Check out the latest business and accountancy news in our weekly round-up…

UK high streets suffer worst August sales in three years

The latest data from BDO saw sales at physical stores slide 2.7% last month compared with August 2017, with homewares and fashion taking the biggest hit.

An Italian exit from the EU could cause the ‘biggest bank recapitalization ever’

Italy withdrawing from the EU and the single currency would be extremely painful for the world’s banking system, according to an investment chief.

US tech firms make last ditch effort to avoid Trump’s China tariffs

Four big US tech firms have written a last minute letter to the US Trade Representative urging to be excluded from a proposed round of tariffs on $200bn of Chinese imports.

RBS to shut a further 54 bank branches

RBS is closing a further 54 branches in England and Wales with the loss of 258 jobs. The branches will be shut in January 2019 in addition to the 162 closures already announced this year.

RSM growth thanks to expansion of annual trainee intake

RSM have increased its trainee intake this September, adding 32 more employees to its 30 offices around the UK.