MPH 2008

Japan's regional banks to receive public funds

Government prepares to use emergency scheme, dashing hopes that Japanese banks are immune to global turmoil

Inflation ... Northern Rock ... Cadbury: Tempus at lunchtime

The signs are inflation could be peaking ... Northern Rock's Together mortgage trouble ... Cadbury's disappoints

Bellway stays in the black with home incentives

Housebuilder prevents further deterioration in its order book by offering first-time buyers deals on stamp duty

Could history repeat itself at British Land?

Stephen Hester's move to head RBS creates an attractive vacancy as chief executive, and Jamie Ritblat must be a contender

Emerging market sales boost SSL

China, India and Eastern Europe boost revenue at the Durex to foot cream maker

Inflation ... Northern Rock ... Cadbury: Tempus at lunchtime

The signs are inflation could be peaking ... Northern Rock's Together mortgage trouble ... Cadbury's disappoints

Merger talk bolsters shares in GM and Ford

Investors were buoyed by the prospect of a giant American carmaker that could withstand the pressures of a weak global market

Thousands of jobs at risk in GM merger

GM and Chrysler could merge in a desperation deal that would lead to tens of thousands of job losses

Emerging market sales boost SSL

China, India and Eastern Europe boost revenue at the Durex to foot cream maker

Philips sales hit as consumers stop spending

Shares in the Dutch electronics giant fall 8 per cent as group announces it will slow its share buyback programme

GM plans auction of key assets

With its shares trading at a 58-year low, the carmaker is understood to be considering a sale of subsidiary operations

US group set to win British missile plant

Jacobs is tipped to win auction for stake, which was put up for sale after ministers decided to break up British Nuclear Fuels

Whitbread defies gloom with 24% profits rise

Premier Inn and Costa coffee operator lifts like-for-like sales by 7 per cent but warns over slowing growth as conditions worsen

TUI Travel owners consider private ownership

Analysts said that any offer would have to be pitched at more than 260p a share to be considered by minority shareholders

ITV may switch off from public service

Michael Grade’s hope is to modernise ITV with a once-and-for-all settlement with the regulator and government

Michael Grade warns ITV stars ‘must take a pay cut’

Stars may have to take a pay cut as the broadcaster battles to trim its budgets while advertising income plunges

Limited storage forces importers to give away gas

Prices tumbled at the weekend as low a 0p due to a lack of storage and are likely to fall again as demand for gas weakens

EDF considers the sale of Eggborough power station

The sale of British Energy's sole coal-fired power station at Eggborough may clear competition hurdles for the French company

Tea, coffee, cornflakes and a visit to the midwife

Going to a clinic based in a supermarket is easier and less intimidating for women who do not visit their GP regularly

Britain's biggest union heads for dramatic split

The Times has learnt the T&G section of Unite has sought legal advice about pulling out of its merger with the Amicus

Baugur insists that administration is unlikely

Icelandic group that controls a swath of the UK high street denies it has lined up administrators as Sir Philip Green circles

JJB sells off lifestyle business for £20m

The sportswear retailer strikes deal with trade buyer to off-load 100 of its Original Shoe Co and Qube stores

Philips sales hit as consumers stop spending

Shares in the Dutch electronics giant fall 8 per cent as group announces it will slow its share buyback programme

Software firms defy the gloom

Sector is bringing in new business worth millions, study shows

Business big shot: Neil Berkett

The New Zealander who was brought in as head of Virgin Media has a reputation for being a measured, pragmatic chief executive

Virgin Media nears debt package deal

The cable giant is seeking the consent of its senior lenders to postpone the dates of repayments on its £4bn debt pile

TUI Travel owners consider private ownership

Analysts said that any offer would have to be pitched at more than 260p a share to be considered by minority shareholders

In tough times, Kellogg's and Andrex share a lift

Kellogg's Cornflakes will soon be arriving at shops with Kimberly-Clark loo roll, thanks to the rising cost of fuel

Limited storage forces importers to give away gas

Prices tumbled at the weekend as low a 0p due to a lack of storage and are likely to fall again as demand for gas weakens

EDF considers the sale of Eggborough power station

The sale of British Energy's sole coal-fired power station at Eggborough may clear competition hurdles for the French company