Figures revealed a surprise contraction in the economy in January, in a blow to Rachel Reeves ahead of her spring statement.

The banking group has said it expects to return to private ownership by the middle of this year.

Groceries and retail accounted for about one-sixth of order income last year, but founder Will Shu said this could reach 50% or more.

Investors sold shares amid concerns a national ticketing app could hurt the firm’s current dominant position in the market.

The delivery giant, which has been branching out from takeaway food to groceries, said the UK is facing an ‘uncertain’ consumer environment.

The Competition and Markets Authority said the tech giants’ duopoly was ‘not working well, and this is holding back innovation’.

The US president imposed global tariffs on steel and aluminium heading into the US on Tuesday night.

Experts warned against ‘the siren calls of protectionism’ amid fears the latest trade war escalation could derail economic growth.

The low-cost gym operator said it plans to open 16 more sites across the UK this year.

Adam Winslow was handed the deal as the company prepares for a £3.7 billion takeover by rival insurer Aviva.

The chain’s UK and Ireland boss said increases to the minimum wage and taxes will force it to hike prices later on in 2025.

The building society said the move, which will cost about £600 million, is to thank customers after the banking megadeal last year.

The FTSE 100 company will post its financial results for last year on March 11.

When asked about the effect his tariffs were having on markets, Mr Trump blamed ‘globalist’ countries for taking things from the US ‘many years ago’.

Royal Mail has more than doubled the price of first-class stamps since 2020, when they cost 76p.

Builders have pointed to an improving market in 2024, helped by falling interest rates in the second half of the year.

About 65,000 John Lewis shop workers will get a raise of at least 7.4% while Currys’ 15,000 retail staff will get a 6% increase.

London’s top stock index lagged behind European counterparts for a second day running, continuing its drop from recent record highs.

Tufan Erginbilgic had received a £7.5 million buyout in company shares the previous year, to make up for him leaving his old job in private equity.