Property slowdown

Sports Direct has been ranked one of the world’s most innovative retailers. The firm, controlled by billionaire Mike Ashley, came fourth in the Internationalisation Retail Index, beating the likes of John Lewis and Next. Amazon was top, followed by fashion firms Boohoo and ASOS. House-price growth has slowed to a five-year low, according to one of Britain’s biggest mortgage lenders.

The average home is worth 2% more than a year ago, based on figures from the Nationwide Building Society, down from 2.4% in May.

Prices in London fell a chunky 1.9% – the only place to see a drop, but after years of rocketing values.

The slowdown is good for buyers, especially first-timers, but not so great for sellers.

It also reflects the weaker economy.