He said vacant shops were a national problem which reflected wider economic problems, but the city council had a number of big projects to boost retail performance.

BBC: Nottingham centre has 'most vacant shop space'

Given the cities' economic weight, it is not surprising that many of the region's wider problems are reflected there.

ECONOMIST: Productivity in Latin America

The problems are reflected across America, says the nationwide charity Feeding America, which operates 200 food banks and feeds 37 million people each year, including 14 million children.

BBC: The children going hungry in America

The move comes shortly after the drugmaker filed a lawsuit claiming that previous coverage restrictions by the Georgia Department of Community Health contributed to its financial problems and reflected the fallout of a larger dispute with the FDA over the medication.

FORBES: KV Pharma Finally Wins A Victory, For Now

The companies that do the most business in Europe are the iconic big name brands, the Coca Colas, IBMs and McDonalds of the world, and problems in Europe must be reflected in their sales.

BBC: Europe: The monster under the bed?

Chris Tapp, director of national national education charity Credit Action, said the problems caused by the recession in Lincolnshire reflected the national situation.

BBC: Calls for help reflect debt rise

Sony posted an unexpected quarterly loss, demonstrating the depth of the problems facing its electronics business and deflating optimism that was reflected in a recent share-price rally.

WSJ: What's News