THE first steps to provide a €1.2 billion state-backed loans scheme for start-up businesses have been announced by Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton.

Tackling the carnage on the North's roads is a priority newly appointed Environment Minister Arlene Foster said today after four deaths on a single day.

COMPETITION in the telecoms market is about to heat up with another operator announcing expansion plans.

US retail giant Wal-Mart made it a three-way fight for the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket chain today after revealing plans to enter the bidding war for Safeway.