Apprenticeships plan outlined by government

David Cameron has shared plans to increase the number of apprenticeship programmes that big businesses offer. Companies bidding for government contracts worth more than £10m must show they have a "reasonable proportion" of apprentices.

Royal Mail reports flat revenues

Royal Mail has reported flat revenues in the three months to 28 June as UK letter volumes continued to decline.

Tesco pays the full price for failure to offer discounts

The supermarket business is conducted in the language of wars – price wars – so embattled Tesco boss Philip Clarke probably needs to channel his favourite military hero if he is to survive the barrage heading his way.

Facebook: Italian police raid HQ in tax crackdown

Social media giant Facebook has seen its Italian headquarters raided by police as part of a growing international crackdown on tax avoidance.

Vince Cable attacks corporate 'tax abuse'

Business Secretary Vince Cable has condemned corporate tax avoidance as "completely unacceptable", saying there are "appalling stories of abuse".

Tesco unveils profits rise and £1bn investment in UK

Tesco will invest £1bn in its UK business this year in an attempt to revive its flagging domestic operation.

Barclays Bank profits fall 3% to £5.9bn

Barclays has reported a 3% fall in profits to £5.9bn for last year, hit by a slowdown at its investment bank arm.