New projects on the site of a former oil refinery could create up to 460 new jobs in the coming years, with the help of cash from the UK and Scottish governments.
Scottish Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said the announcements by two firms of plans to create jobs shows a ‘long term, new industrial future at Grangemouth is achievable’.
Scottish biotech firm MiAlgae has revealed plans to create 130 direct full-time jobs in Grangemouth over the next five years – and support 180 further posts – by making fish-free Omega 3 supplements using leftover by-products from the whisky production process.
It’s been revealed that the average distance British drivers are prepared to drive for work is 35 miles.
That’s according to French car manufacturer Peugeot, which conducted a survey on 2,000 UK drivers on how far they are willing to drive for different activities.
The survey found that a further 36 per cent of drivers would not travel more than 20 miles for their work commute, while parents are not willing to drive more than 28 miles on the school run.
Ineos has announced that the Grenadier off-roader will be available as a safari-exploring ‘Game Viewer’ model.
Ineos Automotive is a British car manufacturer that is a subsidiary of the chemical company, Ineos, and was founded in 2016 by businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Grenadier is the firm’s first and only vehicle in its model line-up and is a direct rival to the Land Rover Defender.
The Grenadier Game Viewer is all about customisation, as buyers will be allowed to choose their own seating, storage layouts, roof designs, and between long and extra-long wheelbase options.
The FTSE 100 forged ahead on Thursday as a less ‘hawkish’ than feared rate cut by the US Federal Reserve and a brighter US economic outlook spurred stocks, despite some fresh AI worry.
The FTSE 100 index closed up 47.63 points, 0.5%, at 9,703.16. The FTSE 250 ended 21.13 points higher, 0.1%, at 21,852.10, and the AIM All-Share ended up 1.04 points, 0.1%, at 747.66.
In Europe on Thursday, the CAC 40 in Paris closed up 0.8%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt ended 0.7% higher.
The biggest used car value falls of 2025 were dominated by EVs. The Nissan e-NV200 led with a 29% drop, followed by Subaru Solterra (28.5%) and SsangYong Korando Electric (22.1%), highlighting pressure on newer EV resale values.
Leapmotor boss Damien Dally says the brand will succeed among UK EV newcomers, leveraging Stellantis backing, competitive pricing, and its retail network. The firm targets 105 dealers by 2026, supporting Stellantis’s ZEV mandate while offering sub-£30k EVs.
Bangers4Ben returns in 2026 for its 18th year, running October 2–6 with the theme ‘Back to the 80s’. Teams in cars under £750 will tackle a new Pyrenees route, challenges, and stops, aiming to raise more for automotive charity Ben.
Marubeni Auto Investments (UK) reported a £8.41m pre-tax loss for 2025, down 246% from last year’s £5.74m profit. Subsidiary HPL Motors made £4.93m profit despite a 14% turnover drop, expanding staff and opening a fourth site.
Jonny Miller, former Genesis UK boss, has joined International Motors as sales director for passenger cars in the UK and Ireland. He will oversee Xpeng UK, Subaru UK & Ireland, and support Mitsubishi’s upcoming UK return, leveraging his EV experience.
Car Dealer Live on March 19 will feature headline speakers Sohib Ghafouri, used car dealer, and Peugeot MD Nicola Dobson. The event at the British Motor Museum offers networking, panels, and insight sessions, with early bird tickets now available.
More than £3m in cash has been seized following the disruption of a cross-border ‘money-laundering nexus’, the chief executive of the National Crime Agency (NCA) has said.
Graeme Biggar told the Policing Board in Belfast that his organisation was working alongside the PSNI to disrupt the activities of ‘quite sophisticated organised crime groups’ operating in Northern Ireland.
Mr Biggar said three arrests had been made in July following an investigation into a drug-smuggling organisation.
Sir Keir Starmer and allies have agreed it is a ‘pivotal moment’ for Ukraine as efforts continue to end the war with Russia.
The Prime Minister had earlier insisted that Donald Trump and European leaders want the ‘same thing’ for Ukraine amid tensions in relations with the US president.
Ukraine has pushed back against a US-drafted plan and submitted its own 20-point document to Washington as part of negotiations.
The UK will remain largely unsettled with mild but wet and windy conditions as low‑pressure systems continue to affect the weather.
In the south and southwest, rain will move in from the west and may linger into the afternoon. The Midlands will be cloudy with occasional showers and cool breezes.
In the north of England and Scotland, expect patchy rain and blustery winds with generally mild temperatures for December. Overall, it’ll be a grey, damp day with widespread rain and wind rather than cold winter frost.
