UK manufacturing on brink of recession

There was more evidence today of a worsening UK economy after official data showed a bigger than expected decline in manufacturing output.

Construction industry calls for ‘kick-start’

Scotland's builders have demanded government help in restoring industry morale after it was revealed that 60% of construction firms are concerned about the impact of a faltering economy on their businesses.

	Rosyth pension in surplus
	The pension fund for workers at Rosyth Royal Dockyard soared to a £4.3m surplus last year, just months after industrial unrest over increased contributions by workers.

Caution becomes the watchword at many small firms

Figures published today show that many small- and medium-sized companies are putting investment decisions on hold amid economic uncertainty.

Housebuilders cannot escape vicious circle

Analysis: Shares in the UK’s leading housebuilders are falling faster than a jerry-built bungalow, and City analysts say there is no end in sight to the bad news that has rocked the sector in past months.

Play economy blame game then move on

I have not felt as depressed about the domestic and global economic outlook for many a long year. Discussion is now turning to the vexed question of who is to blame.

Lawrie lifts turnover to £81m on rig work

Former rag-and-bone company John Lawrie Group last year turned over £81m and saw operating profits surge 10% to £4.5m as it capitalised on North Sea oil rig decommissioning and expansion overseas.

Of words and wooden wonders

SME Focus: In this week’s SME Focus, a veteran entrepreneur and former wordsmith for The Wombles explains why he decided to launch an upmarket furniture venture just as the credit crunch started to get nasty.

Heineken forced to restate S&N profits

Brewer Heineken is set to restate profits for Scottish & Newcastle by up to 10% after discovering discrepancies in the groups accounts, it was reported today.

	US investor pulls out of Bradford & Bingley rescue
	Bradford & Bingley's shares fell 18% yesterday after a US investor abandoned a scheme to rebuild the capital cushion of the UK's largest buy-to-let lender.

Crude oil price eases as Iranians respond to offer

The price of black gold fell from near-record highs yesterday as geopolitical tensions eased after Iran said it had given a "constructive" response to the incentives package offered by six world powers aimed at resolving a stand-off over Tehran's disputed nuclear ambitions.

Barratt job losses rattle foundations of building sector

The battered UK housebuilding sector suffered another blow yesterday when Barratt Developments and two other firms said they planned to cut more than 1200 jobs as they push for cost cuts to endure a rapidly worsening market.

‘It’s a good time to be in business’

Saturday Interview: John McGlynn, founder of Scotland’s largest car park firm has sights on a £100m business empire, writes Douglas Hamilton

The economy? We’re all losing sleep over it

Business Diary:No self-respecting financial journalist these days turns down the opportunity to link the most spurious phenomena to the credit crunch, writes Tim Sharp

Origin Energy blasts BG approach

BG Group's ambitious expansion plans suffered a blow yesterday after Origin Energy, Australia's second largest power retailer, rejected a A$13.7bn (£6.7bn) takeover bid from the UK natural gas producer because it under-valued the company.

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