Economy
The latest news, updates and analysis on the economy and how it is affecting the UK retail industry. Sign up to the Daily Briefing and let Retail Sector’s business journalists keep you in the picture.
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Feb- 2020 -19 February
Revo calls on Government to ‘make good’ on review of business rates system
Revo, which supports businesses in the retail property and placemaking sector, has called on the UK Government to “make good” on its stated commitment to a fundamental review of the business rates system. The organisation said the review is “crucial” to ensuring that the UK remains “internationally competitive”, particularly after…
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18 February
Consumer confidence reaches record-high in February
The IHS Markit Household Finance Index reached a record-high of 47.6 in February, up from 44.6 last month. IHS Markit, the global information provider which compiles the survey, said it is the highest index reading since the survey began 11 years ago. The firm added that while the figure is…
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11 February
Retailers suffer ‘stuttering start’ to 2020
Retailers saw a slow start to the year as total sales increased by only 0.4% in January, against an increase of 2.2% during the same period last year. According to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor, this is above both the three-month and 12-month average declines of 0.4% and 0.2%…
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4 February
Retail chief executive turnover reaches seven-year high in 2019
Retail chief executive turnover has reached a seven-year- high, a new study has found. The Korn Ferry’s eighth annual UK Retail CEO tracker reported a 25% increase since 2018, the report also stated that the industry replaced 55 of its CEOs in 2019, up from 44% a year earlier. The…
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Jan- 2020 -29 January
Retail sales fall flat for third consecutive month, CBI finds
Retail sales volumes were flat for the third consecutive month in the year to January with no growth expected next month, according to the latest monthly CBI Distributive Trends Survey. The figures indicate retail sales volumes posted no growth in the year to January (0%, unchanged from December) and that…
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Dec- 2019 -3 December
Outstanding business rates challenges increase by 35%
The number of businesses waiting for challenges over soaring business rates to be resolved has jumped by more than a third in just three months, according to new figures issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The figures revealed the number of outstanding challenges has increased by 35% fuelling concerns…
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Nov- 2019 -29 November
Consumer confidence ‘flatlines’ in November, claims GfK
GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index has revealed a ‘flatline’ in consumer confidence. Consumer confidence in November was ranked at -14, the same ranking that was reported the month prior. Joe Staton, client strategy director at GfK, said: “In the face of Brexit and election uncertainty, consumers are clearly in a ‘wait-and-see’…
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22 November
The Hut Group secures £510m debt facility to boost beauty investment
The Hut Group has secured a £510m of debt issuance with a seven-year maturity to help boost its digital and beauty offerings. The process has been underwritten by Barclays, HSBC, Citi and Santander. The transaction is set to be a “step change” within the beauty and wellness capital structure. The…
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18 November
Conservatives pledge business rates review
The Conservative Party has pledged a business rates review which aims to “reduce the burden” on UK businesses, as part of its election campaign. It said business rates are one of the “top concerns” of British businesses, and added that a Conservative majority Government will launch a “fundamental review” at…
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15 November
Boris Johnson pledges to invest in ‘left behind’ communities if Tories win
The Conservative party has proposed to reduce business rates for smaller businesses, in order to support “left-behind” towns, if they win the general election. The plans would offer support to businesses and the community, to keep the high streets open for business, save pubs and post offices, reconnect towns and…
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