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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May- 2025 -27 MayEconomy
Fresh food prices drive food inflation up 2.8% in May
Food inflation increased to 2.8% year-on-year in May, rising for the fourth consecutive month, driven by a surge in the cost of fresh food, according to the BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index. It found that Fresh Food inflation increased to 2.4%, against growth of 1.8% in April. This is above the…
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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…
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9 MayFeatures
Why is Rachel Reeves reviewing the Low Value Import Scheme?
The global economy is currently experiencing turbulent times as a result of Donald Trump’s trade war. Currys CEO Alex Baldock, alongside a number of other retail CEOs, recently warned that more Chinese products could “flood” the UK and Europe market through platforms like Temu, Shein and Amazon, as a result.…
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9 MayEconomy
UK footfall jumps 7.2% in April
UK footfall increased by 7.2% in April (YoY), up from -5.4% in March, the BRC has revealed. During the four weeks from 6 April to 3 May, footfall increased across all segments – high street by 5.3%, retail parks by 7.5% and shopping centres by 5.6%. Across nations, footfall also…
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Apr- 2025 -29 AprilEconomy
Food inflation rises alongside labour costs
Food inflation increased to 0.1% in April, against a decline of -0.4% in March, as prices rose alongside increased labour costs, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). It comes as non-food inflation increased to -1.4% year-on-year in April, against a decline of -1.9% in March.…
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24 AprilEconomy
Trumps trade war rocks consumer confidence, BRC finds
Consumer expectations in the UK dropped significantly to -48 in April, down from -35 in March, according to the latest BRC-Opinium data. The data was collected days after US president Trump announced worldwide tariffs, between 4 and 7 April. The personal financial situation worsened to -16 in April, down from…
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15 AprilEconomy
UK sales increase 1.1% in March thanks to good weather boost
UK Total retail sales increased by 1.1% year on year in March, against a growth of 3.5% in March 2024, with gardening and DIY sales being boosted by good weather. New data from the BRC and KPMG revealed that the increase was below the 3-month average growth of 1.6% and…
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11 AprilEconomy
Footfall sees sharp 5.4% drop in March due to late Easter
Total year-on-year footfall in the UK dropped sharply by 5.4% in March, up from a 0.2% fall in February, according to BRC-Sensormatic data, which has been attributed to the timing of Easter later this April. Due to last year’s Easter falling in March, the calendar change has distorted the year-on-year…
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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…
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1 AprilEconomy
Retailers refrain from price rises despite looming costs, BRC finds
Retailers did not resort to price rises throughout March, according to the latest BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index, despite rising cost pressures. It comes as high street retailers are competing for reluctant shoppers, who are more likely to be pulled in with seasonal promotions. Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business…
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