Laing defends soaring value of its hospital PFI contracts
Private finance initiative manager John Laing reported 'robust' profits and a leap in the book value of its projects.
I’m lovin’ it
The week brought great news for fans of real food: falling sales have forced the closure of 25 UK McDonald's branches. Could this be a tipping point? Asks Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Chocolate bars to carry ‘health warnings’ on wrapping
· Leading manufacturers launch £10m campaign · 'Be treatwise' drive will offer lifestyle advice
Bird flu ‘could be 21st-century Black Death’
· Economists predict rioting and flight from cities· Markets not prepared for risks occurring together
Covering cancer
Virgin Money has launched an insurance policy designed to cover against the financial costs of a cancer diagnosis. Hilary Osborne looks at how the policy works.
Virgin Money launches cover for cancer patients
The first insurance cover aimed solely at helping cancer patients cope with the consequences of the disease is launched today.
When recovery doesn’t mean a return to financial health
Scientific breakthroughs mean an increasing number of us surviving life-threatening illnesses, but the insurers have been slow to catch up, says Jill Phillip.
Roche poised for £1bn deal on bird flu drugs
Companies boost production of anti-virals for national stockpiles.