Rolls-Royce profits up 8%
Engine maker Rolls-Royce today said the broad scope of its business would help it cope with "uncertain conditions" in the airline industry.
Chief executive Sir John Rose said its civil aerospace operation was "not immune" to higher oil prices and economic slowdown but added that demand for newer wide-bodied aircraft remained strong, while the group's other marine and energy divisions performed well.
It posted pre-tax profits of £410 m for the first half of 2008 – 8% ahead of last year.

Warning over fuel bill rises
The UK's second biggest domestic energy supplier today warned it was becoming "more difficult by the day" to resist hitting customers with price rises.
Scottish & Southern Energy, which has 8 million customers, said the full impact of rising oil costs on electricity and gas bills had still to be felt. Chief executive Ian Marchant said: "We are continuing to resist the pressure to put up prices."

Argos strike put on hold
Further strike action by Argos distribution workers has been suspended while they consider a new pay offer, the retail giant said.
A walkout was planned today in four of Argos's 15 distribution centres by members of the Unite union.
Bosses at the high street chain have offered a new pay deal to union members, which will be voted on next week.

Airline's battle with fuel prices
Low-cost airline easyJet said today it had offset more than 50% of an anticipated £185m rise in its annual fuel bill.
In a trading update, the Luton-based operator forecast pre-tax profits of up to £120m for the year, with revenues and cost-saving measures helping it to cope with soaring oil prices.
It said third quarter passenger numbers were up by 16%.

Sunny times
A better-than-expected sales performance at DIY chain B&Q caused shares in parent firm Kingfisher to jump by 10% today. It said sales of B&Q's seasonal ranges were up by a fifth as figures jumped from those in last year's wet summer.

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