The pace of the UK’s economic recovery will slow early next year as demand slackens in the wake of a planned VAT hike, the CBI warned today.

Fresh signs of a recovery in the British manufacturing sector were revealed today as a report showed optimism at its highest level for more than a year.

Two clergymen who witnessed the decommissioning of IRA weapons will be honoured for their role in the key chapter of the peace process, it was announced today.

West Brom returned to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship after Zoltan Gera’s second-half goal earned the Baggies a 1-0 win at Wolves.

Non-league Havant and Waterlooville gave Liverpool a scare – but a hat-trick from Yossi Benayoun ended their FA Cup dreams as the home side ran out 5-2 winners at Anfield.

The business world has paid tribute to former ICI chief and TV personality John Harvey-Jones, who died after a long illness.

The CBI today cut its forecast for UK economic growth following the recent turmoil in credit markets.

The collapse of the Christmas savings club Farepak has had an impact on the image of British business, the leader of the CBI said today.

An imminent move in interest rates appeared unlikely today after it emerged seven out of eight Bank of England policymakers voted for no change this month.

Plymouth restored their five-point cushion at the top of Division Two after a 2-1 win over fourth-placed, 10-man Swindon.