The updated figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that the UK's dominant services sector, which accounts for three quarters of national output, drove the recovery - growing 0.6pc over the three months.

Cutting the number of its high street stores helped Mothercare narrow losses in its UK division as the retailer attempted to yank its struggling home market into profitability by 2015.

The new regulator said the unit was unable to show it was giving clients the right advice. "Although no detriment to customers has been identified to date, the failings exposed customers to the risk that they would be given incorrect advice and inappropriate ...

HONG KONG - A stock sell-off in Tokyo led to moderate declines in equity markets across Europe and Asia on Thursday, and Wall Street appeared to be headed for a weak start, amid concerns about global growth and uneasiness about the daring shock ...

By Toni Vorobyova. LONDON | Thu May 23, 2013 7:22am EDT. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's top shares slid from 13-year peaks on Thursday, battered by weak Chinese economic data and signs the U.S.

China's manufacturing is contracting in May for the first time in seven months, adding to signs that economic growth is losing steam for a second quarter.

Business leaders and politicians have raised concerns over the future of Inverness's links with London Gatwick. A three-times-a-day service operated by Flybe is in doubt following the airline's decision to sell all of its take-off and landing slots at Gatwick.

A euro-area services and factory output gauge increased more than economists forecast in May, adding to signs the currency bloc is starting to emerge from its record-long recession.

The benefits of UK investment in renewable power that will add �100 a year to household energy bills are in jeopardy and should be bolstered with an approach that would add a further �20, the government's climate watchdog has said.

LONDON�SABMiller PLC warned weaker demand for lager in the U.S. and volatile markets in Latin America are putting pressure on its beer sales, echoing comments from other major brewers about the industry's prospects.