Marc Ashdown

3 weeks ago | bbc.com | Marc Ashdown

Five ways for first-time buyers to get on the housing ladderMarc AshdownBusiness correspondent, BBC NewsGetty ImagesMortgage rates are expected to come down over the next year, which could make owning a home a possibility for millions more people. Thinking about where to start can be a daunting prospect, but there are an increasing number of ways to save up for a deposit, and get a foothold in the housing market.

Sep 7, 2024 | finance.yahoo.com | Marc Ashdown

[Getty Images]The Body Shop has been rescued from administration, in a deal that appears to secure the immediate future for 1,300 shop and office workers. A consortium led by the British cosmetics tycoon Mike Jatania has acquired the ethical beauty brand's 113 UK stores which remain trading, for an undisclosed sum. The specialist investment firm Auréa Group will also gain control of the Body Shop's assets in Australia and North America, in a deal which was finalised late on Friday.

Jul 27, 2024 | finance.yahoo.com | Marc Ashdown

Cineworld has announced plans to close six cinemas across the UK as part of a wide-ranging restructuring plan. Part of the world's second largest cinema chain, the business - which has 101 locations in the UK and Ireland - has struggled since the Covid pandemic and with the rise in streaming services. The affected sites are: Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, Yate and Swindon Circus.

Mar 27, 2024 | bbc.co.uk | Marc Ashdown

UK passports can have up to 10 years and nine months on them but EU countries won't accept them.

Mar 26, 2024 | yahoo.com | Marc Ashdown

Holidaymakers are being warned not to get caught out by the "passport 10 year rule" which can ruin EU travel plans. UK travellers used to be able to carry up to nine months from an old passport over onto a new one. But post-Brexit, EU countries will not accept passports issued more than 10 years ago. Home Office data suggests 32 million people had applied for passports that if granted would be over 10 years old. Among them is Nathan Barnes who was refused boarding on a flight to France.