Rather than contracting 0.3%, as initially thought, the construction industry grew 0.2% in the final quarter of last year, according the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics. Output jumped 2.0% in December.

As part of the government’s ongoing work to deal with the floods, the Prime Minister has announced details of a £10 million scheme to provide further support for businesses in areas affected by flooding.

The Welsh Assembly has said that a review has found that Wales’ flood and coastal defences performed well in the December and January storms, protecting over 99% of coastal properties at risk of flooding.

Plastic packaging made from the fermented wastewater of processed juice could save industry millions in production costs and tap into growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products.

MPs on the House of Commons Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee are highlighting the need for a proper understanding of whether flood defence funding is being allocated in the most effective way.

The Government has announced the latest in a series of new measures to help communities hit by flooding, including £5000 grants for individual households and businesses and a £10 million fund for farmers.

The Environment Agency says flooding is set to continue into the weekend along the Thames valley and in Somerset while Windsor, Maidenhead and communities in Surrey are being warned to expect severe disruption as the Thames to could reach its highest levels in some places since 1947.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is set to start work on a major £4.5 million investment scheme which will deliver major improvements to the wastewater network in the Rhyl and Kinmel Bay areas.

A Stirling abattoir operator has been fined a total of £26,250 for allowing effluent to pollute a local burn.