6:31 am, February 12, 2026
UK economy set to have recorded modest growth amid budget concerns
The UK economy is expected to have grown modestly again in the last three months of 2025 amid pressure from budget uncertainty, according to economists.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) will shed light on how the economy fared when it reveals the latest UK GDP (gross domestic product) data for December, and the final quarter and year as a whole, on Thursday.
Economists have broadly predicted that the economy grew by 0.1% in the quarter, following growth of 0.1% in the third quarter.
Beer giant Heineken to axe up to 6,000 jobs
Brewing giant Heineken has said it plans to cut up to 6,000 jobs amid efforts to drive cost savings.
The company, which also makes Amstel and Birra Moretti, revealed the plans in the face of weaker demand for beer amid ‘challenging market conditions’.
Heineken said it will cut between 5,000 and 6,000 roles over the next two years, in a move which will impact up to 7% of its global workforce. In the UK it employs around 2,100 people, but the firm has not revealed how the UK will be impacted.
Caterham Seven range receives updates for 2026
Caterham has announced that the Seven sports car has received some visual updates for 2026.
The Seven’s exterior now gains colour-coded headlight surrounds, a painted roll bar and there is a choice of eight paint schemes.
Inside, there is upgraded leather seat upholstery, while cars specified with the optional ‘S Pack’ and ‘R Pack’ come with a black leather tonneau cover. Prices start at £29,490.
Keir Starmer faces fresh questions over judgment after Lord Doyle controversy
Sir Keir Starmer is facing renewed questions about his judgment in a row over the appointment of his former spin doctor to the House of Lords after the aide campaigned for a paedophile councillor.
The prime minister said on Wednesday ex-communications chief Lord Matthew Doyle, who supported Sean Morton after he had been charged with having indecent images of children, had not given a ‘full account of his actions’ when he was given a peerage.
Lord Doyle has had the Labour whip removed and apologised for backing Morton before the case against him had concluded, saying he believed the paedophile’s assertions of innocence before Morton admitted the offending.
UK’s favourite supermarket revealed, according to customer satisfaction survey
Marks & Spencer is the nation’s favourite supermarket despite customers saying its ‘higher prices’ make it a destination for treats rather than a weekly shop, according to an annual survey.
Its food halls achieved a clear lead of 78% in the Which? customer satisfaction survey, with shoppers awarding it five stars for customer service, store appearance, product range and availability, as well as the quality of its own-label and fresh food. It received two stars for value for money, though.
Aldi was second-best with 76%, and it was followed by Tesco, Lidl, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Iceland. Asda and Morrisons were joint bottom for in-store shopping, with both receiving a customer score of 68%.
Wednesday on Car Dealer
Suzuki GB boss confirmed for Car Dealer Live 26 as event line-up grows
Suzuki GB’s boss is the latest carmaker chief to confirm their attendance at Car Dealer Live 26, as excitement builds for the popular motor trade conference.
Family-run dealership Glynn Andrews Car Sales formally appoints liquidators
Liquidators have now been formally appointed to Glynn Andrews Car Sales, marking the next stage in the collapse of the Widnes-based business.
Grainger Motor Group begins new era after taking keys to Norton Way Nissan
One of the UK’s busiest and best-known Nissan dealerships is under new management.
Mazda announces new 348-mile 6e electric fastback will start from £38,995
Mazda has confirmed its forthcoming 6e electric fastback will now be powered by an entirely different battery that previously expected, and prices will start from £38,995.
Ferrari confirms ‘Luce’ name for first EV and reveals iPhone-inspired interior
Ferrari has revealed new details about its forthcoming pure-electric model, including its name and a first glimpse at the car’s interior.
Weather
Cloudy for most today with rain spreading north across southern areas, reports BBC Weather. The south-west turns brighter but windy, while Scotland and northern England see patchy rain and hill snow.
Tonight stays cloudy with further rain, snow over higher ground, and colder, clearer spells with snow showers in northern Scotland.
