Business

Image copyright Microsoft Image caption Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella Microsoft has pledged to remove “all of the carbon” from the environment that it has emitted since the company was founded in 1975. Chief executive Satya Nadella said he wanted to achieve the goal by 2050. To do so, the company will become “carbon negative” […]

The owners of the travel company which took over Thomas Cook’s shops last year have told BBC Radio 5 Live what they think makes them different to their predecessor. John and Irene Hays own Sunderland-based Hays Travel which saved all 555 Thomas Cook stores, protecting the jobs of more than 2,000 employees. They spoke to

Image copyright EPA The boss of Ryanair has threatened legal action over the government help given to regional carrier Flybe. Michael O’Leary has written a strongly-worded letter to the Chancellor, Sajid Javid, saying the government’s rescue of Flybe contravenes competition rules. He argues measures that are being put in place to help Flybe should be

Image copyright Reuters Flybe, the airline which has received government help to avert collapse, is planning to scrap its Newquay-Heathrow service in March. It will replace it with flights from Newquay to London’s Gatwick airport. It comes just days after ministers said the airline should receive support because of its regional connectivity. The change is

Image copyright Getty Images The number of UK pubs and bars increased for the first time in a decade during 2019, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The total number rose by 315, or 0.8%, last year to 39,130, driven by food sales. The ONS said that the first increase seen since the

Image copyright Shutterstock A super-soft foam toy has put the squeeze on sales at arts and crafts retailer The Works. The Squishy phenomenon had been a big hit for the 525-shop chain in 2018 – but has now fallen out of favour. The Works said sales fell 3.6% six months to 27 October as kids

Image copyright Getty Images Asda is launching a “sustainability store” where shoppers can fill their own containers with food. Customers at a Leeds branch will be able to use refill stations for own brand rice and pasta, as well as Kellogg’s cereals and PG Tips. Asda is the latest major grocer to launch an initiative

Extinction rebellion protesters have blocked the entrances to Shell’s Aberdeen headquarters. Activists arrived at the Altens base at about 06:30 and plan to remain at the site all day “to hold Shell to account”. The group says the protest is part of its two-week long campaign targeting the fossil fuel industry. Shell said it was

Image caption Julie Fletcher, who founded Middlesbrough shop Pie Jackers, is concerned about the high level of her rates bill Empty businesses cost taxpayers £1bn a year, prompting calls for urgent reform of the system. Some councils lose out on millions of pounds of potential business rates income through a tax relief on empty properties,

Cecily Mills dreamed of creating her own vegan ice cream company, but for a long time her fledgling business was confined to her kitchen. She explains how moving back to her parents’ house in her thirties provided the breakthrough she needed to get Coconuts Organic off the ground and into supermarkets. Video by series producer