ECONOMY 1 Sep Retail sales extend a three-month recovery

ECONOMY 30 Aug Home loan applications pick up

ECONOMY 28 Aug Farm exports shift to new markets

ECONOMY 26 Aug Digital payments gain share at small businesses

ECONOMY 24 Aug Warehouse capacity debate in the logistics sector

ECONOMY 22 Aug Payback periods shorten for energy efficiency investments

Economy

1. 1 Retail sales extend a three-month recovery
2. 2 Home loan applications pick up
3. 3 Farm exports shift to new markets
4. 4 Digital payments gain share at small businesses
5. 5 Warehouse capacity debate in the logistics sector
6. 6 Payback periods shorten for energy efficiency investments

Production, trade and household budgets: what the data says and what it does not.

Retail sales extend a three-month recovery

Home loan applications pick up

Most applications come from first-time buyers. Approval takes five working days on average.

Farm exports shift to new markets

The new route shortens transit but raises cold chain costs. The growers association is comparing the two options.

Digital payments gain share at small businesses

Contactless is replacing cash for small purchases. Businesses are raising the question of commission rates.

Warehouse capacity debate in the logistics sector

As depots on the city edge fill up, demand is rising for small units nearer the centre. The rent gap has almost doubled.

Payback periods shorten for energy efficiency investments

Payback on insulation and lighting has dropped below three years. The measurement method is not yet standardised.

New transit line plan goes on public display

Three proposed lines will be open for comment for thirty days. The plan aims to cut the number of interchanges without moving existing stops.

League table tightens before the first half ends

The gap across the top six has narrowed to three points. The away schedule will decide the remaining weeks.

Second signature on the cross-border rail project

The signature starts the survey phase for the second section. Freight will take priority at first.

Open source maps double their layer count

The new layers carry accessibility and surface data. Contribution remains voluntary.

Seasonal produce arrives at winter markets

Root vegetables and citrus lead the stalls. Setup times have changed in two neighbourhoods.

City museum opens a new exhibition hall

The hall is reserved for light-sensitive works. The first selection runs for three months.

Sleep routine advice for the change of season

Shifting bedtime gradually over a week is advised. Light exposure directly affects sleep quality.

Waterfront pedestrian scheme enters its second phase

Footfall was measured on the completed stretch. In the second phase the cycle lane is to be separated from the walking area.