BEWARE EXIT FEE

Consumer champion Martin Lewis is urging households thinking of fixing their energy tariff to be aware of rocketing exit penalties.

Research by his website Moneysavingexpert. com found many energy suppliers have hiked early exit fees on their cheapest fixed deals.

A year ago, the typical exit fee on a fixed deal for a dual-fuel home was £60.

The highest seen now by the website is £150. Lewis said: “These massive, outrageous early exit fees are the final nail in the coffin of dying energy competition.”

High street tycoon Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has increased its stake in luxury German fashion brand Hugo Boss once again.

Frasers said it now has

3.4 million shares – a 4.9% stake – in Hugo Boss and holds buy options over another 26% shareholding. It said its investment in the fashion brand is now worth around £770million.

Frasers owns fashion chain Flannels and House of Fraser, along with Sports Direct, Game, Jack Wills and Evans Cycles.