Helen Dickinson
This coverage follows Helen Dickinson’s leadership and contributions to the UK retail industry. Reporting includes her public statements, policy advocacy, industry insights, and role in shaping retail strategies and government relations. Designed for senior retail professionals and decision-makers, it offers context on her influence over regulatory developments, sector challenges, and opportunities affecting retail operations and management.
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Jan- 2024 -9 JanuaryHigh Street
Festive period fails to boost retail sales, BRC finds
Total retail sales in the UK rose by only 1.7% in December, against a growth of 6.9% the prior year, as Christmas failed to “make amends” for what was a challenging year in retail. December’s growth was below the three-month average growth of 2.3%, and below the 12-month average growth…
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2 JanuaryNews
Today’s news in brief-2/1/24
Central Group is reportedly considering increasing its stake in luxury department store Selfridges as co-owner Sigma faces financial issues. Central recently became the largest shareholder, converting a £317m loan into equity. Sigma’s Prime Selection unit filed for insolvency, possibly leading to liquidation of assets worth over €19bn, impacting its stake…
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2 JanuaryEconomy
Shop price inflation flatlines in December
The annual shop price rise was slower than the three-month average rate of 4.6% at 4.3%, the lowest since June 2022, according to the BRC’s latest shop price index. The index, which compiled data from the first week of December, showed that non-food price inflation picked up to 3.1% in…
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Dec- 2023 -22 DecemberNews
UK retail sales rise 1.3% in November
Retail sales volumes are estimated to have increased by 1.3% in November 2023, from no growth (revised from a fall of 0.3%) in October 2023, according to new figures by the ONS. Non-food store sales volumes rose by 2.3% in November 2023, following a 0.2% increase in October 2023. Retailers…
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20 DecemberEconomy
UK inflation falls to two-year low of 3.9%
UK inflation has fallen to 3.9% in the year to November, the lowest level seen in two years, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. The rate of inflation was lower than expected after falling from a rate of 4.6% in October, though the ONS said prices…
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14 DecemberNews
Retailers urge government to reform Apprenticeship Levy
Three leading trade bodies and seven food retailers are calling for urgent action to reform the broken Apprenticeship Levy system and address the “critical and persistent” labour shortages in the food supply chains. In a letter sent to the government, the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the National Farmers Union (NFU)…
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8 DecemberAnalysis
What’s in store for retailers in 2024?
The announcement made by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in the Autumn Budget has unveiled a series of measures aimed at bolstering the UK economy, with the aim to particularly benefit retail. Hunt believes that the reduction in National Insurance, the freezing of business rates, and increments in the National Living Wage…
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1 DecemberNews
Today’s news in brief- 1/11/23
Matthew Moulding, the founder of THG, has acquired a 3.2% stake in Kelso Group, a shareholder critical of THG’s business leadership. Moulding’s investment of approximately £300,000 comes amid Kelso’s consistent claims that THG is undervalued, advocating for the separation of its divisions. Kelso, launched in 2022, raised £3m to invest…
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1 DecemberHigh Street
Early signs of footfall recovery ahead of festive trading, BRC finds
The retail sector experienced early signs of footfall recovery in November as total UK footfall decreased by 0.7% in November(YoY), an improvement on -5.7% in October, according to the latest data from the BRC. High Street footfall decreased by 1.7%, an improvement on -4.6% in October, whereas Retail Parks again…
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Nov- 2023 -28 NovemberEconomy
Falling inflation under threat in 2024, BRC warns
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that the current trend of falling inflation could be under threat in the New Year in the face of new headwinds such as rising business rates and new regulations. This comes despite Shop Price annual inflation having decelerated further to 4.3% in November,…
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