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Interest rates at lowest since 1951

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:50:07 GMT

Interest rates stood at their lowest level since 1951 tonight after the Bank of England took more drastic action to prop up the UK economy.

Interest rates slashed by 1%

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:13:06 GMT

The Bank of England slashed interest rates by another 1% today as policymakers stepped up their battle to stave off a deep recession.

Exports key to survival, says Foster

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:21:03 GMT

Firms need to boost sales to export markets if they want to withstand the credit crunch, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said during a visit to several firms in the Co Antrim area which have benefited from Invest NI support.

Businesses unhappy with Queen’s Speech

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:14:52 GMT

Business groups yesterday expressed anger at government plans to introduce measures that will increase costs for firms.

Ireland’s job losses rise to 10-year high

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:14:06 GMT

The numbers joining the dole queue in the Republic surged by 16,900 people last month, bringing Ireland’s unemployment figures to their highest in over a decade.

Paying bills can help ease cash flow problems

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:12:48 GMT

Prompt payment of bills helps the cash flow of small businesses as much as any possible form of economic stimulus, it has been claimed.

Executive told to help small firms

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:12:08 GMT

The construction industry has called on the Executive to make sure small businesses are given a fair deal when bidding for public sector contracts.

Marine firm sailing into fresh export markets

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:11:12 GMT

A Co Down company which makes equipment for the marine sector has boosted exports with the help of Invest NI.

Morrisons sees sales soar by 8.1%

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:09:40 GMT

Morrisons today reported an 8.1% leap in its third-quarter sales thanks to the chain's value ranges and cut price deals.

Anyone want to buy a car?

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:00:26 GMT

Any visitor to the huge port at Los Angeles will be left in no doubt as to the dire state of the world's car industry.

Donald Trump sees his empire crumble

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:13:28 GMT

After years as perhaps the most recognisable face of capitalist success and excess, Donald Trump is suddenly bogged down in a string of legal and financial battles across his property and entertainment empire.

Donald Trump watches his empire crumble

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:13:28 GMT

RICS building awards up for grabs

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:15:57 GMT

Local construction and property professionals were last night urged to emulate the success of two internationally recognised Northern Ireland building projects.

Border shopping ‘saving us from meltdown’

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:06:34 GMT

Retailing in Northern Ireland would be “close to meltdown” were it not for the economic impact of shoppers from the Republic, a leading economist has said.

Balmoral Show to move to Maze site

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:51:59 GMT

Northern Ireland's main agricultural showgrounds are set to be relocated to the vacant Maze prison site after planning permission was granted today for the redevelopment of its current home in Belfast.

BA in talks with Qantas to create global super-airline

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:43:21 GMT

British Airways (BA) is in talks with Qantas, the Australian flag-carrier, about a merger that could help create one of the next generation of global super-airlines.

GM in desperate plea for $18bn to stay afloat

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:39:04 GMT

The three major US car makers promised to cut costs, axe executive bonuses and invest in fuel-efficient new technologies in return for access to government loans, as the latest sales figures showed the dire state of the industry.

Tesco discount drive fails to deliver

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:05:36 GMT

Tesco revealed its weakest UK sales performance since the last recession yesterday after a supermarket price war halved growth in the last quarter.

Cross-border shoppers a major boon, says bank

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:33 GMT

The economic impact of shoppers flooding across the border from the Irish Republic cannot be overstated a leading bank said in its latest review of the Northern Ireland economy today.

£180m plan to tempt John Lewis to new site

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:54:20 GMT

A multi-million pound plan to create 1,000 new jobs and to lure the John Lewis Partnership away from setting up at Sprucefield was unveiled today.

Job cuts at Aston Martin, HSBC and Halfords

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:33:49 GMT

Another 1,350 jobs were cut or threatened with the axe yesterday as a leading bank, a luxury car firm and a car accessory retailer shed labour in response to the economic downturn.

Optimism as Waterford Wedgewood restructures

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:31:20 GMT

Waterford Wedgwood is “optimistic” about raising funds following talks with potential investors, as the management team looks to put the group famous for its crystal back on track.

New Park Inn hotel brings 60 full-time jobs to Belfast

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:28:15 GMT

Another international hotel chain is opening in Belfast this month to help meet demand from the growing number of foreign visitors.

RBS guarantees homeowners a breathing space on arrears

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:25:45 GMT

Royal Bank of Scotland announced yesterday that it would give struggling homeowners at least six months before launching repossession action.

Mortgage lending slumped 70% in October

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:25:00 GMT

The housing slump seems set to worsen after official figures revealed yesterday that mortgage lending dived by nearly 70 per cent in October.