Party Politics, winner of the Grand National in the British general election year of 1992, has died at the age of 25.

Floor coverings retailer Carpetright today reported a 15.4% slump in like-for-like sales in UK and Ireland in the 13 weeks to August 2.

The boss of Coffee Republic today condemned internet bulletin boards for moving the price of the firm’s shares and damaging progress as it rolls out its franchise programme.

BRITISH chocolate maker Thorntons indicated that a Christmas rush for its confectionery had failed to materialise by revealing its sales performance had deteriorated.