Bank of England
This coverage analyses the Bank of Englandโs decisions and policies and their impact on the UK retail sector, focusing on interest rates, inflation, consumer spending, and economic forecasts. Reporting provides context on how monetary policy shapes retail performance, costs, and demand โ offering insight for executives, managers, and professionals making strategic decisions in a shifting economic environment.
-
Aug- 2025 -11 AugustSupermarkets
Iceland links food price rises to Reevesโ budget measures
Iceland has warned that food prices will rise as suppliers pass on higher costs linked to last autumnโs budget measures, The Telegraph has reported. The supermarket said the increase in employersโ National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage was pushing up its suppliersโ labour costs, which in turn were…
Read More » -
7 AugustEconomy
BoE cuts interest rates to 4%
The Bank of England (BoE) has cut interest rates to 4%, down from the previous rate of 4.25%, marking the fifth rate cut since last yearโs peak of 5.25%. At its meeting today (7 August), the bankโs monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 5 to 4 to…
Read More » -
Jul- 2025 -16 JulyEconomy
Inflation jumps to 18-month high of 3.6% in June
Inflation unexpectedly increased to a near 18-month high of 3.6% in June, driven by the rising cost of transport and food, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure is the highest recorded since January 2024, when the rate was 4.0%. On a monthly…
Read More » -
May- 2025 -15 MayEconomy
UK economy grows by more than expected 0.7% in Q1
The UK economy performed better than expected in the first quarter of the year, with GDP growing by 0.7% between January and March, following a 0.1% rise the prior quarter. This was ahead of analystsโ expectations, who had forecast a growth of 0.6% for the period. According to the Office…
Read More » -
8 MayEconomy
BoE cuts interest rates to 4.25%
The Bank of England (BoE) has cut interest rates to 4.25%, down from the previous rate of 4.5%, marking the fourth rate cut since last yearโs peak of 5.25%. At its meeting ending on 7 May, the bankโs monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 5โ4 to reduce…
Read More » -
Apr- 2025 -16 April
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…
Read More » -
16 AprilEconomy
Inflation falls more than expected to 2.6% in March
Inflation has fallen more than expected to 2.6% in the 12 months to March 2025, down from the 2.8% rise in February, driven largely by a fall in petrol prices. According to the ONS, the largest downward contributions came from recreation and culture and motor fuels, with a further large…
Read More » -
Mar- 2025 -20 MarchEconomy
BoE holds interest rates at 4.5%
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to hold interest rates at 4.5%, having cut the rate last month to its lowest level since June 2023. At its meeting ending on 19 March, the bankโs monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 8โ1 to maintain the rate at…
Read More » -
7 MarchFeatures
WHSmithโs high street exit: what it means for the retail industry
After more than 230 years as a staple of British high streets, WHSmith is considering selling off its entire high street business. With around 500 stores facing an uncertain future, the company is shifting its focus to travel retail โ airports, railway stations, and motorway service areas โ where it…
Read More » -
Feb- 2025 -13 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-13/2/25
Fast-fashion giant Shein is relocating some Chinese supplier operations to Vietnam to circumvent U.S. tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, including a 10% levy on Chinese goods and the removal of a $800 de minimis exemption. Incentives for suppliers include procurement price hikes of up to 30%, alongside Vietnamโs lower…
Read More »
