Gross domestic product in the UK rose by 1.9 per cent in 2013, the strongest pace of expansion since 2007, according to research group Markit. It said private companies took on another 150,000 staff in the final three months of the year as the recovery picked up pace. The report also showed France was the only major economy in Europe to see its private sector shrink in December – suggesting the country has tipped back into recession.
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Prize value | Winning bond No. | Area |
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£1,000,000 | 191TL445024 | Suffolk |
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£100,000 | 172EK394115 | Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot |
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£50,000 | 190TJ630416 | Kent |
£50,000 | 214FZ777985 | Oxfordshire |
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£50,000 | 60FY064698 | Cardiff |
DON'T MISS
- ADAM UREN: Could annuity switching provide a solution? Insurers have recoiled at the suggestion - but their may be instances where ti could work
- Electric bikes: The sweat-free way to beat the tube and train fare increases There is another way to get to work that won't break a sweat
- SMALL CAP FOCUS: MoPowered Should you get on board with the developer helping blue-chip clients convert mobile users into sales
- Ask an expert: Our mortgage struggle We are middle-aged and already own two homes outright. So why are we not a mortgage lender's dream?
- It's time Britain made mining giants reveal their hidden profits Christian Aid calls on UK to help end $160billion tax rip-off of poor countries
- Why it will pay to stay gloomy in 2014: Top contrarian fund manager reveals why he is staying defensive despite better news on growth
- 'I can cancel my gym membership at anytime without penalties': How to get fit but still make sure your bank account stays fat
- 'Remortgaging was easy and took just a month' Move fast for a new mortgage... or pay the price for years
- 'I was told NO ONE wants satchels - thank heavens I took no notice' Julie Deane explains the success of The Cambridge Satchel Company
- 'I enjoy loyalty card discounts but forget to spend the points' Free latte or points - what will earn your loyalty at supermarkets?
CITY & MARKETS
FTSE LIVE: Markets buoyed by vote for Yellen as next US Fed boss; M&S; posts gains
The confirmation of 'dovish' Janet Yellen as the next Fed chairman has boosted market sentiment, according to City commentators. Marks & Spencer is among the risers as investors start to hope its Christmas trading performance was not as weak as feared. But Sainsbury's shares are down amid concern its festive takings will undershoot hopes.
SAVE MONEY, MAKE MONEY: THE BEST RATES, DEALS AND TIPS THAT CAN MAKE YOUR RICHER
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MONEY NEWS & ADVICE
Industry warns that allowing people to switch annuities could lead to a worse deal for pensioners
The call to allow annuity switching has not been welcomed by all in the industry, with some arguing it would be an expensive venture for both insurers and pensioners. Pensions minister Steve Webb yesterday called on insurers to allow people to change their products in the same way people can change mortgage providers, rather than having to lock into them for life
JEFF PRESTRIDGE: How a banker curdled my breakfast milk
I nearly jumped off my fourth-floor balcony in despair as I woke to hear that Antony Jenkins, chief executive of Barclays, was guest editing of BBC Radio 4 Today programme. This is a bank that has committed a multitude of sins – everything from endemic payment protection insurance mis-selling through to the rigging of the London inter-banking rate, known as Libor.
'I was told NO ONE wants satchels - thank heavens I took no notice!': Julie Deane's The Cambridge Satchel Company sells in 120 countries and has 300 imitators
In the past 12 months she has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for the firm’s success in exporting, as well as being named Entrepreneur of the Year at the European Business Awards in Istanbul in June. Deane has become ambassador for the International Festival for Business being held in July this year in Liverpool. A sign of quite how big Deane’s name has become is that other ambassadors include former Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy.
Olympic brothers fans of 'bike floss' give financial backing to supplier Purple Harry
Purple Harry, has raised £83,250 to fund expansion through 161 investors on crowdfunding site Crowdcube. Olympic triathletes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee were the last backers, on December 30. The friends targeted cycling fans to invest in return for a discount on products.
Cheers! Craft ale and spirit fans get a cyber shop with eebria.com
Thirty independent producers across the UK now sell through eebria.com, including several micro-breweries, wine and cider brandy producers and several small gin and vodka companies. Sales are growing by more than 80 per cent month on month, with Christmas providing a healthy boost. David Jackson, 27, was working for online ticket marketplace Viagogo as the marketing director when he first had the idea for EeBria.
ADAM UREN: Engineering work meant my train journey took three times longer, so why was I still paying full price?
My journey back from Gatwick Airport to North London took at least two hours longer than it usually would, so why on earth was I being charged the full fare? Even a small cut to fares on days when disruption is known well in advance would go a long way to building back the goodwill lost when people's delays run into hours.
'Beware of investing tips and forecasts: you could end up with a random museum of yesterday's short term ideas'
It is that time of year when investment commentators set out their stall on which markets will be the best ones to back in 2014 and plug some funds or stocks for the year ahead. But while many have plenty to say on such themes, investors should start with an early spring clean, says expert Jason Hollands.
Rise in the number of over-50s taking out lifetime mortgages to help their kids get on the housing ladder
A study by equity release provider Stonehaven found that giving children and grandchildren a financial boost is now the third most popular reason for releasing equity, after a survey of financial advisers. With many young workers still finding it difficult to save the money they need for a mortgage deposit, the over-50s are unlocking cash in their own properties to give them a helping hand.
Will 2014 be the year you finally fix your finances? Five New Year money resolutions
New Year’s resolutions are often all but forgotten by February, but even taking small steps to fix your finances could give you a more prosperous 2014. There are plenty of ways to make more of your money, from tax allowances to free money tools. We asked two experts to outline their tips for 2014 financial resolutions.
Barclays simplifies overdraft fees as battle for current account customers heats up
Banks are working to improve their deals after the introduction of one week switching for current account holders, which has heated up competition. Barclays claims the new simpler fees will save its current account customers up to £14million in 2014.
This is what the worst Isa paid out on £1,000 in 2013 ... and here are the 30 rotten accounts you should ditch today
Britain's biggest banks have paid as little as £1 interest on every £1,000 saved in the worst cash Isas of last year. Money Mail research reveals that Barclays, Halifax and Santander had the three worst-paying accounts over the past 12 months. Each gave just 0.1% to loyal customers. Incredibly, state-backed Halifax and Lloyds have eight rotten Isas in our list of the 'dog' accounts which you should ditch today.
Is it time for a dry January? How a month-long break from the booze can boost pension fund by £20k
Drinkers who make taking a month-long break from the booze their New Year’s resolution will end up with a slimmer waist - and £1k a year more in pension payouts. The money saved by a dry January could boost your pension fund at retirement by up to £20k according to figures from pensions consultant JLT Employee Benefits.
The top 20 stories of 2013...and why This is Money's wish for the New Year is that we don't have to fight your corner so much
2013 was another year of record-breaking traffic for This is Money. It turned out to be a decent one for the economy too, yet among the improving economic news has come the usual catalogue of blunders, ill treatment and shoddy service that drives readers to us for help. We reveal the top stories of the year and our wish for 2014.
What economic recovery? Only one in 50 people believe things are better for them - and just a fifth think 2014 spells good news
According to the TUC only one in five expect the gains of an economic recovery to benefit them in the year ahead, with just 2 per cent feeling it now. The news will come as a blow for the Government which has been busy assuring voters that as the economy improves in 2013 and 2014 it will slowly be felt by everyone.
MORE BUSINESS, CITY AND ECONOMY NEWS
MARKET REPORT: Bid buzz sends recruitment specialist Hays to a high
Up 63 per cent from a June 2013 low, the shares have been buoyed by the big fall in the UK unemployment to 7.4 per cent, its lowest since April 2009. Analysts have waxed lyrical about its recovery potential at home, while advising investors that the group has opportunities in other major markets such as Germany and Australia.
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TOP TIPS AND PREDICTIONS FOR 2014
Should you invest in the best of British? A magnificent seven UK shares that could bolster your portfolio in 2014
Investors in UK shares have enjoyed a bumper year but how will they fare in 2014? No one knows how the year ahead will turn out but in the investing world quality usually shines through. Broker Killik predicts 2014 will be another good year for equities and has highlighted seven UK stocks that should do well.
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THIS IS MONEY: HOW TO FIX YOUR FINANCES
- Play the property game: Ten steps to buying your first home
- From free money to top perks? Five of the best current accounts
- DIY investing essentials: Should you invest in shares or funds?
- Climb on the ladder: The first-time buyer's guide to getting a mortgage
- How to get a cheaper smartphone
- Going on holiday? Best debit and credit cards to beat overseas fees
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- The best balance transfer credit cards to help clear your debts
- The best credit cards for spending, holidays and rewards
50 ways to save money: Simple steps to cut what you spend that could clear your debts or seriously boost your savings
To clear the average national household debt of £13,000 at 6% interest with a monthly repayment of £100 will take around 17 years. There are, however, plenty of simple ways to make significant savings on your regular spending that could clear your debt - or boost your savings - in less than a year. This is Money's top 50 – updated – money-saving tips may appear light-hearted but are deadly serious.
WHAT NEXT FOR YOUR MONEY?
Our savings picks: This is Money's five favourite best buy cash Isas for 2014
You can stick up to £5,760 in a cash Isa this tax year. We pick our five favourite cash Isas for savers, don't miss this essential Isa reading that is kept up-to-date throughout the year.
When will interest rates rise? Unemployment drops to 7.4% but Carney sends out a low rates for longer message
The bank rate is at a rock bottom 0.5%, and one day it must rise. The big question is when? We explain the factors that will decide when interest rates rise and how quickly, including the latest forecasts from markets and economists. Unemployment has continued to fall faster than expected putting the D-Day for considering a rate rise closer, but the Bank is sending our low rates messages.
Compare your pay to the national average in your job: League table of official UK salaries across 400 trades and professions
Midwives in the UK get paid on average £29,248: so where does your salary fit into the national league table, and how does it compare to the average in your profession? Our table lists hundreds of Britain's jobs from company executives and doctors to van drivers, waiters and textile machine operators.
A NEW ERA FOR BANK ACCOUNTS
MOST READ ON MONEY THIS WEEK
- Place a bet on Uncle Sam Top fund tips to take advantage of the great US corporate recovery
- Britain's small firms expected to make their mark in 2014 So who will be the new big names as optimism grows?
- Will the US stock market still be a land of opportunity Can the pace last into 2014?
- Best investment trusts of 2013 Bold bet on China's gambling capital Macau tops the charts with an 85% return
- Twelve of the best fund managers to watch Should you back high conviction investors?
- 'Our ski chalet turned out to be a fake Scammers con thousands of pounds from holidaymakers
- Another dodgy jumper? How to get money back on Christmas gifts
- How will stocks perform in 2014? City gurus tip the sectors and shares to watch next year
- House prices up 3.2% over the past year With London property rocketing almost 11%, Land Registry figures show
- The best way to invest £100,000 Four top financial advisers (and Trigger the dog)
- Strong possibility of fraud if you invest in 'miracle material' graphene Warns watchdog after 'boiler room' find
- SIMON LAMBERT: My outside tip for 2014 The interest rate debate will be about low not high inflation
- Bosses feel pressure to up wages And jobless total will hit rate cut level by mid-2014
- City expects Footsie to hit all-time high in 2014 As recovery continues and company profits bounce back
- Revealed: UK's 1,000 most exciting and inspirational companies Small companies providing the fresh ideas that could underpin UK growth
- Six of the most economical family cars money can buy: True MPG figures reveal Seat Leon is cheapest to run
- 50 ways to save money Simple steps to cut what you spend
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Latest: Mortgages & home
- The props for record low home loans are being removed, so should you fix now? What next for mortgage rates?
- London overtakes New York as world's best city for property investment
- Has your home been damaged in the floods? Our guide to making a successful insurance claim
- 'Remortgaging was easy and took just a month': Move fast for a new mortgage... or pay the price for years
- First-time buyer numbers increased by 22% last year to make up the largest percentage of mortgage borrowers
- Picture of a two-sided recovery: Mortgage approvals shoot to five-year high – but lending to businesses sinks again
- House prices rising at fastest pace in nearly four years as UK property soars 8.4% in 2013
- There are more million pound homes than ever, so what could you get for your money?
- 'I go clammy thinking about bills': One in 11 fear they can't pay the rent as charity reveals thousands bury head in the sand until 'crisis point'
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Latest from Saving & banking
- Suffolk man becomes latest Premium Bond millionaire while NS&I; reveals there are a million prizes still unclaimed
- Zapp it, Pingit or snap it... the new ways to pay: Millions of shoppers use mobile phones for everything as technology drives a spending revolution
- NatWest and RBS customers have their credit cards frozen in technical glitch at Tesco petrol stations
- Our savings picks: This is Money's five favourite best buy cash Isas for 2014
- Another savings account that beats inflation: Post Office launches best buy cash Isa with two-year fixed rate at 2.25%
- Barclays simplifies overdraft fees as battle for current account customers heats up
- Norwich & Peterborough to scrap popular Gold Light bank account which offers free use overseas
- This is what the worst cash Isa paid out on £1,000 in 2013 ... and here are the 30 rotten accounts you should ditch today
- A final victory! As government throws a lifeline to 6.3million child trust funds - how our Get Britain Saving campaign gave YOU a better deal
- Unclaimed Premium Bonds - where do the owners of the forgotten millions live?
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ANSWERS FROM THE Experts
- My partner and I are middle-aged, employed and we already own two homes outright. So why are we not a mortgage lender's dream?
- Can I carry make use of unused annual allowances so I can pay £100,000 into my pension this year?
- I'm 61 and my husband is 52. If we get divorced will I get half his work pension when he retires early at 55?
- Can debt collectors chase me for a British Gas bill I paid 5 years ago but no longer have paperwork for?
- TONY HETHERINGTON: Timeshare boss relents in spite of fighting talk
- My firm is having its Christmas party this week. Can we give it as a tax free benefit to our employees?
- I need to raise some money, can I take a one-off lump sum from my widower's pension?
- ASK TONY: Have I said adios to the £570 pension I'm paid in Spain?
- TONY HETHERINGTON: 'Legal firm' Hulsmann & Miller steals award from furious top lawyer
- We booked a cruise and the small print says an extra $12 a day will be added to our bill to pay for tips - is this legal?
Currency | Rate | Buy now |
---|---|---|
Updated 07 Jan 2014. | ||
Euro | 1.185 | Buy Now |
US Dollar | 1.615 | Buy Now |
Australian Dollar | 1.776 | Buy Now |
Canadian Dollar | 1.7018 | Buy Now |
Chinese Yuan | 9.5215 | Buy Now |
Croatian Kuna | 8.8588 | Buy Now |
Czech Koruna | 31.853 | Buy Now |
Danish Kroner | 8.667 | Buy Now |
Egyptian Pound | 10.777 | Buy Now |
Euro | 1.185 | Buy Now |
Hong Kong Dollar | 12.336 | Buy Now |
Hungarian Forint | 344.16 | Buy Now |
Japanese Yen | 166.99 | Buy Now |
Malaysian Ringgit | 5.1675 | Buy Now |
New Turkish Lire | 3.4646 | Buy Now |
New Zealand Dollar | 1.9331 | Buy Now |
Norwegian Kroner | 9.7766 | Buy Now |
Polish Zloty | 4.8076 | Buy Now |
Singapore Dollar | 2.0215 | Buy Now |
South African Rand | 16.863 | Buy Now |
Sterling | 1.0 | Buy Now |
Swedish Kroner | 10.297 | Buy Now |
Swiss Franc | 1.4485 | Buy Now |
Thai Baht | 51.823 | Buy Now |
UAE Dirham | 5.8545 | Buy Now |
LATEST ON HOUSEHOLD Bills
- MARC SHOFFMAN: The sweat-free way to beat the tube and train fare increases
- 'I paid £49 extra to renew my daughter's passport': 'Copycat' websites that charge up to £1,000 for services you can get free must be stopped
- Scottish Power cuts prices by £54 as rising energy bills force one in ten pensioners to stay in bed to keep warm
- 'I can cancel my gym membership at anytime without penalties': How to get fit but still make sure your bank account stays fat
- 'I enjoy loyalty card discounts but forget to spend the points': Free latte or points - what will earn your loyalty at supermarkets?
- RACHEL RICKARD STRAUS: Is cooking in bed the answer to lowering energy bills?
- ADAM UREN: Engineering work meant my train journey took three times longer than usual, so why was I still paying full price?
- Will you trust them now? Energy firms forced to simplify energy tariffs to help rebuild customer confidence
- Victims of Christmas blackouts caused by floods and winds can claim compensation of up to £200
- eBay is not the only way... How to turn unwanted Christmas gifts into cash rather than them gathering dust
Latest from Cards & loans
- Santander launches new market beating purchase credit card that gives you 0% for 18 months
- Our loans picks: This Is Money's five of the best personal loans
- Play your cards right: The best credit cards for spending, holidays, rewards or clearing your debts
- Get 30 months to clear your debts, Barclaycard reclaims the balance transfer mantle, but watch out for the fee
- Balance transfer battle kicks off in time for clearing debts in the New Year, as MBNA and Tesco Bank take offer 29 months interest-free
- Borrow interest-free for 29 months: The best balance transfer credit cards to help clear your debts
- Sainsbury's Bank hits back at Tesco as it launches special offer on personal loans at record low rate of 4.6%
- Are you a secret silver spender? Two-thirds of pensioners overspent at Christmas
- The battle of the low-cost credit cards where you can shop now, pay in 2016
Latest from Investing
- SMALL CAP FOCUS: MoPowered offering blue-chip businesses a way to boost mobile and tablet sales
- Blue Mundy: Top contrarian fund manager reveals why he is staying defensive in 2014 despite better news on growth
- MIDAS SHARE TIPS: Slimmed-down retailer Bonmarche set to expand again
- JPM Strategic Bond Fund: Contrarian manager stays positive despite end of bond bull run
- MIDAS SHARE TIPS: Be a dragon in China Chaintek United for chance of hot profit
- MIDAS SHARE TIPS: Shopping centre giant NewRiver set for consumer boom
- Lindsell Train UK Equity Fund: Following Warren Buffett's 'hold' advice works wonders
- Could you profit from a takeover target? Sainsbury's and Burberry among British companies tipped for a buyout in 2014
- SUNDAY NEWSPAPER SHARE TIPS: NewRiver Retail, Bonmarche, Topps Tiles, Asos and housebuilders
TOP CALCULATORS
- This is Money's calculators and tools All our calculators in one place. See how they could help you
- Historic inflation: how the value of money has changed The effects of inflation since 1900 and what past prices mean today
- True cost mortgage tool - rates AND fees Compare the cost of rival fixed and tracker rate mortgages
- Mortgage affordability: How much you can borrow Find out how much you can afford to borrow and the difference between repayment and interest-only
- Monthly or lump sum savings calculator How much a regular monthly savings scheme could make or a lump sum could be worth.
- Premium Bonds: Have I won? How close have you been to winning your fortune? Our unique calculator will try to show you
- Pleasures v Treasures (how you can save more) How diverting the cash you 'waste' on everyday items into a long-term savings plan pays off
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