Here are the business stories making the headlines locally and across the country this morning.
Asda now the most expensive supermarket for fuel
Asda’s fuel has become the priciest among supermarket groups - after years of being among the cheapest - despite its pledge to offer the best value, research suggests.
According to the RAC, average petrol and diesel prices were higher at Asda at the end of May than at Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.
Asda disputed the findings, saying they covered its whole estate, including convenience shops, and that it still had the best prices at supermarket forecourts.
Global fuel prices are falling, but the RAC said supermarket chains were not passing the savings on to customers.
Private sector growth boosts UK economy and sets up interest rate cut
The UK private sector economy expanded faster than expected last month and inflation eased to its slowest pace in three years, boosting hopes for interest rate cuts over the summer.
The S&P Global and Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply final composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI), a measure of private sector activity, slipped to 53 in May from 54.1 the previous month.
However, the figure was slightly higher than City analysts had expected and upwardly revised from an initial reading of 52.8, demonstrating that the private sector economy expanded quicker than first thought last month.
The UK economy grew by 0.6% in the first three months of this year, the strongest rate in two years. Recent data has indicated that this expansion is set to continue in the second quarter.
Stonehaven’s The Ship Inn up for sale
One of the north-east’s best-known places to eat, drink and stay in, The Ship Inn on the picturesque harbourside in Stonehaven, is up for sale.
The Ship Inn – billed as a “rare opportunity” is in a prime spot at 5 Shorehead.
Its 38-cover restaurant, The Captain’s Table, is a firm favourite of diners from far and wide.
The historic inn – it dates back to 1771 – is being sold through chartered surveyors DM Hall.
Aberdeen’s Søstrene Grene announces giveaway for first 100 customers
Søstrene Grene has announced a giveaway ahead of its Aberdeen opening later this month.
The popular store, which will be located on the ground floor of the Bon Accord centre, will open on June 21 at 10am.
The company has revealed that the first 100 customers to the store will be gifted a voucher for a Søstrene Grene tufted rug.
A post on social media reads: “Come and celebrate the grand opening in Aberdeen with us!"