Christmas parcels: the best ways to send them in the UK – and the last posting dates
From picking Royal Mail or a courier firm to avoiding post office queues, here’s how to have a stress-free experience
Friday briefing: After constant leaks and a resignation, is the OBR still fit for purpose?
In today’s newsletter: Critics say the OBR’s growing influence has outpaced its accountability, raising questions about whether it serves the public, the Treasury, or the markets
Regulators to announce plans to bolster mutuals after Labour vows to double £223bn sector
Bank of England and FCA to join city minister in Rochdale amid plans to streamline regulation and expand expert support
Explaining UK debt with biscuits: Labour MPs get the hang of viral content
Gordon McKee, whose explainer has racked up 3m views, leads way as party tries to harness power of social media
Skipton in Yorkshire named happiest place to live in Great Britain
Access to nature and essential services and friendliness of the people led ‘gateway to the Dales’ to top Rightmove index
‘Tough market conditions’ hit UK half-year retail sales at Frasers Group
Owner of Sports Direct chain says consumer confidence ‘very subdued’ with sales at sports division down 5.8%
Versace creative director leaves shortly after fashion house’s $1.4bn sale to Prada
Dario Vitale exits after one season, having taken the helm from Donatella Versace
Dryrobe wins trademark case against rival waterproof changing coat D-Robe
Favourite with cold water swimmers wins court case in London forcing brand to stop selling infringing items
Budget uncertainty triggers plunge in UK construction activity; Trustpilot shares slump after short-seller claims – as it happened
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Rachel Reeves will not be investigated over pre-budget briefing, FCA says
Regulator leaves door open for follow-up as it rejects calls for formal inquiry into claims against Treasury officials
What has gone wrong at Zipcar – and is UK car-sharing market dead?
Vehicle hire firms have struggled to succeed in London but other European countries offer examples to follow
UK construction sector ‘suffers sharpest slowdown since first Covid lockdown’
Separate data finds jobs were cut at fastest rate in four years but experts suggest figures skewed by budget speculation
Crypto investor gives £9m to Reform UK as donations exceed those to Tories
Christopher Harborne’s record gift revealed in Electoral Commission figures prompts renewed calls for cap on political donations
UK’s small brewers call for chancellor to think again on business rates
Trade group tells Rachel Reeves her property tax changes threaten the survival of community pubs
Is the UK economy really as bad as we think it is? Here is the truth of the matter
From income to home ownership and public services, everybody is disgruntled – but for different reasons, says economist Jonathan Swarbrick