Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Laura Ashley lifts high street gloom
Laura Ashley proved one of the high street's best performers with a leap in sales ahead of the crucial Christmas trading period. The clothing and interiors chain grew its total sales by 4.2 per cent in the 19 weeks to 8 December. This was ahead of City forecasts, while its sales jumped by 4.9 per cent on a like-for-like basis.
300,000 late filers face court action
More than 300,000 people who have not filed their tax returns for 2011 could face court proceedings and asset seizures if they continue to ignore the Revenue's approaches next year. HMRC said yesterday it was writing to self-assessment workers whose tax returns were so late that their penalties had now reached £1,300.
Growth in output 'could boost GDP'
Output in Britain's beleaguered construction industry grew in October, raising the prospect that the sector will boost gross domestic product in the fourth quarter and help the economy to avoid the predicted contraction. The annual decline in construction output slowed to 5.1 per cent – the lowest since February.
LSE must review LCH.Clearnet deal
The London Stock Exchange will renegotiate its deal to buy LCH.Clearnet after regulators demanded it hold more cash. The LSE's agreement to buy 60 per cent of the clearing house for €463m (£376m) was backed by the Office of Fair Trading. But new European rules could leave the business needing another €375m.
Aquiline snaps up Red Star for £87m
Aquiline Capital Partners, a private-equity firm led by the son of former AIG boss Hank Greenberg, has snapped up the Lloyd's of London insurer Equity Red Star for £87m. The deal will see Equity's owner Insurance Australia Group dispose of an asset that has been loss-making for several years.
Germany's health starts to improve
Light emerged at the end of the tunnel for the eurozone yesterday as Germany showed signs of dragging the region out of its double-dip recession. The latest snapshot of the eurozone's manufacturing and services firms revealed a shallower economic decline than feared during the first half of December.
Punters shun pubs and stay at home
Punch Taverns blamed a 5 per cent fall in sales in four months on the fact that drinkers were staying at home. The UK's largest pubs operator said the slip was in line with its forecasts and predicted a return to growth next year. It expects to sell about 400 of its non-core pubs.
Losses widen at Geldof's TV group
Sir Bob Geldof's TV production company Ten Alps fell further into the red despite attempts to improve its fortunes. The firm behind such shows as Hugh Grant: Taking on the Tabloids made a £1.7m loss in the six months to 30 September, up from a £1.1m loss a year earlier.
G4S grows South Africa operations
G4S is back on the acquisition trail after its Olympics debacle in the summer. The security giant has agreed to pay £8.2m for South African rival Deposita and could expand into nearby markets such as Botswana, Malawi, Kenya and Namibia.
Rockhopper does deal with Premier
Pierre Jungels, chairman of the Falkland Islands oil explorer Rockhopper, said he could "begin to address the under-performance of the current share price" following a deal to partner Premier Oil on its key Sea Lion development in July.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments