Feb 3 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Financial Times. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

Headlines

- Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye to step down after 9 years in charge

- Peel Hunt agrees deal with rivals to launch RetailBook platform

- JD Sports to open up to 1,750 shops over next five years

- British Steel censured over 800 job cuts plan amid state aid talks

Overview

- Heathrow Airport said its chief executive John Holland-Kaye had decided to step down after nine years as the boss of Britain's biggest aviation hub and a process was underway to find his replacement.

- Investment firms and brokers in Britain teamed up to back a new standalone retail platform RetailBook to strengthen access for small investors to the UK capital market.

- British-based JD Sports will spend up to 3 billion pounds ($3.66 billion) to open as many as 1,750 stores over the next five years, said new CEO Régis Schultz, outlining his plans for the retailer to become an athletic leisurewear "powerhouse".

- The British government is disappointed privately-owned British Steel is looking to cut jobs at its plant in northern England while discussions are still ongoing about a state-funded support package, junior business minister Nusrat Ghani said. ($1 = 0.8188 pounds) (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)