PRESS DIGEST-British Business - Aug 29

Aug 29 (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

- Consultancy and marketing group Next 15 NFGN.L said that it will permanently cease operations at its U.S.-based venture-building firm Mach49.

- Britain's financial watchdog is investigating Drax Group's DRX.L biomass sourcing disclosures following last year's investigation by the country's energy regulator.

The Guardian

- Belstaff, the struggling British fashion brand known for its heritage motorcycle gear, has been bought by the sportswear group Castore from the billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos.

The Telegraph

- Britain-based sportscar company Lotus said it plans to reduce up to 550 roles across its business, months after denying reports of closure of a factory in eastern England.

- Britain's foreign minister David Lammy said he had summoned the Russian ambassador to the UK, after Russia pounded Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight, killing at least 15 people and damaging buildings, including the British Council in Kyiv.

Sky News

- Stuart Quickenden, who is now a senior adviser to BCG in the UK, will be named chairman of Grant Thornton UK in an announcement expected on Friday.

- Terra Firma Capital Partners, the private equity firm founded by Guy Hands, is exploring an offer to buy Hotel du Vin and Malmaison.

The Independent

- The UK Health Security Agency said the vaccination for chickenpox will be integrated into the childhood immunisation programme next year.