Apprenticeship
This coverage explores apprenticeships within the UK retail sector, focusing on workforce development, training programmes, government initiatives, and employer-led schemes. Reporting examines how apprenticeships support skills growth, career progression, and operational needs, providing insights for retail executives, HR managers, and professionals committed to talent development and organisational resilience.
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Aug- 2023 -22 AugustHealth & Beauty
Superdrug calls for apprenticeship levy reform amid new campaign
The boss of Superdrug has called for a reform of the government’s apprenticeship levy, claiming it would help promote social mobility and support the economy, according to The Times. CEO Peter Macnab called for an overhaul of the apprenticeship levy funding system so that “valuable funds are no longer wasted”.…
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10 AugustClothing & Shoes
M&S appoints all-women managers to run new M&S stores
M&S has appointed an all-women team of six managers to lead the openings of five brand-new M&S stores this year. Between them, the all-female team has more than 115 years of retail experience and will lead a combined team of over 1,000 colleagues. The appointments follow the launch of M&S…
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Mar- 2023 -16 MarchEconomy
Retailers welcome budget but ‘missed opportunity’ for rates reform
Retail has welcomed the support for households in the face of the cost of living crisis in the chancellor’s Spring Budget but some have criticised it as a “missed opportunity” for business rates reform. Headline measures announced by the chancellor included an increase in corporation tax to 25% for businesses…
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14 MarchEconomy
Retail jobs at lowest four quarter average in over a decade
The number of retail jobs in the UK was down to its lowest average four quarter level in over a decade, according to ONS Labour Market figures. The four quarter average dropped to 3.05 million retail jobs in December 2022, down from 3.08 million in December 2021. The overall number…
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Feb- 2023 -7 FebruaryEconomy
Jan retail sales rise 4.2% but fall YOY
Total retail sales in the UK rose 4.2% in January, a marked drop off when compared with the same period in 2022 when sales rose 11.9%, according to the latest data from the BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor. The 4.2% increase is below the three month rolling average of 5.2% but…
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6 FebruarySupermarkets
Aldi to donate £1m in apprenticeship funding to SMEs
Aldi is set to donate £1m to small and medium-sized businesses in 2023, to help fund local apprenticeship schemes across the country. Aldi has donated over £1.7m of levy funding to date, including to nationwide not-for-profit Management Development Services (MDS), which offers leadership training opportunities in the food supply industry.…
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6 FebruaryEconomy
Trade bodies urge Govt to reform ‘broken’ apprenticeship levy
Four trade bodies within UK retail and hospitality, including the BRC, have called on the government to reform the “broken” apprenticeship levy system, as so far, £3.5bn has reportedly expired before businesses could make use of it. This call on the government comes as businesses were also unable to meet…
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Jan- 2023 -12 JanuaryDIY
Halfords lowers guidance as lack of technicians hampers growth
Halfords has lowered its full-year profit guidance after it revealed that a challenging labour market meant a lack of skilled technicians combined with a weak tyre market hampered growth. In a trading update for the 13 weeks to 30 December 2022, it confirmed group revenues increased 38.3% and 12.6% LFL…
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Jul- 2022 -11 JulyHigh Street
Wren Kitchens launches apprenticeship programme amid expansion plans
Kitchen retailer Wren Kitchens has announced it is expanding its apprenticeship programme into the customer service sector to bolster its expansion plans. It comes as Wren has invested £120m into a hi-tech manufacturing facility in Barton-upon-Humber which stands at 1.3 million sq.ft. The retailer said it hopes this will “unlock…
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Mar- 2022 -24 MarchEconomy
Retail industry responds to ‘underwhelming’ Spring Statement
Both Bira and CBI have expressed disappointment in the chancellor’s Spring Statement, with Bira having declared it is “underwhelmed with the offerings for independent businesses”. In his speech yesterday, Rishi Sunak outlined a series of measures to help combat the rising cost of living in his latest spring statement, including…
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