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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Mar- 2023 -14 MarchEconomy
Retail jobs at lowest four quarter average in over a decade
The number of retail jobs in the UK was down to its lowest average four quarter level in over a decade, according to ONS Labour Market figures. The four quarter average dropped to 3.05 million retail jobs in December 2022, down from 3.08 million in December 2021. The overall number…
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7 MarchEconomy
UK sales receive Valentine’s Day boost despite inflation
February retail sales have benefited from Valentine’s Day but numbers remain low compared to last year, according to the latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) survey. The analysis, which was monitored by BRC and the consultancy KPMG, shows that UK total retail sales increased by 5.2% in February, against an increase…
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6 MarchHigh Street
Retail leaders criticise business rates reform
Retail bosses from M&S, Sainsbury’s and Currys have criticised the changes made to business rates, according to This is Money. According to the retailers, these changes will still leave high streets and shopping centres still facing high taxes, as the new business rates are charged on shops, pubs and other…
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2 MarchEconomy
Shop Price inflation hits 8.4% in February
Shop price inflation reached a record high in February amid warnings that consumers are unlikely to see prices dropping again for months, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Shop Price annual inflation accelerated to 8.4% in February, up from 8.0% in January and well above…
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Feb- 2023 -7 FebruaryEconomy
Jan retail sales rise 4.2% but fall YOY
Total retail sales in the UK rose 4.2% in January, a marked drop off when compared with the same period in 2022 when sales rose 11.9%, according to the latest data from the BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor. The 4.2% increase is below the three month rolling average of 5.2% but…
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6 FebruaryEconomy
Trade bodies urge Govt to reform ‘broken’ apprenticeship levy
Four trade bodies within UK retail and hospitality, including the BRC, have called on the government to reform the “broken” apprenticeship levy system, as so far, £3.5bn has reportedly expired before businesses could make use of it. This call on the government comes as businesses were also unable to meet…
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1 FebruaryEconomy
Shop price inflation hits record levels
Shop price annual inflation increased to a record high of 8.0% in January up from 7.3% in December, according to data from BRC NielsenIQ shop price index. This figure of 8% is above the three month rolling rate of 7.5%. Food inflation accelerated to 13.8% in January, up from 13.3%…
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Jan- 2023 -27 JanuaryHigh Street
Store Vacancies fall to 13.8% in Q4
The overall vacancy rate improved to 13.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022, which was 0.1 percentage points better than Q3 and 0.6 percentage points better than the same period last year, according to the latest BRC/LDC monitor. This was the fifth consecutive quarter of falling vacancy rates. All locations…
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10 JanuaryEconomy
Retail sales rise 6.9% over Christmas
The BRC has reported that sales on a total basis increased by 6.9% in December 2022, compared with the prior increase of 2.1% in December 2021. These figures are said to be above both the three-month average growth of 4.4% and the 12-month average growth of 3.1%. Meanwhile, the UK’s…
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4 JanuaryEconomy
Food inflation hits record high of 13.3%
ood inflation accelerated to the highest inflation rate in the category on record, after jumping to 13.3% in December, up from 12.4% in November and above the three-month average rate of 12.5%, according to the latest figures from BRC and Nielsen. Fresh Food inflation accelerated in December to 15.0%, up…
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