Growth in the UK services sector slowed down last month amid softer consumer demand, according to new figures.
Meanwhile, price inflation in the sector eased to its lowest level for almost five years.
The S&P Global UK services PMI survey scored a reading of 51.3 in November, dipping from 52.3 in October.
Self-storage company Big Yellow has warned its annual business rates bill will jump by £1.8m next year following measures announced in the Budget.
The business said it will be affected by an upcoming tax shake-up, which will see properties worth more than £500,000 taxed at higher rates.
Big Yellow said 27 of its stores will be affected by the change.
The Toyota Corolla range will receive some tweaks and updates for next year’s model line-up.
The Corolla is one of the world’s best-selling cars, having sold more than 50m units since it first went on-sale in 1966, and the latest version is built in Burnaston, Derbyshire, UK.
The Honda Civic rival will receive a choice of new exterior colours including a grey matt paint option on the GR Sport models, while a new Dark Grey metallic option will be available for the rest of the Corolla range.
The FTSE 100 edged lower on Wednesday, despite strong gains in mining stocks and some brighter economic data.
The British-based index closed down just 9.73 points, 0.1%, at 9,692.07.
In European equities on Wednesday, the CAC 40 in Paris closed up 0.1%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt ended down 0.1%.
Auto Trader has launched new Customer Advisory Groups to ease tensions surrounding its controversial Deal Builder rollout. Open to both independent and franchise retailers, the groups will meet in Manchester and London from this month, aiming to rebuild trust through open dialogue.
The FCA will lift its pause on motor finance complaint handling on May 31, two months earlier than planned. It is finalising a compensation scheme for loans from 2007 to 2024, with around 14 million cases potentially eligible for redress over undisclosed commissions.
Luscombe Motors will add Omoda and Jaecoo to its Leeds site in early 2026, converting a former hot-tub showroom. MD Sam Luscombe says the brands offer strong hybrid options and good value. The move follows a record year with profits reaching £2.6m.
Renault’s R4, R5 and Alpine A290 have become cheaper thanks to entering Band 1 of the Electric Car Grant, unlocking £3,750 savings. Updated models receive locally produced green-powered batteries and trim upgrades. The Mini Countryman Electric also joins Band 1, bringing the total qualifying models to eight.
A woman avoided jail after accidentally hitting another customer in a car showroom, causing life-changing injuries and a leg amputation. She admitted careless driving, showed remorse, received a suspended sentence, unpaid work, a driving ban and financial penalties, with compensation left to civil court.
Tom Hartley Jnr won the Outstanding Achievement award at the 2025 Car Dealer Used Car Awards. His firm made £32.33m pre-tax profit, selling high-value collector cars, including Bernie Ecclestone’s collection, with just 16 staff working long hours.