Today’s news in brief-9/5/25
The UK and US have struck a “first-of-a-kind” trade deal, slashing tariffs for UK carmakers, steel, and farmers while maintaining a 10% levy on other goods. Car export tariffs will drop from 27.5% to 10%, benefiting Jaguar Land Rover, while steel and aluminium tariffs fall to zero. The deal includes reciprocal beef market access, with UK farmers granted a 13,000-tonne quota. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised no weakening of UK food standards and hailed the agreement as a boost for jobs and economic security. The deal follows a UK-India trade pact worth £4.8bn annually.
Primark is set to debut in the Middle East via a partnership with Alshaya Group, opening four stores in Kuwait and the UAE by 2026. The first outlet will launch in Kuwait’s The Avenues in October 2025, followed by Dubai locations in early 2026. The expansion targets the region’s strong demand for value retail, with potential for further growth. Interim CEO Eoin Tonge called it a milestone in Primark’s global strategy, while Alshaya CEO John Hadden highlighted customer excitement for the brand’s arrival.
UK retail footfall rose 7.2% year-on-year in April, rebounding from a March decline, driven by Easter timing and sunny weather. High streets, retail parks, and shopping centres all saw growth, with Northern Ireland leading at 14.3%. However, the British Retail Consortium noted calendar distortions, with a modest 0.2% rise when combining March and April data. Retail parks outperformed, while shopping centres dipped slightly. Helen Dickinson of the BRC urged business rates reform to sustain high-street vitality.
John Lewis has launched a Jamie Oliver Cookery School and Café at its Oxford Street store, spanning 4,600 sq ft. The move responds to rising demand for in-store dining, with hospitality sales up 6% in the past year. The retailer plans five more café openings in 2025, expanding its total to 62 spaces. Katie Papakonstantinou of John Lewis said the addition enhances customer experience, while Jamie Oliver Group’s Ed Loftus highlighted the school’s potential for further UK and international growth.
Dobbies Garden Centre has completed a major refurbishment of its Cadnam store, introducing expanded plant ranges, new home and fashion lines, and a larger restaurant with indoor-outdoor seating. The upgrade follows a similar project in Brighton, which boosted footfall and customer satisfaction. CEO David Robinson said the tailored refurbishments aim to improve shopping experiences across the estate, with Cadnam’s loyal customer base central to the redesign.