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.
-
May- 2025 -21 MaySupermarkets
M&S warns of £300m profit hit following cyber attack
Marks and Spencer has reported its highest profits in over 15 years, with pre-tax profits up by 22.2% to £875.5m in its full-year results, but has warned it faces a £300m hit to next year’s profits amid ongoing disruption from a major cyber attack. In the year ended 29 March…
Read More » -
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 analysts’ expectations, who had forecast a growth of 0.6% for the period. According to the Office…
Read More » -
13 MayEconomy
Late Easter sees retail sales rise 7% in April
UK total retail sales increased by 7% year-on-year in April, against a decline of 4% in April 2024, according to the latest BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor. This was above the three-month average growth of 2.9% and above the 12-month average growth of 1.4%. However, the retail sales monitor clarifies as…
Read More » -
13 MayHigh Street
M&S confirms customer data stolen in cyber attack
Marks and Spencer has told customers that some of their personal data has been stolen following a major cyber attack last month. However, it said the data does not include usable payment or card details, which are not held on its systems, and does not include any account passwords. It…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
Apr- 2025 -28 AprilSupermarkets
Lidl to invest £500m in store expansion
Lidl has announced that it is set to open more than 40 new stores across the country, investing £500m in the process. The supermarket has published its 2025 site requirements brochure, outlining hundreds of potential locations for new stores, including high streets, retail parks, and mixed-use town centre sites. The…
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 » -
7 AprilGovernment
Entry-level job costs jump over 10% for retailers
The cost of employing people into entry-level jobs has increased over 10% for retailers as a result of the rise in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) coupled with the increase to the National Living Wage, according to the British Retail Consortium. Alongside this, the trade body has claimed that the cost…
Read More » -
4 AprilHigh Street
Carphone Warehouse founder to invest £5m in Jigsaw
Carphone Warehouse co-founder, David Ross, is reportedly investing about £5m in Jigsaw, which will result in him becoming the fashion retailer’s majority shareholder, according to Sky News. The multi-million pound investment comes seven years after Ross’ first cash injection, and it is understood that this financing will see him replace…
Read More » -
2 AprilElectrical
Currys unveils largest ever investment into safety and security
Currys has announced its largest ever annual investment in store safety measures to help keep its employees safe and deter shoplifters, amid “record high” shoplifting in retail. As part of the investment, Currys is implementing a wide range of new technologies and safety programmes, including upgraded specification Public Display Monitors in…
Read More »
