TSB will return to the British stock market for the first time in nearly two decades next month after taxpayer-backed owner Lloyds Banking Group announced its long-awaited flotation.

Three former senior executives with Goodbody Stockbrokers will not disclose confidential information obtained by them in their old jobs to their new employer, investment managers Tilman Brewin Dolphin Ltd, the High Court has been told.

Portrush will live up to its famous road sign in four weeks’ time when it becomes the “Major Golf Capital of the World” for the first Ulster staging of the Irish Open for 59 years.

Gold prices stuck close to record highs today as lingering worries over the stability of the eurozone sent investors into the traditional safe haven.

LIVERPOOL’S failure to qualify for the Champions League next season could cost the club upwards of £25 million (€27.8m), according to a leading football finance analyst.

LIVERPOOL’S American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett may face difficult decisions regarding their continued involvement at Anfield but the future of the club is not under threat.

Liverpool’s American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett may face some difficult decisions regarding their continued involvement at Anfield but the future of the club is not under threat.

Halifax Bank of Scotland enjoyed a rare day in the sun today as it was buoyed by renewed confidence over its takeover by Lloyds TSB.

Embattled buy-to-let specialist Bradford & Bingley's prospects as a standalone lender are looking bleak, City analysts warned today.

The Premier League’s new owners have been hit by the credit crunch as they attempt to provide their managers with summer transfer kitties.

The crisis at US investment bank Bear Stearns will add to the funding pressure on UK banks and a squeeze on borrowers despite falling interest rates, experts warned.

Investors are pinning their hopes on another good year for the FTSE 100 Index in 2007, buoyed by fresh takeover activity and higher commodity prices.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell believes qualification for the Champions League knockout stages has given the club a “foundation” to strengthen the squad.

Celtic shares soared 15% today after the Scottish football club qualified for the second stage of the Champions League for the first time.

IT MAY be a difficult name to chant, but if Roman Abramovich can divert just a fraction of his wealth into the running of Chelsea football club he may well become the fans’ new favourite.

Companies reporting in Britain in the week beginning February 24 include:

After a tumultuous year on the stock market UK analysts are predicting better news for investors in 2003.

The Footsie index of 100 blue-chip stocks has recovered from an earlier 30-point fall to stand 0.4 points ahead of its opening price at 5796.5 by lunchtime.