Here are the top business stories making the headlines in the morning newspapers
Jump in turnover at Chap
North-east construction firm Chap has posted a large jump in turnover and narrower losses, but also warned of external pressures impacting growth ambitions.
Chap, based at Westhill, saw turnover increase to £39.4million during the year to September 30 2021, from £29.6million previously.
The Press and Journal says pre-tax losses for the latest period came in at £705,000, down from £934,000.
Material and labour cost inflation caused by the "unprecedented combination" of Brexit, Covid and, more recently, the Ukraine conflict restricted margin growth, the company said.
The company is currently tendering for "several exciting and good-sized projects" and anticipates turnover continuing to rise in the year ahead.
Managing director Hugh Craigie said: "I am pleased at the improvements achieved in the period, albeit it remains frustrating that external factors continue to hinder progress."
Big drop in people wanting to join the police in Scotland
The number of people applying to join Police Scotland has fallen by more than 50% in just one year, new figures have revealed.
There were 2,237 applicants in 2021-22, down from 5,611 the year before.
The data was revealed in social affairs magazine 1919, which is funded by the Scottish Police Federation (SPF).
It comes as the SPF launched its "most overt action" in a century last Friday, as officers withdrew "goodwill" in a dispute over pay.
Scottish officers are protesting about a "derisory" £565 pay rise offer.
By law, officers cannot take industrial action, but will now charge for all overtime and refuse to begin shifts early.
SPF general secretary Calum Steele described the applicant figures as an "astonishing drop".
He told the BBC: "Policing is clearly becoming less attractive as a career choice, which could be down to issues around pay, funding and falling numbers of officers putting more strain on available resources.
"We are aware there is a very buoyant jobs market in the UK just now and the police service is competing against a whole variety of other professions and industries."
Siccar Point deal completed
Ithaca Energy has completed its £1.24billion acquisition of Cambo operator Siccar Point Energy.
Energy Voice says the deal sees Ithaca become one of the largest players in the UK North Sea.
It includes holdings in two of the largest untapped fields in the basin - Siccar Point's 70% operated stake in Cambo and its 20% non-operated holding in Rosebank.
People will pay more for excellent service
Businesses need to be flexible and transparent with their customers who face rapid price rises - in order to get loyalty in return, according to the Institute of Customer Service.
Nearly six in 10 consumers said low prices would become more influential in choosing where to shop and what to buy, its survey found.
But Jo Causon, the institute's chief executive,told the BBC that value was still vital. Practically, that could include more choice over how to pay.
She said customers did not want products and services that were "just cheap" - with a third of those surveyed indicating they would be prepared to pay more to guarantee excellent service.
Staff needed to be understanding of the financial pressures their customers faced and offer a range of payment options, she said.
And they should also consider giving advice on budgeting or getting the most value out of products.
Firms should also gauge whether technology was the best solution to problems, and when a discussion with a real person was required.
Social-media firms could be hit with fines running into billions
Facebook and other social-media firms will face multi-billion pound fines if they fail to take down Kremlin disinformation under new laws.
They will be placed under a new legal duty to "proactively" prevent and remove attempts by Russia, other hostile states and their agents to use their sites to mislead the public or interfere in the UK's political system.
The Telegraph says the move is part of the UK Government's overhaul of national security laws which will make foreign interference a criminal offence with a maximum jail sentence of 14 years. It comes as Facebook and Twitter have suspended dozens of accounts disseminating false information during the Ukraine war.
Back in profit at Pret
Sandwich chain Pret A Manger says it has returned to profit after a tough few years, as it shifts its focus away from London towards regional towns and suburbs.
Sales rose to £357.8million in the six months to June - up 230% on last year when lockdowns hammered the business.
About a third of Pret's UK shops are now outside London, including new sites in Brentwood, Harrogate and York.
These stores account for most of its recent growth, the chain said.
The BBC says that, like all hospitality businesses, Pret had to close its sites for long spells during the pandemic and move to a takeaway model.
But the chain said it returned to profit in March, after posting bruising losses of £225.9million and £343million in 2021 and 2020.
Since September last year the firm has opened 27 new shops across the country, mainly outside of central London, taking its UK portfolio to 442 shops.