Employers in England rate qualified apprentices as 15% more employable than those with other qualifications, a survey of 500 firms suggests.

Portugal's prime minister says a court ruling striking down parts of the budget means it will have to make other deep spending cuts to avoid a second bailout.

Borders online tyre firm Blackcircles.com reports a 30% increase in sales and has ambitions to grow into a £100m business.

An American tidal power company has announced plans to establish a base in Scotland, supported by Scottish Enterprise cash.

Manchester United's Carrington training ground is to be renamed in a deal worth around £15m a season.

The Japanese yen drops to its lowest level since 2008 against the US dollar after the central bank begins the latest round of its economic stimulus programme.

The new system of disability benefits begins for new claimants in some areas, as critics express fears that support will be reduced.

The new tax on plastic carrier bags comes into effect in Northern Ireland later.