THE DAILY BRIEFING

FARE GAME Rocketing demand for low-cost fares helped budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air toast rising passenger numbers. Ryanair said passenger numbers in November grew 15pc to 8.8m from 7.7m. Wizz Air reported a 19pc growth in customers to 1.8m from 1.5m the year before.

Wizz Air credited the boost on the launch of its Wizz Go category, which offers customers discounted package prices with stripped-back services.

TARGETING CHINA British tourist chiefs are hoping to woo more big spenders from China by launching five new flight routes.

Tapping into Chinese tourists is lucrative for British businesses. They stay an average of seven days longer than other international visitors – 15 on average – and they spend an average of £2,174 during each visit, more than three times the usual.

SHOPPING BOOST Bargainhungry shoppers bolstered retail takings last month, with non-food sales jumping 40pc during the week that included Black Friday.

The British Retail ConsortiumKPMG survey showed sales rose 0.6pc in November, up from a 0.4pc fall in 2015, as the shopping extravaganza on November 25 boosted stores.

MUSICAL CHAIRS Two months after a boardroom bust-up saw the boss of WANdisco sent packing and then reappointed just a week later, the company’s game of musical chairs has continued.

Finance director Erik Miller has rejoined the company on a full-time basis, taking the post of chief financial officer after getting caught up in the drama which saw chief executive David Richards fired at the beginning of October.

HEALTHCARE SALE Mental healthcare operator Cambian is selling its adult services business for £377m to help pay down debt.

The sale to rival Cygnet will see Cambian’s shareholders earn £40m with the remainder going towards paying off its £293m debt pile.

TECH LEADER London is Europe’s leading destination for the brightest technology firms, according to a report.

The capital topped 34 other cities for providing jobs, growth and the ability to help establish ambitious start-ups, according to commercial property giant CBRE.

AIRLINE PLANS Etihad has approved plans to create an airline with travel giant Tui, owner of First Choice, as it seeks to salvage its investment in Air Berlin.

The Abu Dhabi-based flyer is ploughing ahead with plans to partner with the world’s largest tour operator.

DIGI DEAL Digital advertising company RhythmOne is buying US mobile rewards firm Perk, which owns apps and websites, for £33.5m.