Michael Hill International's half-year profits have plunged 66 per cent on the previous period, but the jeweller is reasonably pleased with the result in tough trading conditions.

Newcomer mobile company 2degrees says it has signed up 206,000 active customers in its first six months.

The woes of three well-known chains show the pain isn't over yet, writes Maria Slade.

If you can't face the day job then running your own business may be your ticket out of the rat race.