Other News

A free national financial advice service is being launched by the government.

Chancellor Alistair Darling warns people not to expect a "giveaway" when he unveils the government's Budget later this month.

The US trade deficit narrowed unexpectedly in January as fewer foreign cars and less crude oil were imported.

About 24,000 clients of HSBC's private banking operation in Switzerland had personal details stolen, the bank admits.

A firm of solicitors which worked for a leading claims management company has been shut down by the solicitors' regulator.

German carmakers Volkswagen and BMW report falling profits after the global downturn hit demand for cars.

Manchester United signs a five-year sponsorship deal with communications group Telekom Malaysia.

The validity of Portsmouth's administration will not be challenged by HM Revenue & Customs, the BBC learns.

Pink Floyd tracks may be removed from digital music services like iTunes after a High Court ruling.

The energy company Scottish Power says its gas prices will fall by around £66 a year and vulnerable customers will get extra help.

Network Rail maintenance workers vote in favour of strikes, bringing about the possibility of action over Easter.

The global airline industry will recover strongly this year, as passenger and freight numbers improve, its trade body says.

Banking group Investec is to join the FTSE 100 following the latest reshuffle of the UK stock market indexes.

The Red Knights group eyeing a possible bid for Manchester United says investment bank Nomura will advise it.

Department store group John Lewis reports a 9.7% rise in annual profits to £306.6m as staff share a bumper bonus.

Johnston Press, the owners of the Scotsman and Yorkshire Post, sees full year pre-tax profits fall by 56% to £43m.

Carmaker Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, is recalling 274,551 vehicles in Japan because of a number of possible defects.

The UK's fourth biggest supermarket group, Morrisons, reports a 30% rise in annual profits after it opens more stores.

Oil giant BP announces a $7bn (£4.7bn) deal that will allow it to begin exploring for oil off the coast of Brazil.

Greek public and transport services grind to a halt and clashes break out during a third strike over austerity measures.