CBI
This coverage explores the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) influence on the UK retail sector, focusing on policy advocacy, economic forecasts, regulatory consultations, and business sentiment. Reporting highlights how CBI initiatives and commentary shape retail strategies, workforce planning, and investment decisions — offering insights for retail executives, managers, and professionals navigating policy and economic developments.
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Aug- 2025 -14 AugustEconomy
UK quarterly GDP beats expectations despite slowdown
UK GDP grew 0.3% in the three months to June, behind the 0.7% it grew in the first quarter, as a result of US tariffs and higher business costs, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, it is better than expected growth as economists polled by…
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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 year’s peak of 5.25%. At its meeting today (7 August), the bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 5 to 4 to…
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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…
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4 JulyHigh Street
High street sales falter in June as shoppers go online
High street sales growth continued to lag behind inflation in June, as shoppers turned to online retailers, according to new data from BDO. The firm’s latest High Street Sales Tracker showed like-for-like in-store sales in discretionary categories – fashion, homewares and lifestyle – rose by just 0.6% compared to June…
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May- 2025 -9 MayEconomy
UK agrees trade deal with US but 10% tariff remains
The UK and the US have reached a “first-of-a-kind” trade agreement, under which the US will slash tariffs on UK carmakers, steelworks and farmers – protecting jobs and providing stability for exporters. According to the trade deal, car export tariffs will reduce from 27.5% to 10% – saving hundreds of…
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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…
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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…
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Mar- 2025 -14 MarchOnline & Digital
Shein chair publicly confirms IPO plans
Shein executive chairman Donald Tang has confirmed that the fast-fashion giant has plans to float on the stock market for the first time, with the London Stock Exchange being the company’s target. In an interview with The Times, Tang said he wanted the company to “embrace the…accountability and transparency of…
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Dec- 2024 -23 DecemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-23/12/24
Fashion retailer Quiz plans to delist from the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and re-register as a private company following weak sales and financial strain. A shareholder vote, requiring a 75% majority, is scheduled for 8 January 2025, with the transition set for 23 January if approved. The company cited regulatory…
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23 DecemberEconomy
UK economy heading for ‘worst of all worlds’, CBI warns
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned that the UK economy is headed for “the worst of all worlds” as business activity is set to decline at the start of the new year. Private sector firms expect activity to fall in the three months to March (weighted balance of…
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