British Gas has warned of rising energy prices. Photograph: Voisin/Phanie/Rex Features Utility bills could be on the way up, British Gas warned today despite almost doubling profits in the first half of the year. Nick Luff, the finance director of parent company Centrica, said that energy... 

Heathrow owner BAA faces disruption as Unite members are balloted on action over pay Millions of airline passengers face the threat of severe disruption at the UK’s largest airports during the August bank holiday weekend after the Unite trade union launched a strike ballot at BAA. The... 

Scotland’s justice secretary Kenny MacAskill. Photograph: David Moir/Reuters The Scottish justice minister has been accused of “running a mile” from a US inquiry into the release of the Libyan jailed for the Lockerbie bombing. Labour and Tory leaders said Kenny MacAskill,... 

Ocado’s warehouse in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Photograph: David Levene Ocado has this morning slashed its offer price to 180p as expected, but investors seem to feel the discount is still not enough. Conditional dealings in the online grocery business have begun today, and they have already... 

Labour say Lord Ashcroft will be celebrating ‘payback time’ now that ministers have approved the construction of an airport on St Helena. Photograph: Rex Features The government faced accusations todayof improper use of aid funds after ministers approved the construction of an airport... 

Choosing a broker Depending on the type of investing that you plan to do, you may need to hire a broker to handle your investments for you. Brokers work for brokerage houses and have the ability to buy and sell stock on the stock exchange. You may wonder if you really need a broker. The answer is yes. If you intend...