British Retail Consortium
This coverage focuses on the British Retail Consortium’s role, initiatives, and influence within the UK retail industry. Reporting includes policy advocacy, industry reports, regulatory developments, public statements, and leadership actions that shape the sector. With a focus on commercial implications and operational challenges, it provides valuable context for retail executives and managers navigating industry-wide issues and strategic decisions.
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Dec- 2024 -2 DecemberFeatures
What is the Retail Crime Bill and its implications for retailers?
The UK Retail Crime Bill, introduced in the 2024 King’s Speech, is a legislative response to the rise in retail crime, including theft, organized retail theft, and assaults on shopworkers. The bill represents a step forward in addressing the financial, operational, and emotional toll retail crime has on businesses, employees,…
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Nov- 2024 -28 NovemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-28/11/24
Consumer confidence remains subdued as the festive season nears, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). While personal retail spending rose slightly to +3 in November from +2 in October, and overall spending expectations stayed at +17, worries about the broader economy persist. Financial expectations improved marginally to -3, but…
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28 NovemberEconomy
Consumer confidence remains weak as Christmas approaches
Consumer confidence remains weak in the run up to Christmas, according to the the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-Opinium Consumer Sentiment Monitor. It comes as the survey found that consumer’s expectations for their personal financial situation improved slightly to -3 in November, up from -4 in October. Meanwhile, their expectations for…
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28 NovemberSupermarkets
John Lewis ‘worried’ about increase in National Minimum Wage
John Lewis has told the Telegraph that it is “worried” about the impact of Rachel Reeve’s decision to increase the National Minimum Wage. As part of the budget, the chancellor confirmed that the National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will rise 16.8% from £8.60 to £10, while pay for…
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25 NovemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-25/11/24
Asda has announced the return of Allan Leighton as executive chair, succeeding Stuart Rose. Leighton, who served as CEO of Asda from 1996 to 2001, brings extensive leadership experience, including roles at The Co-op and Loblaw Companies. Rose will remain on the board temporarily to ensure a smooth transition. Under…
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25 NovemberHigh Street
BRC urges public to give retail workers gift of a ‘safe Christmas’
Ahead of Black Friday and the busy festive period, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and its retail members are calling on the public to “stand together against violence and abuse towards retail workers this Christmas”. The BRC said Christmas is an “incredibly complex and challenging time of year” for the…
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15 NovemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-15/11/24
The UK economy stagnated in Q3 2024, with GDP rising just 0.1%, a sharp slowdown from 0.5% growth in Q2. The services and construction sectors saw modest gains, but production shrank. Nominal GDP increased by 0.8%, driven by rising employee compensation. Economic uncertainty, partly due to the upcoming budget, hindered…
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15 NovemberEconomy
BRC warns chancellor Budget could cause inflation and job losses
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that the latest budget could cause inflation and job losses, in a draft letter seen by Sky News. In the draft, the BRC estimated that the National Insurance changes would increase retailers’ tax burden by £2.3bn annually. It also argued that the number…
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5 NovemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-5/11/24
Primark’s profits surged by 51% to £1.1bn in FY24, as its parent company, Associated British Foods, credited a significant rise in profitability and returns amid ongoing investment efforts. Total group sales grew by 6% to £9.4bn, despite summer fashion sales being dampened by poor weather in H2. Notably, Primark reported…
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5 NovemberEconomy
Retail sales see weak growth in October amid pre-budget uncertainty
Total retail sales in the UK nudged up by only 0.6% in October, compared with a growth of 2.6% in October 2023, as retail was hit by ongoing uncertainty surrounding the autumn budget, the BRC has reported. The BRC also attributed this slowdown to the fact that the October half-term…
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