petrol pump

Trump doubles down on $5,000 dividend pledge as nation marks 25th 9/11 anniversary

Trump reiterated his $5,000 dividend pledge at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, defending the proposal as the nation marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The plan has drawn criticism from economists and Democrats over its $1.2 trillion annual cost and funding mechanisms.

7 min read

a man gives two thumbs up while on stage

SEC unveils £180m expansion with floating Clyde platform and new city quarter

Glasgow's SEC campus owners have unveiled £180 million expansion plans including a floating platform on the River Clyde and a new outdoor concert venue, transforming 64 acres of parking land into a vibrant urban district with shops, bars, and hotels.

4 min read

Artist's impression of the expanded SEC campus. The large. circular OVO Hydro music venue - lit up green - is prominent as is the nearby Armadillor music venue.

A circular platform, lit up, is sitting on the River Clyde.

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