In last year's Independent Christmas Charity Auction, Pickering won the chance to be interviewed by Deborah Ross. So how would she fare with our fearless interrogator?

This past weekend was always going to see a big influx of people into the capital for three of the year's major sporting events: the two FA Cup semi-finals and the London Marathon. And there are some things for which no one is to be blamed. It was no one's fault that the football brought to Wembley four teams from the North; no one's fault that a scrapyard fire broke out where it did, close to a key stretch of the M1, and no one's fault that the road had to be closed. Not every inconvenience can be put down to overzealous enforcement of "health and safety".

In his 81 years George Walker had noteworthy careers in boxing and big business, amassing a fortune and living the high life, surviving bankruptcy and having a daughter marry into the aristocracy. His experiences in both spheres could be described as bruising. His last fight was described by a veteran boxing commentator as "unquestionably the most brutal battle I have ever seen".

Hammerson, the owner of retail and office property, posted a double-digit rise in profits last year, boosted by strong demand for office space in London.

Northern furniture retailer CSL is to make its southern debut at a former Borders shop near Brent Cross in north London.

Hundreds of thousands of shoppers pounded the high streets today to snap up post-Christmas bargains in a boost for retailers before VAT goes up in the New Year.

It's September at last – but what have we learned over the holidays? Here, Deborah Ross reveals all you need to know about the great British break. It may make you glad to be back at work

Property group focuses on investment in France, where the recovery is stronger

Millions of bargain-hunting shoppers once more hit the stores today as a record-breaking Christmas sales frenzy continued.

The company behind TK Maxx in Europe is embarking on a massive expansion. James Thompson reports

Borders UK has strongly denied it is suffering disrupted supplies to stores from suppliers having credit insurance scaled back.

Heavy discounting by retailers meant to stimulate activity at Britain's high street tills appeared to have had little effect last night, after figures showing a sharp drop in the number of shoppers prompted predictions that this year will be the quietest festive season for traders in nearly 40 years.

The Christmas countdown has begun, with just nine shopping days to go until the big day.

Department store chain John Lewis today said consumers continued to rein in spending after sales tumbled 7.6 per cent in the week to last Saturday.