Comparethemarket.com overtook its rivals last year after the introduction of Aleksandr Orlov, the aristocratic meerkat. Traffic to the website soared by 76 per cent

After years of mergers and take-overs in Britain's energy market place, it would appear that to tide is about to turn on the energy giants when the conservatives win the 2010 general election.

Bookings for British Airways flights have plummeted as the threat of strike action causes travellers to delay making a reservation or switch to a rival airline.

The average UK family is spending over £500 per year on digital TV, broadband and home phone services, which make up a significant proportion of household bills.

Nearly a third of all internet purchases across the continent were made by Britons, research by comparison website Kelkoo revealed.