PRESS DIGEST-British Business - April 22

April 22 (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

- The World Economic Forum launched a search for a new chairman after Klaus Schwab, 87, stepped down as board chairman with immediate effect, less than a year after he relinquished his role as executive chairman of the group.

- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a significant trade deal with the EU, enabling British arms firms to tap a 150 billion euros ($173 billion) EU defence fund by bidding for contracts.

The Guardian

- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will aim to bolster UK-New Zealand defence ties during a Tuesday meeting with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, discussing an extension of their joint Ukrainian troop training programme and a new £30 million weapons deal.

The Telegraph

- Majestic Wine has dropped wines from several small vineyards deemed unprofitable after new alcohol tax rates took effect in February, with CEO John Colley confirming the retailer removed the affected wines from its shelves.

- Steve Hilton, a former strategy adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron, has joined the race to become California's next governor, becoming the second notable Republican candidate for the 2026 election to succeed Gavin Newsom.

Sky News

- UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves will vow to "stand up for Britain's national interest" as she travels to Washington, DC, for the IMF spring meetings that began on Sunday, aiming to advance prospects for a UK-US trade deal.

($1 = 0.8668 euros)