ee business plans uk

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EE BUSINESS MOBILE PLANS

• Mobile Plans
• Plan Benefits
• Flexible Plans
• Travel Abroad

With EE your business can experience the flexibility, value, and reliability it deserves. You’ll get unlimited calls, texts, and generous data options across all our plans. And you can take advantage of our range of plan benefits , including an Annual Check-up and Extended Warranty, to maximize the value of your investment. Plus, our transparent pricing and payment options mean there’s no hidden fees, you'll only pay for what you need.

We know reliability is crucial for any business. That's why we offer Stay Connected Data, WiFi Coverage Boost, and Annual Check-up to ensure that you're always connected. We also provide a range of Inclusive Extras . 

Business Essential Plans

Enjoy uninterrupted connectivity and peace of mind with our Business Essential plan. If you run out of data we’ll keep you connected to critical services like email and WhatsApp, ensuring your business stays connected.

Our extended warranties* guarantee top-notch performance for your EE devices, with Annual Check Up to ensure they're functioning optimally. And unlimited calls and texts** let you stay in touch without any additional costs.

Business All Rounder Plans

EE's Business All Rounder plans are the perfect solution for those who want to balance work and leisure.

In addition to all the great features of our Business Essential plans, you can choose one of our many Inclusive Extras. Unwind after a busy day with Apple Music or TNT Sports. Or work more efficiently with Microsoft 365 Personal, Roam Abroad Pass, and more. For a comprehensive list, check out our Inclusive Extras .

And if you want to stay on top of the latest devices, our 15-day Upgrade Anytime option makes it easy to upgrade your device.

Business Full Works Plans

Our Full Works plans come with all the benefits of All Rounder and are tailored to work with your Android device. You can select three of our fantastic Inclusive Extras , such as Apple Music, TNT Sports, Microsoft 365 Personal, Roam Abroad Pass, or 500 minutes to call Europe and Business Zone from the UK. So you can customise your plan to cater to your business needs and preferences.

Business Full Works with Apple One Plans

Want to get the most out of your Apple product? Then Business Full Works with Apple One is the plan for you. You'll get the Apple One package, which includes Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB iCloud+ storage. Plus the option to add one Inclusive Extra , such as; TNT Sports, Microsoft 365 Personal, Roam Abroad Pass, or 500 minutes to call Europe and Business Zone from the UK.

Compare Our Business Plans

* Excludes SIMO ** Handset and SIMO only

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Travel Information and Add-ons

If you’re travelling, our Roam Abroad Pass Inclusive Extra lets you use your inclusive minutes, texts and data in our Europe Zone. It also covers seven other global destinations (USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and China) when you travel outside of the UK.

If you don’t have the Roam Abroad Pass as an Inclusive Extra, you can add Roam Abroad for £10 a month – for a minimum of 30 days. If you don’t choose either your business device in the EU/EEA will cost a flat rate of £2 a day from 11 May 2022.

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EE Business Mobile

Get the best tariff packages available with EE, including data, voice, text, and hardware deals. With a wealth of Smart Benefits and a range of data plans to suit all businesses. Get a Quote

The Best EE Business Mobile Packages with Expert Support

We’re proud to be an approved EE stockist, which means we have access to the best deals on the market. We’ll work with you to outline what you need from your business mobile solutions and find the perfect package that is full of features that keep your teams connected and productive.

Rely on Elite for the Best EE Business Mobile Deals

We have over 20 years’ experience in the industry, so we know the market inside out. Every Mobile Specialist and Account Manager in our team is highly trained and possesses comprehensive knowledge of the latest mobile technology, tariffs and packages.

Our approach is customer-focussed, which means we take the time to get to know you, your business, your needs and your usage to find the best EE business mobile package for you.

A Network That Always Keeps You Connected

An EE business mobile plan ensures you always stay connected, even if you go over your data allowance! You can continue to use your business-critical apps like email, Whatsapp and maps by switching your usage to a slower speed of 0.5 Mbps.

Stay productive on the go with data that allows you to go further.

Built for Speed – 4G and 5G Ready Business Mobile Solutions

Your business is always on the go, so you need a mobile plan that can keep up. With an EE business mobile package from Elite, your team can take advantage of superfast data speeds with 4G and 5G ready solutions.

Access your business-critical apps and stay productive, wherever your business takes you, with super speedy data and reliable connectivity.

Take your data abroad and roam for a fixed price per day within EE’s Europe Zone and EE’s Roaming passports. Use your allowances as you would at home and if you need access to other options for roaming abroad, take advantage of a range of Smart Benefits and add-ons.

Latest Mobile Handsets From Elite

Our handset stock may vary.*

Samsung A32 - 5G / 64GB

Samsung A13 - 32GB / 64GB

iPhone SE - 64GB

iPhone 12 - 64GB

iPhone 13 - 128GB

iPhone 14- 102GB / 128GB / 256GB / 512GB

Key features, your business can enjoy of a range of benefits and features with a jam-packed ee business mobile plan., uk’s best 5g network.

Benefit from EE’s 5G network in over 100 cities and towns, for superfast speeds that keep up with your busy workload.

Smart Benefits

Make the most of your tariff with a range of benefits, such as inclusive international minutes in EE’s Business Zone and Office applications.

Data Roaming

Use your data in over 60 countries and call and text to the UK without roaming charges within EE’s Europe Zone.

Data Plans for All Businesses

Choose from a range of data plans that suit your business exactly, including Individual Plans with dedicated data per user, to Team Plans that allow access to a shared data pot.

Choose a Business Mobile Plan That Gives You More

When you choose a business mobile plan from Elite, we’re committed to giving you more. More choice, more flexibility, more features – everything your team needs to work efficiently and stay connected no matter where your business takes them. Our specialists are ready to find the perfect business mobile package that meets your needs and more.

On-the-Go Productivity

Send and receive files quickly, enjoy high quality video conferencing, on-the-go with reliable connections and fast speeds.

Bill Protector

EE will enable you to set individual or group spend caps for both domestic and roaming use.

Award Winning Network

EE have been voted the UK’s Best Network for 8 years running.

Optimised Security

Safeguard your data with security and mobile device management solutions.

Expert Advice

Our mobile specialists are here to work with you to find the best EE business mobile package that suits your business needs perfectly.

Super Speedy Support

In the unlikely event that you encounter an issue with your new solution, our outstanding First Contact team are here to help.

Elite Green Certified Partner

We are dedicated to partnering with providers who share our aim of working towards a more sustainable future.

EE’s network and high-street stores are powered using 100% renewable electricity and all contact centres and offices have focussed on reducing their overall waste by sending nothing to landfill. By 2025, EE are committed to 100% of their plastic packaging being reusable, recyclable, compostable or removed entirely from operations.

Partnering with EE contributes to our commitment of becoming a sustainable company.

Your Experience is Our Priority

Mobile first time resolution.

Of mobile customer faults are fixed within the first attempt.

First interaction Resolution

Of mobile support cases are solved in one interaction.

Mobile Customer Satisfaction

Above the industry average CSAT Score for mobile services.

Why Choose Us?

Elite are experts in helping businesses collaborate and communicate in a secure, productive, and profitable way, wherever you or your employees are located.

Keep your device data safe with security and mobile device management features within your EE business mobile plan. When it comes to security, we’re the experts, so you can take your security further with mobile device management solutions from Elite.

Collaboration

Empower your team to communicate and collaborate effectively from any location, with reliable connections and superfast speeds.

Productivity

Access business apps, data, documents, and communication platforms from anywhere, so you can be productive wherever your working day takes you.

Profitability

With dedicated account management and bill management options, like spend caps, there’s no nasty surprises when you open your bill. Enjoy all the features of your EE business mobile plan without overspending.

We currently deal direct with EE and O2, as well as Elite, but we were keen to work with just one supplier to simplify things. Out of the companies we currently deal with, it made sense to make Elite our preferred supplier, because with them we get one dedicated account manager who will always get back to use about our queries very quickly. It also means we will be able to view all of our bills online in one place, making it much simpler to keep track of our spending.

EE Frequently Asked Questions

Can i keep my existing mobile number when i switch to an ee business mobile plan, do i call elite or ee if i encounter a problem, why should i join elite rather than going to ee directly, how do i view my mobile bill, let us find the best ee business mobile plan for you.

Ready to bring your teams and customers together with a feature-rich business mobile package from EE? Fill in our contact form and one of our highly-trained specialists will be in touch.

Number Of Employees (required)* 1 2 to 5 6 to 9 10 to 19 20 to 49 50 to 99 100 to 199 200 to 499 500 to 999 1000+ Unclassified

Product of Interest IOT Mobile Device Management Mobile Tariffs Data Only Pay Monthly Sim Only my.plan

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Azure Virtual Desktop Azure Hosting Cloud Connect Cloud Hybrid Cloud Microsoft 365 Microsoft Power Apps Microsoft Teams Windows 365 Cloud Business Broadband ADSL Single Order Superfast Ultra Fast Mobile Broadband Leased Lines Ethernet First Mile Ethernet Over Fibre to the Cabinet Ethernet Point to Point LAN Networking Managed Wi-Fi MPLS SD-WAN Contact Centre Call2Teams Microsoft Direct Routing Maintenance and Support Phone Systems Cloud and Hosted Phone Systems On Premise Calls and Lines Analogue Lines IDSN Services Call Recording Inbound Numbers 08/Free Phone 03 Numbers 01/02 Numbers Chargeable 08 Non Geographic International UIFN IVR and Call Queuing Microsoft Direct Routing SIP Trunks International SIP IOT Mobile Device Management Mobile Tariffs Data Only Pay Monthly Sim Only my.plan Disaster Recovery Data Back-Ups Laptops and Peripherals Servers and Virtualisation Storage Systems IT Consultancy IT Support Services Maintenance and Support Software Development Azure Defender Azure Sentinel Endpoint Security Email Security Firewalls Multi-Factor Authentication Network Security Audits and Assessments 8x8 X-Series

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Best mobile phone plans for business in 2022

Compare business mobile phone deals from UK networks EE, O2, Three, Vodafone and more

If you're looking for the best business mobile phone plans, then you've come to the right place, as in this guide we compare business mobile phone deals that offer you essential features and allowances, as well as the best handsets and from all the best UK networks.

Whether you're after the new Samsung Galaxy S20 , iPhone 11 or Google Pixel 4 , a free phone, lots of data, the lowest possible monthly cost or all of the above, we'll help you find the perfect deal.  If you're not sure which phone to get to use for work, check out our list of the best business mobiles in the UK.

We've also compiled alternative guides if you're interested in the best business SIM-only deals as well as the best business broadband and best mobile broadband deals . 

Best business mobile phone deals by network

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

• Business mobiles at Three
• Business at EE
• O2 Business
• SME, large and public sector business at Vodafone
• Carphone Warehouse business
• PC World Business

 The best mobile plans for business from Vodafone

The cheapest around for data-hungry users 

Unlimited minutes | Unlimited texts| 1GB - unlimited data | 12 or 24 month contract | From £11

For anyone who wants their business SIM plan to have 5G capabilities, Vodafone is looking like it will be the cheapest option. You get both 4G and 5G options depending on where you live and what device you have. Vodafone is also one of the best value options if you need a large amount of data, plus all the benefits of Vodafone's VeryMe are made available to you.

 The best mobile plans for business from O2

Terrific for globe-trotters

Unlimited minutes | Unlimited texts| from 2GB data | 12-month contract | from £11

The Telefonica-owned company offers one of the most impressive packages in the line-up. It is also the most expensive although you get far more than most. Not only do you have unlimited minutes and texts in the UK and across Europe (well, there is a fair usage limit of 2,000 minutes and 2,000 texts in the EU), you also get 3GB to use in the EU and 120 UK to EU minutes. Great if you travel a lot to mainland Europe.

  The best mobile plans for business from EE

A huge amount of super-fast mobile data

Unlimited minutes | Unlimited texts| 500Mb - 100GB data | 12-month contract | from £13 a month EE is the UK's fastest 4G network and therefore the one that will attract a lot of people needing some supercharged speeds. It isn't exactly the cheapest option when it comes to business SIM plans but it does offer frequent discounts, promotions and deals to lower the price tag slightly.

Best mobile phone plans and deals - at a glance

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Dan ( Twitter , Google+ ) is TechRadar's Former Deputy Editor and is now in charge at our sister site T3.com . Covering all things computing, internet and mobile he's a seasoned regular at major tech shows such as CES, IFA and Mobile World Congress. Dan has also been a tech expert for many outlets including BBC Radio 4, 5Live and the World Service, The Sun and ITV News.

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EE introduces new 5G enabled business plans for work and play

• New business mobile and tech specific plans on the fastest 5G network
• Uncapped speeds and Reserve Data for complete peace of mind
• New entertainment services available with Smart Benefits, as well as a new Lifetime Guarantee and Next Day Replacement, all exclusive to EE

EE today has unveiled its latest small business mobile plans in a complete refresh of its mobile packages, to help SMEs work more flexibly and access new entertainment services as the traditional lines between work and play continue to blur.

SME customers can now enjoy a range of 5G ready handset and SIM Only business plans to access the fastest speeds possible on the UK’s biggest and fastest mobile network.

These refreshed business mobile plans allow customers to enjoy not only the fastest 5G network, but also Unlimited Data and a range of unique Smart Benefits. Exclusive to EE only, business handset customers also cover Lifetime Guarantee and Free Next Day Replacement for their device at no extra cost, and the option to upgrade to a new device when they want during their contract.

Bundled together, these benefits ensure that small business customers have complete peace of mind with always-on and reliable connectivity – whether that’s for business or personal use.

Make the most of the best tech

In addition to the 5G ready plans, EE is also introducing exclusive tech specific plans for its most popular devices for the first time, ensuring business customers can get the most out of the technology they have chosen, and manage work life balance more effectively.

When business customers need downtime, EE’s new business plans can provide exclusive access to Smart Benefits including Apple Music, BT Sport Ultimate, Amazon Prime Video, and BritBox so they can also enjoy a range of entertainment options.

Never get caught short on mobile data

And as part of the plans, EE business customers have access to uncapped data speeds as part of their data allowance to enable customers to enjoy the full power of the EE network. To ensure businesses have complete peace of mind, EE is going one step further, with the introduction of Reserve Data which will automatically start once a customer’s high-speed data allowance runs out. Reserve Data is fast enough for users to continue to access all the essential business and entertainment tools providing reassurance to customers that they will stay connected when they need it most.

Pete Oliver, Managing Director, SME, said: We know that for many of our business customers, work and home life tend to blend into one. That trend is accelerating with more people working from home as a result of the pandemic. That’s why we’re offering 5G ready and new tech specific plans to empower customers to keep on top of their workload and  stay entertained during downtime, whether that’s in the home or on the move. And with unrestricted speeds on data allowances and a Reserve Data safety net, our business plans really do enable customers to get the very most from the UK’s no. 1 mobile network”.

EE handset plans start from £16 for Business Essential, £31 for Business Extra and £42 for Business Unlimited. SIM Only, Tablet and Mobile Broadband plans are also available for business customers. For more information EE’s refreshed plans, please visit https://ee.co.uk/business/small/price-plans/ .

Note to Editors

EE’s new business handset plans are designed to provide businesses with all the tools they need to switch seamlessly between work and home life – anytime anywhere.

Business Essential – Choose the data allowance that's right for you and enjoy the full power of our 4G and 5G.

Business Extra - Choose your data allowance and stay connected if you ever run out with Reserve Data. It lets you continue using your data at a reduced speed until your monthly allowance refreshes, so you’ll always stay connected to your essential apps and emails. Plus, choose one of our Smart Benefits to keep you entertained in your downtime .

Business Unlimited - Experience the full power of the UK’s no.1 network. Get unlimited data with no allowance limits and no speed caps. And a choice of Smart Benefits to keep you entertained in your downtime.

EE runs the UK's biggest and fastest mobile network, offering superfast connections in more places than any other operator. EE brought the first 4G network to the UK in October 2012 with it continuing to be the UK’s biggest 4G network and launched the UK’s first 5G network in May 2019.

EE has received extensive independent recognition, including being named the UK's best network every year since 2015 for all the following awards: The Mobile Choice Awards, The Mobile News Awards, The Mobile Industry Awards and by RootMetrics®.

As well as offering mobile services to consumers and small and medium businesses, EE also provides home and business broadband using both 4G and fixed line connections.

EE is committed to being number one for service in the industry. Its retail presence exceeds more than 600 shops across the UK. EE remains the only mobile provider to answer 100% of customer calls in the UK and Ireland and was recognised as the UK’s Best Large Contact Centre by the UK Customer Experience Awards 2018 and Welsh Contact Centre Awards 2019. EE was awarded The Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work for in 2018 and 2019, as well as being named Best Employer 2018 by the European Contact Centre & Customer Service awards.

EE is part of BT’s Consumer business unit which provides products and services to all of BT’s consumer customers in the UK.

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5G Comparison Site

EE’s new business plans give you 5G, entertainment and more

EE has reworked its plans for small businesses, and now offers three distinct plan types that come with a lot more than just your allowances. For one thing, they’re all 5G ready, so paired with a 5G phone you’ll be able to enjoy the maximum possible speeds on EE’s network.

The three plans are called Business Essential, Business Extra, and Business Unlimited, and they also all come with unlimited minutes and texts, as well as a Lifetime Guarantee – which means your contract handset will be covered against manufacturer faults until you either upgrade or leave EE. The plans also include a free next day replacement for your device if needed.

But if you opt for a Business Extra plan then you also get the ability to upgrade to a new handset whenever you want during your contract (after the first 15 days), so if a shiny 5G phone comes out, you won’t have to wait months or years to get it.

Plus, with Business Extra you get to choose a ‘Smart Benefit’. These include subscriptions to Amazon Prime Video, Apple Music, BT Sport Ultimate, or BritBox.

They’ve been offered on consumer plans for a while, but EE has added them to its business plans as it recognises that the lines between work and play are becoming ever more blurred, especially with more people currently working from home.

Business Extra plans also come with 200 monthly minutes for calls from the UK to the EU, and they include ‘Reserve Data’, which lets you keep using data at 2Mbps speeds when your data allowance runs out. So it won’t be 5G speeds anymore, but at least you can stay connected to work and play.

5G Coverage Checker

Have it all.

Finally, there’s EE’s Business Unlimited plans. These include unlimited data, which means they don’t need Reserve Data, but otherwise they come with everything that you get on a Business Extra plan, except with 500 UK to EU minutes rather than just 200.

EE’s new 5G business plans are available either with a handset or on SIM Only , and they’re competitively priced – a Business Essential handset plan for example will start from just £16 per month at the time of writing.

But opt for Business Unlimited and you’ll truly have everything you need to stay permanently connected at the fastest 5G speeds, empowering you to work more efficiently and enjoy streamed media in the best quality possible.

See Business Plans

Editorial Manager

James  has been writing for us for over 10 years. Currently, he is Editorial Manager for our group of companies ( 3G.co.uk, 4G.co.uk and 5G.co.uk) and sub-editor at TechRadar. He specialises in smartphones, mobile networks/ technology, tablets, and wearables.

In the past, James has also written for T3, Digital Camera World, Clarity Media, Smart TV Radar, and others, with work on the web, in print and on TV. He has a film studies degree from the University of Kent, Canterbury, and has over a decade’s worth of professional writing experience.

Ofcom’s next 5G spectrum auction could finally deliver on 5G’s full potential

Ofcom has laid out its plans for the auctioning of 26GHz and 40GHz mmWave 5G spectrum.

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Benefits of an EE Business Plan

What are the benefits of an EE Business Plan?

If keeping your personal life separate from your business is important for you, getting a business mobile contract is a crucial step. In this article, we explore the key benefits of an EE mobile business plan and why it’s an excellent choice for you.

Thanks to our partnership with EE, we’re able to offer even more support for small businesses and sole traders. Getting the right mobile provider can provide excellent, award-winning coverage and a range of other solutions.

Unsure if you should be classed as a sole trader business or self-employed? Take a look at our helpful article – Am I a Sole Trader?

If you are looking at switching your mobile contract here are five reasons your next business phone should be on EE:

• Uncapped speeds: EE is the UK’s best network for 4G and 5G. All 5G devices get uncapped 5G speeds for the fastest connectivity and download speeds. 4G devices benefit from the same on the 4G network too.
• Stay connected data: If you use up your data allowance, we’ll keep you connected at 0.5mbps so you can always access essentials like email, WhatsApp and maps.
• Wi-Fi coverage boost: Access to over 150,000 fixed BT Wi-Fi hubs across the UK, so you can connect in areas where you need a boost, with unlimited calls and texts.
• Extended warranty: Free repairs or replacement from manufacturer faults for the lifetime of your plan.

Unlimited calls and texts: Make unlimited calls and texts in the UK without worrying about any additional charges or limits.

• Upgrade anytime: Upgrade from day 15 of your new plan up to 90 days before it ends. There may be an upgrade fee to pay depending on where you are in your contract, but you can upgrade every two weeks if you want – simply return your old phone and sign up to a new minimum 24-month plan. Subject to terms and conditions.

Money blog: Sales of viral Prime drink sink - as one supermarket 'sells at discount price'

Sales of the viral Prime sports drinks have fallen sharply in 2024 and are down by more than half year on year. Read this and the rest of today's personal finance news in the Money blog - and comment on any of the stories we're covering, or leave a Money Problem, in the form below.

Monday 8 April 2024 16:07, UK

• Pensions rising 8.5% today - as benefits go up 6.7%
• Money Problem : The monthly charge on my leasehold flat has gone up by more than £60 a month - what are my rights?
• Sales of viral Prime drinks sink - as one supermarket 'sells at discount price'
• London restaurant chain ditches tips - just before new legislation saying staff must get 100%
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Ask a question or make a comment

Higher interest rates mean more people are opting to take out out longer mortgages in order to afford their repayments.

If you've recently agreed a mortgage deal that will take you past retirement age, we'd like to hear from you.

Are you worried, or do you feel it doesn't matter? Have you had to change any of your life plans to take on the mortgage?

Let us know by sending us a message via our  Whatsapp here.

Aldi is now Britain's third-biggest supermarket after kicking Asda from the bronze medal spot, according to one set of industry figures.

NIQ data shows Asda's growth has slowed, with sales up just 0.8% in the past three months - the worst performance of any big-name retailer.

Its market share has also dropped below Aldi's, with Asda making up 11.7% of the grocery market in the 12 weeks to 23 March, compared with 12.2% for Aldi.

The cost of living crisis has seen major supermarkets in the UK battle to market themselves as the best value for money for shoppers.

Aldi's UK operation reported a 26% rise in sales in December compared to the previous year.

Ex-Lidl UK boss Ronny Gottschlich said previously that he thinks the combined share of the two budget supermarkets will overtake Tesco "by 2027 at the latest".

Here's the latest Which? survey on the UK's cheapest supermarket for a basket...

Sales of the viral Prime sports drinks have fallen sharply since the start of 2024 and are down by more than half year on year, according to a report.

Chaos broke out in UK supermarkets at the end of 2022 following the release of the drinks, with some being re-sold by shoppers at inflated prices due to intense demand.

Prime, founded by KSI and fellow YouTuber Logan Paul, was the fastest growing food and drink brand in 2023, according to The Grocer.

But a new  report by the grocery news outlet cites NIQ data which shows that sales of Prime in the first quarter of 2024 sat at just £12.8m - less than half the £26.8m reported over the same period last year.

A picture emerged on social media last month of bottles of Prime being sold for just 31p in Tesco - although it's worth pointing out that the supermarket giant had previously been reluctant to stock them and other companies are still selling them at around the £2 mark.

You no longer have to pay a fee to sell pre-owned clothing on eBay.

The online marketplace says it has scrapped the charge for private sellers in the UK in a bid to prevent items from ending up in landfill.

In reality, eBay is trying to compete with popular apps such as Vinted and Depop. These apps tend to attract a younger market - which eBay is eager to infiltrate.

Under its change, all items are covered except hats, footwear, watches, bags and jewellery, which still incur a fee.

Items listed before today will benefit from the change.

Kirsty Keoghan, general manager of global fashion for eBay, said: "Free fashion selling has come at the right time for a nation sitting on billions of pounds worth of unwanted clothes.

"We know selling clothes can sometimes feel like a chore, so free selling and new updates like new AI-powered listings will help more of us to sell clothes easily, putting more cash in pockets."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

The price of oil is hovering around $90 a barrel, levels last seen six months ago in the wake of the Hamas attacks on 7 October.

It's a slight fall from the $91.50 recorded on Friday but still not good news for motorists and for most of the economy, which is largely reliant on oil to fuel production. 

The FTSE 100 index of most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange is down 0.03% this morning with Marks and Spencer experiencing the biggest fall. 

Its share price is down 2.45%, followed by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) itself. 

Following stories of a shareholder revolt in LSEG, as its chief executive David Schwimmer is in line for a pay rise from £6.3m to £13.2m, the share price fell 1.9%. 

A pound buys $1.2616 and €1.656.

Nail salon prices across the UK are going up today as thousands of workers band together.

The Nail Tech Org (NTO) says its member nail technicians make on average just under £7 per hour, well below the minimum wage of £11.44 - and so they're collectively coming together to raise prices to help increase pay.

Lauren Pritchard, owner of The Beauty Bar in Birmingham, told Sky News the cost of opening her salon on a day-to-day basis has doubled in the last four years because of increased energy and product costs.

She says she has already lost some clients after announcing her price increase of £2-3 per service.

"It's always going to be a bit scary," she said, but increasing her prices at the same time as others makes it easier.

"It's us coming together to encourage each other rather than pitching us against each other by undercutting prices."

The state pension rises by 8.5% today.

The "new" state pension, for those reaching state pension age on or after 6 April 2016, will rise to £221.20 a week - up from £203.85.

The "basic" state pension, for those who took it out prior to April 2016, is rising to £169.50 a week. These people may also get SERPs (State Earnings Related Pension Scheme), which goes up by 6.7%.

Both groups may get more or less depending on individual circumstances. 

While the rise is welcome news for some 12 million pensioners, we reported last week that 650,000 additional pensioners could be dragged into paying income tax for the first time.

This is down to state pensions rising in line with inflation while the tax threshold has been frozen at £12,570 (and will remain so until 2028).

The 8.5% increase in the "new" state pension this week will take it to £11,502. While welcome, it means any pensioner with an additional income over £1,068 per year - for example from a private pension - will trigger a tax bill.

Means-tested benefits will also increase today - along with other benefits increases this weekend and at the start of the month. Here's a round up...

• Child benefit

The amount people can earn before child benefit is reduced or taken away is increasing.

At the moment, people lose 1% of the benefit for every £100 they earn over £50,000. At £60,000, the benefit is cut completely.

From this month, the benefit won't be reduced until one parent earns more than £60,000. And it will only go completely at £80,000.

Benefits and tax credits that are linked to inflation will rise by 6.7% this month.

That was the level CPI in September.

These benefits have to go up 6.7% by law:

• Personal independence payment (PIP)
• Disability living allowance
• Attendance allowance
• Incapacity benefit
• Severe disablement allowance
• Industrial injuries benefit
• Carer's allowance
• Additional State Pension
• Guardian's allowance

The government also pledged the same raise for benefits including:

• Universal credit
• Contributory employment and support allowance
• Contributory jobseeker's allowance
• Statutory maternity/paternity pay and maternity allowance
• Income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA)
• Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
• Income support
• Working tax credit
• Child tax credit

From April universal credit rates are:

• Single and under 25 - £311.68
• Single and 25 or over - £393.45
• Live with partner, both under 25 - £489.23 (for you both)
• Live with partner, either of you are 25 or over £617.60 (for you both)

Every Monday we put your financial dilemmas or consumer disputes to industry experts. You can find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post.

This week, Sky News reader SBwrry  asks...

"I own a flat in a block where the developer contracted a company to manage the communal facilities. The first year the monthly charge was £149 per month. From April they will increase the monthly charge to £216 per month. What rights do I have to challenge this increase?"

Mark Chick, senior partner at Bishop and Sewell law firm, picks up the first half of this one...

Firstly, we need to understand whether this is a shared ownership property or not. 

However, assuming the lease has a service charge, and that the common facilities form part of the costs which are recoverable under the terms of the lease, then the leaseholder would have the right to challenge the costs in the first-tier tribunal.

In accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 1985, service charges must be "reasonable" and you have the right to bring a challenge.

In this situation, the leaseholder would need to pay their own costs of going to tribunal and therefore it may make sense to act collectively; if the tribunal did order the service charge is "unreasonable" and should be reduced, this should benefit all those that pay it.

But the first step is to write to the freeholder or manager querying why the increase has been levied, and also to review carefully the provisions of the lease to ensure these are costs which they can legitimately pass on to you as the flat owners.

The Money team's Katie Williams has looked at another avenue you could explore...

Leaseholders in a block of flats can take over management of the building under a process introduced in 2002 called right to manage (RTM).

The leaseholders have to set up a RTM company in order to be able to take over management duties. It can be done without the permission of the landlord, but they will have a right to be a part of the company. They'll also have the option to dispute the claim if they think the RTM company isn't entitled to manage the building.

The RTM process can be used to take back control of a poorly managed block, but flat owners don't need to prove mismanagement to exercise their right.

There are some conditions that have to be met before management can be taken over:

• The building must be self contained and include at least two flats;
• At least two-thirds of the flats in the building have to be leasehold;
• At least 75% of the building must be residential;
• At least half the leaseholders must participate, or all if the building consists of two flats only.

The advantage of right to manage is that you have greater control over the cost of running the building which could lead to big savings - but a potential disadvantage is that it could be time-consuming and stressful in the long run.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute, leaving your name and where in the country you are, in the form above or by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog". Alternatively, WhatsApp us  here .

If you regularly buy herbs and spices from the supermarket, it could be that you're doing it all wrong.

These items have their own section, usually somewhere near the stock cubes and gravy.

If that's where you pick up your cumin or chilli flakes, for example, you should consider having a look down the world aisle instead.

They're usually much, much cheaper per 10g, and although you'll likely have to buy a slightly bigger packet, you're getting much better value for money.

The Money team popped into a Tesco Extra to have a look - though you'll find this applies to all the big supermarkets where they have a world food aisle.

• East End ground cumin - 13p for 10g v Tesco own brand 23.3p
• East End chilli flakes - 7.6p for 10g v Tesco own brand 35.7p
• East End cinnamon sticks - 13p for 10g v Tesco own brand 83.3p
• Rajah chilli powder - 5p per 10g v Tesco own brand 20p
• Rajah turmeric - 6p per 10g v Tesco own brand 22.2p
• East End fennel seeds - 13p per 10g v Tesco own brand 27.8p
• Natco ground coriander - 14.5p per 10g v Tesco own brand 27.8
• East End garlic powder - 13p per 10g v Tesco own brand 22.2p

And it's not just herbs and spices.

For example, we saw desiccated coconut at £4.25 per kg down the world aisle, compared with £7.25 for Tesco's own brand.

A popular London restaurant chain has ditched tips - and has instead introduced a 15% "brand charge" in order to increase staff wages.

Ping Pong's decision comes just months before new laws mean restaurants will have to give 100% of tips to staff - and unions have hit out.

How much are wages going up?

The dim sum chain's lowest paid employees will see their pay increase from £10.42 to £12.64.

The national minimum wage for people aged over 21 rose from £10.42 to £11.44 on 1 April. The real living wage in London is £13.15, according to the Living Wage foundation.

What is the 15% 'brand charge'?

The "brand charge" covers "costs associated with operating a franchised brand and delivering the dining experience to brand standards", Ping Pong menus read.

The charge will eventually be incorporated into menu prices.

Customers at Ping Pong will no longer be able to leave a tip by card. Cash tips are allowed - but many customers don't carry cash these days.

Unite's Bryan Simpson said offering £1 above the minimum wage to replace "a healthy per hour tip rate" is "a complete slap in the face" for staff.

"Ping Pong's decision to effectively deny workers tips by cynically changing the service charge to a 'brand charge' in order to circumvent the new fair tips legislation is one of the most blatant examples of tips theft that we've come across as the union for restaurant and bar workers," he said.

"No matter what senior management call it, customers will assume that this 15% is a tip that should go to workers, but it won't. That is completely disingenuous."

Several reviews on TripAdvisor bemoaned the bill change, with some describing it as "outrageous". 

"I thought it was a service charge at first but queried it and was told it was a brand charge and service had to be paid in cash on top! Needless to say we asked for this to be deducted and I did not then feel inclined to give them a service tip," one reviewer said. 

What has Ping Pong said?

Owners AJT Dimsum said: "The business is very proud of the reputation it has as a good employer and, despite the many recent headwinds, has acted with integrity and honour, with a high priority placed on employee retention. 

"The benefit to our employees will be stability of wages throughout the year, reducing the impact of seasonality and the higher wages will also mean improved access to financial products such as loans and mortgages."

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Key lawmakers float new rules for personal data protection; bill would make privacy a consumer right

WASHINGTON — Two influential lawmakers from opposing parties have crafted a deal on legislation designed to strengthen privacy protections for Americans’ personal data.

The sweeping proposal announced Sunday evening would define privacy as a consumer right and create new rules for companies that collect and use personal information. It comes from the offices of Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell and Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, both of Washington state.

Cantwell chairs the Senate Commerce Committee while McMorris Rodgers leads the House Energy and Commerce Committee. While the proposal has not been formally introduced and remains in draft form, the bipartisan support suggests the bill could get serious consideration.

Congress has long discussed ways to protect the personal data regularly submitted by Americans to a wide range of businesses and services. But partisan disputes over the details have doomed previous proposals.

According to a one-page outline released Sunday, the bill worked out by McMorris Rodgers and Cantwell would strengthen rules requiring consumer consent before a company can collect or transfer certain kinds of information. Companies would have to notify consumers about the details of data collection and retention policies and seek consumer permission for significant changes.

In addition, companies would have to ensure that any algorithms used to analyze personal data aren’t biased, and companies that buy and sell personal data would have to register with the Federal Trade Commission.

Consumers would also have greater control over how their data is used under the measure. One provision of the proposal would allow consumers to opt out of targeted ads — i.e., advertisements sent to them based on their personal data.

A new bureau focused on data privacy would be created within the FTC, which would have the authority to enact new rules as technology changes. Enforcement of the law would fall to the FTC as well as state attorneys general.

If passed, the new standard would preempt most state privacy laws — though it wouldn’t impact certain states’ laws already on the books that protect financial, health or employee data.

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• Australia edition
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Ted Baker to close 15 UK stores with the loss of 245 jobs

Outlets in Birmingham, Liverpool, Oxford, Leeds, Bristol and Nottingham among those to shut

• Business live – latest updates

The high street fashion chain Ted Baker is to close 15 stores across the UK with the loss of 245 jobs after falling into administration.

The company’s European retail and online arm appointed Teneo as administrators last month after the retailer, which has 46 stores in the UK and Europe, struggled with tough trading conditions and the fallout from the 2019 ousting of its founder, Ray Kelvin, after claims of a culture of “forced hugs” at the company. Ted Baker was then hit by the emergence of an accounting error and a string of profit warnings.

On Monday Teneo said 11 loss-making Ted Baker stores will shut by 19 April with the loss of 120 jobs. These include outlets in Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre and in Liverpool, Oxford, Leeds, Bristol, Milton Keynes and Nottingham. Teneo said that there was no prospect of returning the stores to profitability even with significant rent reductions. A further 25 roles will also go at head office to reduce costs.

Four more stores will shut in the coming weeks with the loss of about 100 jobs after landlords served notice on the outlets in Manchester, Bicester and two in central London.

Authentic Brands, the owner of the intellectual property of Ted Baker, is still continuing to seek a new operating partner for the retail and online business in the UK and Europe, Teneo has said.

Teneo’s Benji Dymant, the joint administrator of No Ordinary Designer Label, which is the retailer of the Ted Baker brand in the UK and Europe, said that the store closures were “regrettable”.

He added in a statement that the decision “will improve the performance of the business, as Authentic continues to progress discussions with potential UK and European operating partners for the Ted Baker brand to bring the business back to health”.

The closures are a further blow to the UK high street, which has been hit by a number of prominent retailers calling in administrators since the start of the year as consumers slashed spending amid a wider economic downturn.

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The Body Shop closed a number of stores and shed 300 head office jobs after administrators FRP were appointed to the UK arm of the retailer in February. The luxury clothing retailer Matchesfashion cut 273 jobs – more than half its workforce – after its new owner, Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group , called in administrators last month.

• Retail industry

More on this story

Fast fashion retailer Shein doubles profits as it awaits IPO approval

Muji Europe to appoint administrators as UK high street struggles

Ted Baker agrees takeover by US Reebok owner

Asda, Asos and Boohoo must avoid ‘greenwashing’ after crackdown

Next cheers retail sector with bumper profits and price drop

Nearly 1,000 jobs at risk as Ted Baker prepares to appoint administrators

DFS and Wickes report weak demand for high-cost household goods

Nearly 5,000 UK chain stores closed last year at rate of 14 a day

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