6:49 am, October 7, 2026
Asos apologises to customers after ‘unauthorised activity’
Asos has apologised to customers who were sent a phone alert saying the online retailer had been hacked.
The fashion giant said it is investigating ‘unauthorised activity’ involving a third-party platform. It also said customer information, such as names and contact details, ‘may have been accessed’.
It comes after a raft of UK retailers were targeted by cyber attackers over the past two years, including Marks & Spencer, Harrods and JLR.
Ikea launches second-hand marketplace for its own furniture and homewares
Ikea has launched a second-hand marketplace for its own furniture and homewares as it takes on the likes of eBay and Vinted.
The Swedish retail giant said the platform would provide greater access to affordable Ikea products, with prices on average 60% lower than new items.
Sellers scan an eligible item to create a listing, with the platform automatically providing recommended pricing, professional product photography, accurate measurements, product descriptions, assembly instructions and care information.
Renault revives Espace name with MPV concept car
Renault may be on track to revive its spacious Espace MPV with a new electric model.
Hinted at with a new concept – the ‘E-Space’ – the car would bring back a name which was discontinued in 2012, though one which would sell for a period afterwards in Europe.
Set to make its public debut at next week’s Paris Motor Show, the E-Space’s upright MPV design brings big gains in spaciousness over a typical SUV. At just under five metres long, it measures in at around the same length as Renault’s Rafale SUV.
The markets
Stocks in London made progress on Tuesday, supported by falling oil prices, a calmer bond market and US stock gains.
In London, the FTSE 100 index ended up 43.75 points, 0.4%, at 10,541.69. The FTSE 250 rose 91.58 points, 0.4%, to 24,215.33, and the AIM all-share advanced 3.31 points, 0.4%, to 783.62.
The pound was quoted at 1.3280 dollars on Tuesday, up from 1.3218 dollars at the same time on Monday. Against the euro, sterling was little changed at 1.1791 euro from 1.1792 euro.
Badenoch says Tories will ‘battle for soul of nation’ in tax-cutting speech
The Tories will fight a ‘battle for the soul of the nation’ at the next election, Kemi Badenoch will say in a major speech expected to be centred on tax-cutting promises.
The Opposition leader will warn that ‘something is going to break’ without better growth as she accuses Andy Burnham’s Labour of wanting to ‘wind back the clock to failed ideas of the past’.
The Tories have put the economy top of their agenda at their party conference in Birmingham, focusing less on the so-called ‘culture wars’ that dominated previous years.
Andrew ‘accuses police of taking personal items’ in searches of his home
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has accused Thames Valley Police of taking personal items in searches of his home as he takes legal action against the force, it has been reported.
The former Duke of York, who is launching a bid to quash search warrants which led to his arrest, instructed lawyers after discovering officers had allegedly removed “private and confidential material unconnected to the criminal investigation”, the Telegraph reported.
Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday earlier this year on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as the UK’s trade envoy.
Tuesday on Car Dealer
Inside Auto Capital: How ‘Disneyland for vans’ is flourishing after HMRC row
We go behind the scenes at used van dealer Auto Capital.
Ineos Grenadier lands major military orders from Italy and Austria – and UK could be next
The Ineos Grenadier has secured its first major orders from national armed forces after winning military contracts in Italy and Austria.
UK car market heading for busiest year since 2019 with more than 10m transactions forecast
The motor trade is on course for its busiest year since 2019, with more than 10m new and used vehicle transactions expected in 2026.
Cotswold Motor Group profits surge 49% after ‘strong year’ for used car sales
Cotswold Motor Group saw pre-tax profits surge by almost 50% last year following what directors described as a ‘strong year’ for used car sales.
Weather
Rain in the south will gradually clear today, although heavier outbreaks may linger in the south-east, reports BBC Weather. Further north, expect sunny spells and scattered coastal showers. It will feel cooler and breezy.
Tonight, showers will affect western areas, while the east stays largely dry and clear, barring coastal showers.