Lloyds Banking Group says it will ensure that 40% of its 5,000 senior workforce is made up of women within the next six years, up from 28% currently.

Forecasters Ernst and Young warns a price bubble is forming in the London housing market as a separate report suggests curbs on foreign property buyers.

A group of landowners in the Sussex Downs National Park are mounting a "legal blockade" by denying a fracking firm permission to deny under the land.

A survey of business confidence by accountancy industry body the ICAEW records its highest reading yet - although weak exports give cause for concern.

Porsche's chairman Wolfgang Porsche and board member Ferdinand Piech are sued by seven hedge funds over its failed takeover bid for Volkswagen.

Ryanair makes a loss in the final three months of last year as lower fares and the weakness of sterling hurt trading.

Lloyds Banking Group says it is increasing its provision for the mis-selling of payment protection insurance (PPI) by another £1.8bn, bringing the total to nearly £10bn.

Eurozone manufacturing grows strongly in January on the back of new orders, a closely-watched business survey suggests, with Germany leading the way.