Fuel poverty scheme applicant cap ‘needed to manage funds’
Getty Images The scheme has been inundated with applications The communities minister has said a daily cap on the number of people who can apply for a fuel poverty scheme is to ensure the funding lasts until March. Deirdre Hargey said the limit, set at 333 applications, was about “managing” the £2m available. Applicants have […]
US sets date for additional $16bn in tariffs on China products
Why the US-China trade war will hit most of our pockets The US has said it will impose further tariffs on Chinese goods starting 23 August, as a trade war between the world’s two biggest economies continues. The top US trade body said the 25% import taxes would apply to about $16bn (£12b.3bn) of annual […]
Barmacks outline ‘path to success’ for Motherwell
Erik and Courtney Barmack say their proposed investment in Motherwell can “usher in a new era of prosperity” for the Fir Park club. The US-based couple aim to provide £1.95m over a six-year period, with the offer contingent on the Well Society contributing £1.35m over the same time. The board of supporters’ group the Well […]
Can firms stop stocks running low?
Thinkstock Stockpiling is moving up the agenda as Brexit approaches. Concerns about shortages of food, medicines, car parts and much else as the UK adjusts to life outside the EU are growing. Premier Foods, the company behind Bisto and Mr Kipling, is the latest firm to say it will build stocks of raw materials. It […]
Hull man with disability is ‘proud to have my vote, my voice’
BBC James Walker has Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome – a severe form of epilepsy A man from Hull unable to walk or talk is urging others with learning disabilities not to give up their vote in the General Election. James Walker, 26, who has Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, said he would be heading to his local polling station on […]
Giant bluefin tuna return in Wales a ‘massive opportunity’
Getty Images The Atlantic bluefin tuna is one of the fastest fish in the world and can reach speeds of more than 40mph The return of giant bluefin tuna to waters off the Welsh coast presents a “massive opportunity” for science and tourism, fishing groups have said. The fish disappeared from UK waters during the […]
How Microsoft and Nvidia bet correctly to leapfrog Apple
Getty Images Under Jensen Huang’s leadership Nvidia has seen its share price soar Life comes at you fast. Last month, AI chip giant Nvidia briefly became the world’s richest company, overtaking Microsoft, which had in turn risen above Apple. When this news was mentioned on stage at a tech industry event I attended in Copenhagen, […]
Darlington Cepac packaging workers strike over terms changes
BBC Staff are planning to strike for four weeks Workers at a company that makes packaging for Greggs, Costa and Subway have gone on strike for four weeks. About 55 staff at Cepac in Darlington are taking action over proposed changes to their terms and conditions. The Unite union is fighting conditions attached to a […]
Northern Ireland farming industry profits rose by 8% last year
BBC The Northern Ireland farming industry saw its profit rise by 8% in real terms in 2021, up from £463m to £501m, official figures suggest. The profit is calculated by assessing the value of output and subsidies and subtracting the cost of production and finance. Total turnover rose by 9% to £2.43bn while input costs […]
Liz Truss and Jacob Rees-Mogg among big-name Conservative losses
Some of the most notable Conservative losses this election Former prime minister Liz Truss has lost her seat in Labour’s landslide election victory, as the Conservatives slump to a historic defeat. She lost her South West Norfolk constituency to Labour by 630 votes, having previously held a huge 24,180 majority. The ex-premier was among a […]