Many firms ‘have not considered Brexit effect’

Why is it so hard to reach a Brexit deal? Only half of UK firms that trade internationally have considered the impact of Brexit on their business, says the British Chambers of Commerce. It said only 52% of them had carried out a risk assessment ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period on […]
Sex: What are the chances?

David Spiegelhalter Features correspondent (Copyright: Thinkstock) When things get intimate, what are the chances of getting pregnant… or even dying of a heart attack? Sex: everyone – well almost everyone – does it. But like so many other fun activities, it carries its fair share of risks. Unwanted pregnancies and getting a nasty disease are […]
Government ‘will support agriculture in no-deal’

Conor Macauley BBC NI Agriculture & Environment Correspondent Government “will support agriculture if no-deal Brexit happens” The government is prepared to support the agricultural sector if needed in a no-deal Brexit, a cabinet minister has said. Defra secretary Theresa Villiers met representatives of NI’s agri-food industry in Belfast on Wednesday. Her comments follow stark warnings […]
The artists who shocked Europe

Cath Pound Features correspondent Alamy Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele were two titans of Viennese art who shared a firm friendship and an artistic free will that scandalised many, writes Cath Pound. At first glance there is little to suggest a connection between Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Klimt was the archetypical sensualist who portrayed […]
White Paper sets out post-Brexit rules for migrants

The home secretary sidesteps a question about immigration targets The measure, which would last until 2025, is intended to protect parts of the economy reliant on overseas labour. The idea was described as “shocking” by campaign group Migration Watch. Home Secretary Sajid Javid said the new system would be based on UK needs rather than […]
Film’s struggle to help us understand the pain of dementia

Hannah Strong Features correspondent Alamy New Anthony Hopkins film The Father is a big step forward for the on-screen depiction of the condition. Can it help shift the conversation around it more broadly, asks Hannah Strong. My family realised my great-grandmother had dementia after she accused my mother of stealing her Christmas presents. Incandescent, Great […]
‘Wylfa supply chain jobs could drain away to England’

Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent BBC Fruit and vegetable supplier Ffrwythau D.J. Fruits in Porthmadog cannot find premises to expand Jobs created by a £12bn nuclear power plant could be lost to England because of a lack of business premises, according to a property expert. The Wylfa Newydd plant would employ around 9,000 people, […]
Cannabis-laced beer and dog treats excite big firms

Jill Treanor & Daniele Palumbo BBC News Reuters Big companies are scrambling to grab a share of the $150bn (£119bn) global cannabis market, eyeing products as diverse as beer and dog treats. The report by the ratings agency says growth may be volatile, because of the changing regulatory framework. But it points to growth in […]
Nigeria’s Supreme Court rules CBN naira redesign invalid

Nduka Orjinmo BBC News, Abuja Getty Images Some people queued overnight outside banks to try and get cash Nigeria’s Supreme Court has ruled that old banknotes remain legal tender until the end of the year, bringing relief to millions affected by a chaotic redesign of the naira notes. The justices said that not enough notice […]
Whisky production to resume despite virus concerns

Andrew Picken BBC Scotland News SWA A number of whisky bottling plants which suspended work due to coronavirus are set to reopen. The GMB Scotland union says facilities owned by Edrington, Inver House and North British have approached staff about coming back to work. Other firms in the whisky and spirits industry, such as Diageo […]