Government
This coverage examines government actions, policies, and regulations affecting the UK retail industry. Reporting highlights legislation, consultations, economic measures, and public statements with direct implications for retail operations, employment, taxation, and consumer behaviour. Tailored for executives and managers, it offers analysis to support strategic planning and compliance in a changing regulatory and economic environment.
-
Nov- 2024 -15 NovemberEconomy
UK economy stagnates in three months to September
UK gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have stagnated during the third quarter of the year as uncertainty ahead of the budget affected decision making, according to the latest figures from the Office For National Statistics. The ONS found that UK GDP increased by 0.1% in Quarter 3 (July…
Read More » -
Oct- 2024 -29 OctoberEconomy
BRC calls for chancellor to keep prices low
The BRC has called on the chancellor to keep prices low ahead of the budget as shop price growth hit its lowest rate in over three years. Shop Price deflation was at 0.8% in October, down from deflation of 0.6% in the previous month. This is below the three-month average…
Read More » -
23 OctoberEconomy
M&S boss calls tax rises ‘the easy way out’ ahead of budget
M&S CEO Stuart Machin has accused chancellor Rachel Reeves of “taking the easy way out” amid reports she is considering a slew of tax increases in the budget. In an open letter written in The Times, Machin stated that he hoped reports of an increase in employer national insurance contributions…
Read More » -
2 OctoberEconomy
Shop prices move further into deflation
Shop Price deflation was at 0.6% in September, down from deflation of 0.3% in the previous month and below the three-month average rate of -0.3%, according to the latest figures from the BRC-NielsenIQ shop price index. This means shop price annual growth was at its lowest rate since August 2021.…
Read More » -
Sep- 2024 -16 SeptemberLuxury Goods
Tourist Tax cost retailers £220m in H1, says NWEC
The loss of tax-free shopping cost West End retailers £220m in unrealised sales in the first half of 2024, according to data from the New West End Company (NWEC). NWEC also claimed that the policy change cost West End retailers £400m in 2023. The number of international tourists visiting London…
Read More » -
16 SeptemberClothing & Shoes
Proposed US tax changes will not hurt competitive edge, Shein says
Government plans to close a loophole in the US that allows low-value shipments to enter the country duty free will not damage business for Shein, its executive chairman Donald Tang has said. According to The Business of Fashion, Tang said it would not affect the company’s market position, after White…
Read More » -
6 SeptemberGovernment
CBI boss calls for gov to fix ‘antiquated’ rates system
CBI CEO Rain Newton-Smith has called on the government to fix the “antiquated” business rates rules in England to boost investment and grow the economy. Ahead of the Autumn Budget, the CBI convened firms from 12 sectors, including retail and manufacturing, to develop cross-economy solutions for a competitive and transparent…
Read More » -
Aug- 2024 -13 AugustNews
UK wage growth falls to two-year low
Wages excluding bonuses in the UK grew by 5.4% in the three months ended 30 June 2024, the lowest growth for two years, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Furthermore, when price rises, measured by inflation, are factored in wages only grew by 3.2%. Alongside this,…
Read More » -
12 AugustSupermarkets
Sainsbury’s urges gov to reform business rates
Sainsbury’s and USDAW have together called on the new government to deliver on its promise to reform business rates.The call follows research which “demonstrates that failure to act could lead to 17,300 retail closures over the next ten years”. The research, carried out by Development Economics, warned that an increase…
Read More » -
6 AugustEconomy
Retail sales jump 0.5% in July as clothing performance improves
UK Total retail sales increased by 0.5% year on year in July, against a growth of 1.5% in July 2023, amid improved performance from clothing as shoppers enjoyed the summer weather, according to the latest figures from the KPMG-BRC retail sales monitor. This was above the three-month average growth of…
Read More »
