The finance director of Hobbs is leaving the fashion retailer, dampening speculation that the private-equity-backed chain will be put up for sale in the near future.

The former boss of the DIY retailer Wickes has stepped up his criticism of the retail expert Mary Portas, stating that one of her key recommendations on business rates would have saved firms just 50p a week last year.

The founder of Dwell has attacked the failed furniture retailer’s previous management for leaving customers in a “terrible situation”.

Rolls-Royce enjoyed a day of flying high on Thursday after the aircraft engine maker reported first-half results ahead of expectations. But the shares went into a nosedive yesterday, following a downgrade from Deutsche Bank.

Waitrose today toasted booming sales, as shoppers took advantage of the heatwave and stocked up on champagne, sausages and charcoal for alfresco dining.

The insurance entrepreneur Clive Cowdery, who has spent billions consolidating the UK life insurance industry, has embarked on a mission to do the same in the US with a $600m (£395m) acquisition there.

The chief executive of Mothercare has played down the boost the imminent arrival of a royal baby will have on its UK business, despite its plans to launch a range of clothing to mark the occasion.

Employees will each get £75,000 in shares but founder’s ‘super bonus’ has been scrapped

She has dressed a generation of British women at Marks & Spencer, Next and Asda’s George brand.