Car insurer and pensions giant Aviva said 2011 profits were up 6% to £2.1bn today after it boosted its share of the UK market.

Royal Bank of Scotland today said it had sold Brighton’s Hilton Metropole for £39.3m in its 11th large hotel sale since being bailed out.

Seven insurance companies – including UK giants Aviva and Royal Sun Alliance - are under investigation after the UK's consumer watchdog raised concerns over the use of industry software which could lead to illegal price co-ordination.