Money blog: TV chef closes last branch of restaurant after cost pressures (2025)

TV chef Simon Rimmer has closed his last remaining Greens restaurant with "immediate effect" just two years after it opened.

The restaurant said its board of directors and shareholders decided to permanently close the site in Sale, Greater Manchester, last week.

Sunday Brunch star Rimmer had launched the site in 2022 with business partner Simon Connolly.

In a post to Instagram, Greens said it had done "everything possible" to make the business work, but it was clear it had become "untenable".

"We'd like to thank everyone, team members and guests, who have been on the Greens journey with us," the post read.

Rimmer closed another Greens restaurant in Didsbury eight months ago after 33 years of trading.

He's not the only high-profile chef to announce closures of late, with Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley, Michel Roux at Le Gavroche, Marco Pierre White at Mr White's and Monica Galetti at Mere all disappearing.

Santander has apologised after its customers reported issues logging into their online banking this morning.

Outage site Downdetector had received around 2,100 reports of issues with Santander UK services as of 7am.

The vast majority related to mobile banking, with the rest about payments and online banking.

Many users complained on social media about being unable to get into the app.

"I cannot access my mobile banking to check my account before work. I keep on getting an error message. Please sort it out!" one person posted on X.

Another messaged the bank saying: "I cannot access your app. It just says loading and then defaults to 'due to security issue, we cannot log you on'. Please help."

Santander's official UK help account replied to people saying it was "quickly alerted to the issue" and was "working urgently to restore service".

A Santander spokesperson told the Money blog: "We can confirm that the mobile banking app is now working as usual.

"We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the earlier issue."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire, business reporter

As you will have seen below, UK petrol and diesel prices are falling at the fastest rate this year. It's thanks to the fallen global price of oil.

Earlier this month the cost dropped to $70, a level not seen since 2021.

While that low wasn't maintained and has ticked upwards, the price is still comparatively low at $74.59 for a barrel of Brent crude, the benchmark oil price.

For most of the last year, a barrel has cost over $80. The price has fallen over weak demand and expectations that demand will continue to be depressed due to a slowed global economy.

A monthly report by the OPEC+ group of major oil-producing nations said demand in 2024 and 2025 will be cut. It signalled too much oil could be produced.

Elsewhere, after the Friday sell-off hit to stocks, the benchmark UK index, the FTSE 100, was down by the most in six weeks. But there's been a 0.12% rise this morning, led by UK property website Rightmove. The company received a third offer from the Murdoch-backed REA Group, valuing it at £6.1bn.

The larger and more UK-focused FTSE 250 was down 0.11%.

The pound continued to perform well against the euro and the US dollar. One pound buys €1.1957, a high not seen since August 2022. Sterling remained more than $1.33 at $1.3319, a high last recorded in March 2022.

Prices at the pumps are now falling more quickly than at any other point this year, according to the RAC - and they could drop further in the coming weeks.

Analysis of its Fuel Watch data shows both unleaded petrol and diesel are nearly 7p cheaper than a month ago and at their lowest price in almost three years.

As of last Thursday, a litre of unleaded was being sold for 136.15p on average – down 5p since the start of September and almost 7p lower than a month ago.

There's been a similar drop in the cost of diesel, with prices down to 140.87p from 147.74p a month ago.

And drivers can fill up their cars for even less, the RAC said, with supermarkets charging 133.23p for unleaded on average, and 137.69p for diesel.

The RAC says falling pump prices - brought about by relatively low oil prices combined with a stronger pound - could dip as low as 132p for petrol and 138p for diesel within a fortnight.

RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said: "It's really encouraging to see pump prices coming down so rapidly, which we know is as good for drivers' wallets as it is for keeping the headline level of inflation in check.

"Based on wholesale pump prices, which is what retailers pay to buy the fuel in the first place, we know there's scope for further price cuts so we very much hope that within the next few weeks we'll see pump prices reach their lowest levels in three years."

Every Monday we get an expert to answer your money problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

My neighbour has installed CCTV and has faced it directly on my kitchen wall and dining room window? Is there anything I can do? Thank you in advance

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Serena Amani, managing partnerat Monarch Solicitors, says homeowners do have the right to install a CCTV system at their house and position the cameras within their property boundary.

But she adds: "However, surveillance cameras that capture images beyond the boundaries of the property owner's home and garden, including public spaces or neighbouring properties, are subject to general data protection regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018, as it is may be processing your personal data.

"Photographs or moving images of people qualify as 'personal data' for the purposes of the act."

In essence, these laws state:

• The CCTV operator must have a legitimate reason for the surveillance;
• There should be clear signs indicating that CCTV is in operation and who is responsible for it;
• The operator must respect the privacy rights of individuals captured on the footage, including providing access to the footage upon request and ensuring it is not used for inappropriate purposes.

Approach it sensibly

When you have a domestic CCTV dispute with your neighbour, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), an independent supervisory authority for data protection in the UK, recommends the following approach:

• Contact the person in person or in writing;
• Ask them why they are using the CCTV, as the reason for doing so may alleviate your concerns;
• If you still have concerns, explain your worries to them and try to come to an agreement - for example, request that they adjust the angle of the camera so that it points away from your kitchen wall and dining room window;
• You could also ask to see what is being recorded as it may not be as intrusive as you think.

Serena says many CCTV cameras can put a privacy mask over your property, which blacks out that specific section of the CCTV footage.

"This mask would allow your neighbour to keep their property secure whilst allow allowing you to maintain your privacy," she says.

"Even if their camera doesn't have a privacy mask, you could ask them to add physical privacy blocks on the side of the camera that blocks your private property out. This is a good compromise if you and your neighbour are struggling to come up with a solution."

If your friendly discussion doesn't work

If having a friendly conversation with your neighbour doesn't help, Serena suggests checking how compliant their CCTV is by verifying they've put up appropriate signage and ensuring there's a legitimate reason for it to be there, as well as making sure they're handling the footage according to data protection principles.

"If you believe the CCTV setup breaches data protection laws, you can file a complaint with the ICO," Serena adds. "They can investigate and take action if necessary."

"You can also report the issue to your local council or police, especially if you feel that the surveillance is intrusive or harassing."

Serena also recommends documenting your communication with your neighbour and the steps you've taken to address the issue, including taking photos or videos showing the camera's position relative to your home. This can be useful if you involve authorities or legal advisers further down the line.

Your rights in regards to your personal data

When your neighbour's CCTV goes beyond the property boundaries and it holds your personal data, you have a right to request a copy of that data and the erasure of it, Serena says.

"You are also well within your rights to request they do not record you again. However, your neighbour can refuse your request under certain circumstances," she adds.

Possible other legal issues

There is a possibility that the CCTV, along with other elements of the case, could give rise to a harassment case.

Serena says: "In October 2021, Oxford County Court upheld claims in a case for nuisance, harassment and breach of data processing arising out of the defendant's use of a video doorbell and security cameras and subsequent dispute with the claimant regarding those devices.

"However, this is very case specific and a recording does not automatically amount to harassment.

"Ultimately, each case will turn on its facts and you should seek independent legal advice, if you cannot resolve the dispute with your neighbour."

This featureis not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about.Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via:

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People who shop at convenience stores face paying up to a fifth more than at larger branches of the same supermarket, new research has found.

Which? compared the cost of popular grocery items on three occasions in June and July 2024 at the largest supermarket-branded convenience chains and their full-sized counterparts: Morrisons and Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury's and Sainsbury’s Local, and Tesco and Tesco Express.

Researchers' baskets contained 42 branded and own-label products all commonly available in convenience stores - from cheese and pasta to blueberries and ice cream.

Discounts to loyalty scheme members (such as Sainsbury's Nectar and Tesco Clubcard) were also checked.

The biggest price difference was at Morrisons, where consumers pay an average of 21% more at the Daily versions compared to the big supermarkets.

A 400g tin of own-label chickpeas was 104% more expensive at the convenience store - £1 in comparison to 49p at the supermarket.

Meanwhile, a 165g tub of Philadelphia soft cheese cost 63% more (£2.58 compared to £1.58).

If consumers bought the same products every week, it could set them back an extra £832.

While Sainsbury's and Tesco had fewer variations in their prices, Nectar members could still be paying an average of 14% more at a Sainsbury's Local, while Clubcard holders could be paying 11% more at Tesco Express.

For those forced to shop regularly in smaller supermarket branches, essentials such as milk, bread and butter all had a big markup.All three supermarket convenience stores charged 8% more for two pints of own-label, semi-skimmed milk - with or without a loyalty card.

Some products were cheaper

A handful of products – Doritos, Robinson's orange squash and Kenco instant coffee – were all cheaper at convenience stores, averaging between 15% and 32% less.

Ele Clark, Which? retail editor, said:"Unfortunately, many people are without easy access to transport or online deliveries which leaves them reliant on smaller nearby stores.

"Convenience stores may often be easier to travel to and handy for shoppers who need to stock up on a few essentials, but people who have to use them regularly will be spending significantly more over the course of a year than those with access to larger supermarkets."

Tesco told Which? that customers make differentshopper journeysat Express stores than at larger ones and so they tailor Clubcard offers to suit customer shopping habits.

They added that Tesco Express stores are mainly in built-up areas where rents, rates and operating costs are higher. The difference in prices of some products reflects these increased costs, but their prices remain competitive as they strive to offer great value to their customers.

Morrisons and Sainsbury's declined to comment.

Pubs outperformed restaurants and bars in August, data shows.

Bar sales dropped 9% over the last year and restaurant sales edged up 0.8%, while pubs saw growth of 2.9%, according to the latest edition of the CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker.

The tracker, which looks at 100 hospitality groups (such as Azurri Group, MJMK Restaurants and Youngs) found the industry as a whole saw 1% growth - below inflation.

"August's figures complete a modest summer for hospitality groups, and with the weather and consumers' confidence both underwhelming, real-terms growth has been elusive," said Karl Chessell, director of hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ.

"While some bars and restaurants have found it hard to sustain footfall, the picture has been brighter at pubs, especially given the impact of the cool temperatures on beer gardens and terraces."

Big nights out on the town are an undeniable part of British culture - but are they about to be consigned to the memories of those of us born before the turn of the century?

You can more about this from news reporter Emily Mee here:

And as pubs around the UK shutter their doors, we also looked at the future of the Great British pub.

You can read more here:

By Jimmy Rice, Money blog editor

Welcome back to Money - a blog taking in personal finance and consumer news, tips and analysis.

Here are five reasons to pop back today and over the coming days...

Has the vegan bubble burst?

Our Saturday feature this week will look at the vegan market, which could be showing some signs of decline.

'Menopause is the new vegan'

Before that, in the coming days we'll hear from two women who are changing the menopause market with a symbol.

Money Problem

Our Money Problem feature is published every Monday morning. This week, a lawyer answers a reader's question about his neighbour's CCTV, which he says invades his privacy.

Cheap Eats

Every Wednesday we speak to top chefs from around the country to find out their favourite budget eats wherever they are in the UK. This week we'll be in Gloucestershire, with one of the county's foremost chefs revealing a recipe to use up summer tomatoes.

Savings and mortgages advice

Every Thursday, Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes offers advice for making the most of your spare cash and reveals the best rates on the market right now. On Fridays we do similarly with mortgages, hearing from industry experts on what anyone seeking to borrow needs to know at the minute before rounding up the best rates with the help of the guys from Moneyfacts.

We've got lots of others tips and features planned for this week, so bookmarknews.sky.com/moneyand check back from 7am each weekday - or 8am on Saturday for our weekend feature.

The award-winning Money blog is produced by the Sky News live team, with contributions fromBhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young, Ollie Cooper and Mark Wyatt, with additional reporting from cost of living specialist Megan Baynes and sub-editing by Isobel Souster. It is edited by Jimmy Rice.

ByBrad Young, from the Money team

The price of the flights, furniture or insurance you buy online may be controlled by semi-autonomous "black boxes".

These AI-powered pricing algorithms learn how to improve a seller's revenues by surveying a huge amount of data very quickly - such as the prices of competing products - and changing the costs of goods accordingly.

If the algorithm decides to undercut a competitor, this leads to cheaper prices, but what if it learns the most effective way to increase revenue is to engage in tacit collusion?

This is one of the questions facing regulators like UK energy watchdog Ofgem, which in April launched a consultation after voicing fears artificial intelligence could be used to manipulate the market.

Last year, the Competition and Markets Authority - tasked with battling anti-competitive practices in the UK - warned pricing algorithms may "become a device to facilitate collusion".

And across the Atlantic, Lina Khan, the head of the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), warned in April that outsourcing pricing decisions to the algorithms could result in inflated prices.

'Dark side' of algorithms

Online shops have always used computer programmes to assist them in setting their prices, but AI has introduced a new level of processing and sophistication, using trial and error to better price goods.

"The AIs are basically black boxes. If they find ways to increase prices that can be considered in violation of antitrust law, then we have a problem. Because they have autonomously started engaging in this behaviour, so there are issues of liability," Professor Emilio Calvano, an economist specialising in algorithms and competition, says.

By black box, Prof Calvano means we can see what information the programme has reacted to and how it has reacted, but we cannot determine the intentions of the AI.

It's impossible to know for sure whether an online seller uses the tech - they don't have to report it - but experts believe if they are not already widespread, they will be; and if they're here, they're here to stay, says Prof Calvano.

"Automating pricing is potentially very good, because it is good when prices react to things such as market conditions," Prof Calvano, who works at Luiss Guido Carli University in Rome, says.

For example, pricing that responds to demand increases the number of transactions.

But authorities are concerned there may be a "dark side" to the power these algorithms wield.

If multiple sellers delegate their pricing to the same algorithm, there is scope for coordination, with the profit-driven programme learning that jointly increasing the prices offered by competing vendors increases the payoff for all of them, said the professor.

Research undertaken by Prof Calvano found that even if pricing is delegated to multiple independent pricing algorithms, they may learn by interacting with one another that they could mutually benefit from price increases.

Prices changing more often

Artificial intelligence could lead to online prices fluctuating more frequently, according to Tony Boobier, an author on analytics and AI, because it will be able to react faster and more accurately to market conditions.

But he says it is unlikely to fix prices because large corporations will not make available their data to their competitors, meaning different programmes will be reacting to different information.

"AI will bring greater granularity and accuracy. Perhaps AI will even lead to reductions in costs for some people," says Mr Boobier.

Difficult to prove

Paolo Palmigiano, head of UK competition, trade and foreign investment at global law firm Taylor Wessing, says there has not yet been a case involving algorithmic tacit collusion "because it would be difficult to prove".

To show it has occurred between human beings, lawyers must demonstrate the firms involved knew that their agreement would affect other sellers; they could monitor the agreement; they could punish deviation from it, and the agreement could not be jeopardised by competitors or customers.

"Even if pricing algorithms are used, the necessary conditions for tacit collusion may not be met," Mr Palmigiano says.

"But never say never. I've seen everything under the sun in competition law."

If this was the case, there would be a "big difference" between algorithmic collusion and human collusion.

Human coordination is limited, but orchestrated by computers it could be "everybody at the same time, very quickly".

Regulators have found evidence of algorithms facilitating collusion, says Mr Palmigiano, but it hasn't happened as widely as academics expected.

In 2016, the CMA fined Amazon seller Trod more than £160,000 for breaking competition law by agreeing with another seller, GB eye, not to undercut each other.

Both sellers, which sold posters of Justin Bieber and One Direction, used automated repricing software to monitor the agreement.

Abuse of dominance

The risk posed by AI-powered algorithms to good deals is not limited to collusion.

Large companies with significant market power can abuse it by using algorithms to give their products preferential treatment, stifling competition, Mr Palmigiano says.

In 2017, the European Commission fined Google €2.42bn (£2.05bn) for giving its price comparison service, Google Shopping, an advantage through prominent placement in search results.

Personalised pricing

Mr Palmigiano says there were rumours of an anti-competitive practice called personalised pricing: "Depending on your shopping habits, computers will determine the price you find."

In effect, the price offered to you might be higher because the computer knows you can afford it, based on data it has collected about you.

"There is no evidence at the moment that this has happened, but it is one issue that clearly could come up in the future."

What should be done?

Regulators should audit algorithms to make sure they cannot cause harm, Prof Calvano suggests.

"It is good that these machines are increasingly used, but we should put in place some guidelines to avoid that something goes wrong."

Mr Palmigiano says the European Commission has been clear: companies should be responsible for inputting the necessary safeguards for compliance with competition law in their design.

"But let's be careful about what we regulate because actually, normally, the purpose of this pricing algorithm is to be as competitive as possible," he says.

Awareness of the risks should be raised among the general public to encourage debate, Mr Boobier says.

"After all, aren't we all stakeholders in this new data-infused, algorithmic world, so aren't we all entitled to an opinion?"

The CMA declined to comment, while the FTC did not respond to a request.

Ofgem says its consultation would "help us develop the right regulatory framework and tools to ensure AI use in the sector benefits consumers".