Top personal computer maker Hewlett Packard reports a 5% profits rise thanks to strong corporate spending.

People in rural areas need to take home up to 20% more than those in urban areas to reach acceptable living standards, a report says.

The government is to cap the number of non-EU skilled migrants allowed to enter the UK at about 43,000 next year, the BBC understands.

Qantas says it is to resume flying some of its Airbus A380 aircraft on Saturday, three weeks after a mid-air engine blast.

Italian energy company ENI signs a $17bn deal with Venezuela to develop crude oil fields and build a refinery.

Shares fall on fears the Irish Republic's debt crisis could spread to other European countries with high deficits.

Pubs and restaurants group Mitchells & Butlers sees its annual pre-tax profits rise to £169m as food sales increase.

Severn Trent's pre-tax profits halve despite a rise in revenues, as the water company faces a series of exceptional charges.