Autumn Statement: Business rate rises to be capped

Increases in business rates in England are to be capped at 2%, instead of being linked to inflation, the Chancellor, George Osborne, has announced.

McDonald's ties nine out of 10 workers to zero-hours contracts

McDonald's has emerged as potentially the biggest zero-hours employer in the private sector after admitting that it employs 90% of its entire workforce in Britain, or 82,800 staff, on the controversial terms.

Mortgage rates set for fall, Bank of England survey shows

Mortgage rates are about to drop “significantly” over the next three months, a Bank of England survey discovered, offering an extra boost to the housing market in the wake of government measures unveiled in the Budget.

'Buddy' scheme to give more multinationals access to ministers

The government is expanding a controversial scheme which pairs dozens of multinational companies with a ministerial "buddy", giving them privileged access to the heart of government, the Guardian has learned.

Kay Review: Government to be more active on takeovers

The government says it will take "a greater interest" in mergers and acquisitions involving UK companies as part of its response to the Kay Review. Its comments came in response to the Kay Review into how to discourage short-termism in markets.

Bank deals dry up after turmoil in the eurozone

The level of British banking deals - a bellweather for the UK economy - has plummeted by two thirds over the last year, knocked by turmoil in the eurozone.

UK companies remain optimistic, surveys suggest

UK companies remain confident despite the UK economy entering a double-dip recession, two new surveys suggest.

French Connection reviews UK stores as profits fall

Fashion retailer French Connection has said it is reviewing its UK store operations after reporting a sharp fall in profits.