PRESS DIGEST-British Business - July 30

July 30 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

The Times

- Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey blocked British Chancellor Rachel Reeves' attempt to arrange a meeting with Revolut to discuss the fintech's banking ambitions.

- HSBC HSBA.L has directed its managing directors to work from office at least four days a week starting in October to "set the tone from the top".

The Guardian

- Uber UBER.N lost its UK Supreme Court appeal, sparing rival private-hire taxi operators outside London from a 20% VAT on profits, as the court ruled they do not directly contract with passengers.

The Telegraph

- The International Monetary Fund urged the Bank of England to cut interest rates twice more in 2025 from the current 4.25% to bolster the British economy.

- BT Group BT.L must refund 18 million pounds ($24.05 million) to mobile and broadband customers of its EE and Plusnet brands for improperly charging early exit fees without providing sufficient contract information.

Sky News

- Italian restaurant chain Gusto is nearing administration, with the owner of Latin American-themed dining chain Cabana set to acquire most of its 13 sites via a pre-pack insolvency deal.

- Britain's water regulator Ofwat proposed a 62.8 million pounds fine and remedial measures against Anglian Water for excessive sewage spills, with funds to support customer improvements.

($1 = 0.7485 pounds)