IN BRIEF

Marks & Spencer has struck a deal with software giant Microsoft to use artificial intelligence. The chain hasn’t said much more about how the technology would be used other than to “improve customer experience and optimise operations”.

BT yesterday became the first major UK pay-TV firm to offer Amazon Prime Video access via a set-top box. The move allows BT subscribers to watch shows such as The Grand Tour via an app.

Grieving relatives are being hit with cremation costs that are 36.5% above the national average in areas where there is no competition, according to funeral services comparison site Beyond.