Internet retailing giant Amazon is offering its online customers access to Royal Mail's Local Collect "click and collect" network.

Optimism among companies in the UK services sector is at its lowest for 21 months, according to a survey by the CBI.

Business leaders say tax reform is needed for the North Sea oil sector after a survey suggests confidence has fallen sharply.

Australian health insurer Medibank made its stock market debut after raising A$5.679bn (£3.1bn; $4.9bn) in Asia's biggest public offering in two years.

Kingfisher, the owner of the B&Q DIY chain, has blamed "particularly difficult" trading conditions in France for a fall in third quarter profits.

Gross mortgage lending has fallen by almost £1bn at Nationwide, adding to evidence that tighter controls on lending may be curbing borrowing.

Sony Pictures Entertainment has been targeted by computer hackers in an attack which reports say has forced the company to shut down its corporate network.

Mitchells & Butler (M&B), the pubs and restaurants group, has reported a drop in profit for the year despite a rise in sales.