Image copyright Getty Images Income inequality between the richest and poorest in the UK widened last year, official figures show, as benefits were squeezed but wages rose. The richest fifth of the population saw incomes rise by 4.7%, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. The average income of the poorest fifth, in contrast, shrunk …

Image copyright PA The pound has hit a 21-month high against the euro following increasing speculation of a delay to Brexit. At one point, sterling was up by nearly one euro cent at €1.1643, its highest since May 2017. Prime Minister Theresa May said in the Commons that if no deal is agreed and if …

Image copyright Getty Images Marks and Spencer (M&S) and Ocado have confirmed they are “in discussions” about a £1.8bn joint venture. Shares in both companies jumped on the news about the deal, which would give M&S a food delivery service for the first time. The London Evening Standard said any deal would see M&S pay …

Image copyright Reuters Black cab drivers have lost a legal challenge which argued that Uber’s London operating licence was granted by a biased judge. The United Cabbies Group (UCG) said the decision to give Uber a 15-month permit in June was “tainted by actual or apparent bias”. The “probationary” licence was granted after Transport for …

Image copyright Reuters Housebuilder Persimmon has reported annual profits of £1.091bn and named Dave Jenkinson as chief executive after last year’s row over his predecessor. The firm’s previous chief executive, Jeff Fairburn, left last year following a row over his £75m pay package. The results come a day after shares in Persimmon fell 5% fell …

Ravita Pannu dreamed of being a make-up artist but her mother and father told her running a make-up business was a man’s job. “My parents wouldn’t entertain me not having a professional job when I was younger,” said the 38-year-old from Walsall. “They picked law for me to train in and that’s what happened.” But …

Image copyright Metail Image caption Metail’s body scanner takes your detailed measurements to create a digital avatar It was with some trepidation that I stripped down to my underwear and stepped into the booth. The Size-Stream Scanner, as it’s known, is currently just a prototype and is merely a space with a curtain pulled around …

Image copyright EPA The US financial regulator has asked a New York judge to hold Tesla boss Elon Musk in contempt for violating a settlement over social media comments. The move by the Securities and Exchange Commission comes after he tweeted about the electric car company’s production. Last year, Mr Musk agreed that he would …

Australian restaurateur Bill Granger served his first plate of smashed avocado on toast 26 years ago in a little sunny corner café in Sydney. It is a dish that has become both a global phenomenon and a millennial cliché in recent years, emblematic of the rising popularity of Australian-style breakfasts and brunches. An art school …

Image copyright Getty Images Shares in online crafts marketplace Etsy jumped by 6% in after-hours trading, after the firm reported strong growth during the festive season. The retailer’s revenues hit about $200m (£153m) in the last three months of 2018, up 47% year-on-year. Buyers using the platform were up 18%, while active sellers increased by …