News-In-Brief

Apr- 2025 -

29 April

Today’s news in brief-29/4/25

Primark reported a 1% rise in sales to £4.47bn in the first half of the year, with adjusted operating profit up 8% to £540m. However, UK and Ireland sales fell by 4% due to cautious consumer spending and mild autumn weather affecting seasonal purchases. The retailer’s market share in the…

28 April

Liam J Moran

Today’s news in brief-28/4/25

Mohsin Issa, co-founder of EG Group, has stepped down as CEO but will retain a significant minority stake and remain on the board as a non-executive director. Russell Colaco, the current CFO, will take over as CEO, bringing extensive international retail and investment banking experience. The move reflects EG Group’s…

25 April

Liam J Moran

Today’s news in brief-25/4/25

The John Lewis Partnership has appointed Andy Mounsey as its new chief financial officer, effective immediately. Mounsey, who had been serving as interim CFO since last autumn, brings 13 years of experience within the business, including roles as Group Finance and Strategy director. A chartered accountant with prior experience at…

24 April

Liam J Moran

Today’s news in brief-24/4/25

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reviewing the Low Value Import scheme, which allows goods under £135 to enter the UK tariff-free, amid concerns over Chinese companies flooding the market with cheap products. Major retailers like Next, Currys, and Sainsbury’s have warned that such imports could undercut UK businesses. The potential reform…

23 April

Liam J Moran

Today’s news in brief-23/4/25

THG has rejected an unsolicited takeover bid for its Myprotein brand from Selkirk, describing the offer as “undervalued” and lacking sufficient funding. The proposal, which valued Myprotein between £400m and £600m, was largely structured in Selkirk shares, with additional cash payments dependent on new equity and debt issuance. THG’s board…

22 April

Liam J Moran

Today’s news in brief-22/4/25

Marks & Spencer has apologised to customers after a technical glitch disrupted contactless payments and click-and-collect services over the Bank Holiday weekend. Shoppers reported frustration at being unable to complete purchases, with some forced to abandon full trolleys. The issue also affected M&S’s email and chat systems, preventing advance customer…

17 April

Liam J Moran

Today’s news in brief-17/4/25

Sainsbury’s has forecast flat profits for the coming year, expecting operating profit to drop to around £1bn, below market expectations, despite a 7.2% rise in FY25 profits to £1.036bn. Revenue grew 1.8% to £32.81bn, with grocery sales up 4.2%, though Argos saw a 2.7% decline. The supermarket plans to continue…

16 April

Liam J Moran

Today’s news in brief-16/4/25

Inflation in the UK fell more than expected to 2.6% in March 2025, down from 2.8% in February, driven by declines in petrol prices and recreation and culture costs, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The largest downward contributions came from motor fuels, housing, and household services, while…

15 April

Liam J Moran

Today’s news in brief-15/4/25

Halfords has appointed Henry Birch, former CEO of The Very Group, as its new chief executive, replacing Graham Stapleton, who steps down after seven years. Under Stapleton’s leadership, Halfords transformed from a cycling and motoring retailer into an omnichannel motoring services specialist, growing annual revenues from £1.1bn to £1.7bn. Birch,…

14 April

Liam J Moran

Today’s news in brief-14/4/25

Currys CEO Alex Baldock has warned of a potential influx of Chinese products into UK and European markets, driven by Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods. Baldock and other retail executives, including Buy It Direct’s Nick Glynne, expressed concerns that Chinese manufacturers may redirect goods originally destined for the US…