Here are the business stories making the headlines locally and across the country this morning.
Household confidence at its highest for three years
Confidence among consumers has risen to its highest level in nearly three years, according to a closely watched survey, suggesting that families recognise an improvement in economic conditions heading into the six-week general election campaign.
GfK’s consumer confidence index rose by two points to -17 in May, up from -19 in the previous month. It is the highest reading since October 2021. The survey was carried out between May 1 and May 5.
The increase in optimism is likely to be seized upon by Rishi Sunak as he makes economic recovery a linchpin of the Conservatives’ election campaign.
Since Sunak became prime minister in October 2022, GfK’s consumer confidence index has risen by 30 points from -47.
Ticketmaster faces break-up over ‘unlawfully’ inflating prices
US authorities have launched a legal effort to break up Ticketmaster after botched ticket sales for artists including Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen fuelled accusations of anti-competitive behaviour.
The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation accusing the group of illegally inflating ticket prices at the expense of both artists and fans.
Merrick Garland, the US Attorney General, said: “We allege that Live Nation relies on unlawful, anti-competitive conduct to exercise its monopolistic control over the live events industry in the United States at the cost of fans, artists, smaller promoters and venue operators.
“The result is that fans pay more in fees, artists have fewer opportunities to play concerts, smaller promoters get squeezed out, and venues have fewer real choices for ticketing services. It is time to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster.”
Are you being mis-sold beer? Study casts doubt over Britain's pints
Punters hoping to enjoy a swift pint may have been left with a bit of a headache - after an investigation found nearly 90% of beer served in UK pubs and bars is short-measured.
Trading Standards officers ordered beer and wine at 77 pubs and bars and were served 96 short measures out of 137 orders.
This means more than two-third of drinks (around 70%) were less than the prescribed quantity required by the Weights and Measures Order for pints and half pints and 175ml glasses of wine.
Some 86% of the beer ordered was short-measured, as was 43% of the wine.
Girls Aloud ticket prices slashed by 50% for Aberdeen gig
Aberdeen fans of Girls Aloud could pick up a bargain with ticket prices slashed by 50%.
The girl band is currently touring the country with their new live concert, The Girls Aloud Show.
Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh reunited back in November to announce a new tour, belting out some of their greatest hits.
The foursome are also paying tribute to fifth member Sarah Harding who died in 2021 from breast cancer.