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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Dec- 2022 -5 DecemberHigh Street
CBI downgrades growth forecast to -0.4% amid ‘lacklustre outlook’
CBI has downgraded its GDP growth outlook significantly, to -0.4% in 2023 (from 1.0% in its last forecast), after a “turbulent year both politically and economically”. It said the reason behind the latest change is that the economy is likely to have fallen into a recession in Q3 2022, and…
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Nov- 2022 -28 NovemberEconomy
Retail sales plummet in November, CBI finds
Retailers saw their sales volumes plummet in the year to November, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly distributive trades survey, and a similar rate of decline is expected in December. Retail sales declined -19% in the year to November down from +18% in October. The CBI said a similar fall…
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22 NovemberDepartment Stores
John Lewis chair warns inflation is ‘hitting top line’ as spending falls
The chair of John Lewis has warned that inflation is “hitting the top line”, with the group witnessing a notable shift in consumer habits amid the cost of living crisis, as more people are budgeting and deferring big purchases. Speaking at the CBI’s annual conference, Dame Sharon White said: “This…
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18 NovemberEconomy
Retail reacts: Gov has taken ‘first step to longer term reform’
The retail industry has welcomed chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn budget announcement, with the BRC saying it shows “the government has heard the concerns of retail”, despite the CBI adding it believes “businesses will think there’s more to be done on growth”. Jeremy Hunt unveiled his Autumn budget on November 17,…
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Oct- 2022 -19 OctoberEconomy
Rising food prices push inflation back to 10.1%
Inflation has returned to the 40-year high of 10.1% in September, up from 9.9% in August, with rising food prices as the main contributor, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The increase to the annual inflation rate in September 2022 reflected, principally, rising food…
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Sep- 2022 -21 SeptemberGovernment
Business energy bills to be capped under new gov scheme
The government has unveiled a new plan that is set to cap wholesale energy bills for businesses for an initial six-month period from 1 October. The Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme, unveiled today (21 September) by business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, will reportedly bring support for households, businesses and public sector…
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May- 2022 -18 MayEconomy
Inflation hits 40-year high
UK inflation has hit its highest level in 40 years during the month of April, driven by the rising cost of energy bills. The figure, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), was up from 7% in March. The ONS said that around 75% of…
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12 MayEconomy
UK economy shrinks in March
The UK economy shrunk by 0.1% in March as consumers started to feel the bite of rising energy prices and the cost of living. The latest figures also come after a period of no growth in February. During the period, services fell by 0.2% on the month and was the…
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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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17 MarchEconomy
BoE raises interest rates to 0.75%
The Bank of England has raised interest rates back to the pre-pandemic level of 0.75% as it tries to mitigate the effect of the rising costs of living and the impact that the conflict in Ukraine is having on the global economy. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted with a…
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