he confectionery market, valued at £4.7 billion, is back in growth for the first time in two years, according to the 2008 Mars Confectionery Report. The total market grew by 5.2% year-on-year in 2007, and now accounts for 72% of the £6.5 billion Sweet Snacks market.

Royal Dutch Shell posted soaring profits of £3.9bn for the first quarter of the year - up from £3.5bn for the same period in the previous year.