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.
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Aug- 2025 -26 AugustComment
How EV charging increases footfall and boosts customer loyalty
As the rate of EV adoption among the public increases, more drivers are looking for places to charge their EVs. This trend is only going to accelerate, especially considering the Government’s recent series of incentives and grants to make EVs more affordable. This is a key moment for retail site…
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26 AugustHigh Street
Business rates ‘double hit’ to cost English firms £2.5bn
Businesses the length and breadth of England are “staring down the barrel” of a £2.5bn hike in property taxes from April 2026, as inflation and a new government stealth tax will combine to drive up business rates bills, according to analysis by global tax firm Ryan. A nationwide revaluation of…
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26 AugustEconomy
Royal Mail and DHL halt some US deliveries ahead of tariff changes
Royal Mail and DHL have suspended or restricted certain postal services to the United States ahead of new US customs rules that come into force on 29 August. The move follows an executive order by the US government that removes the current $800 (£594) “de minimis” threshold, under which most…
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26 AugustSupermarkets
M&S launches first resale service through Ebay
Marks and Spencer (M&S) has launched its first resale service for clothing, footwear and accessories on Ebay. The retailer said the partnership will allow customers to trade in M&S items they no longer wear, and create a new medium to shop for M&S items. Customers will be able to complete…
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22 AugustHigh Street
Retail bosses urge chancellor to cut industry tax burden in Budget
More than 60 retail leaders have written to the chancellor ahead of the Autumn Budget, warning that rising costs are driving up prices and threatening jobs. Chief executives from companies including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Asda, Boots and Ikea signed the letter, which calls for a reduction in business rates for…
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20 AugustSupermarkets
Lidl launches ‘Live Well’ health and sustainability logo
Lidl GB has become the first discount supermarket to introduce a health marker across its own-label products. The ‘Live Well’ logo, designed to help shoppers identify healthier options in store, will apply to more than 100 items including fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and plant-based proteins. It will begin appearing on shelves…
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19 AugustClothing & Shoes
Shein mulls China relocation to secure Hong Kong IPO
Shein is reportedly considering a move back to China in order to enable it to go public in Hong Kong, Bloomberg has reported. Sources told Bloomberg that Shein, which is currently domiciled in Singapore, has reportedly consulted lawyers about setting up a parent company in mainland China, though talks were…
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14 AugustHigh Street
Nearly half of indie retailers report Q2 sales decline, BIRA finds
Nearly half (46%) of Britain’s independent retailers reported lower sales in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year, according to new figures from the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA). The decline was attributed to a squeeze on household budgets and falling consumer confidence as key…
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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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14 AugustSupermarkets
Business rates rise could see more than 100 supermarkets at risk
More than 100 large UK supermarkets could reportedly face closure under government plans to raise business rates for the most valuable retail properties, according to the Financial Times. It learnt that the proposed changes, due to be announced in the autumn Budget, could increase rates for premises with a rateable…
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