Interest Rates
-
Jul- 2025 -3 JulyHealth & Beauty
Superdrug FY profits jump 22.6% amid focus on value items
Superdrug has seen its full-year pre-tax profits jump by 22.6% to £136.8m, as store openings, refurbishments and a focus on value helped offset weaker UK footfall and pressure on consumer spending. It comes as the health and beauty retailer saw its sales rise by 7% during the year to 28…
Read More » -
Jun- 2025 -30 JuneOnline & Digital
Ocado’s increased debt calls turnaround plan into question
Ocado’s turnaround plans have reportedly been called into question as its heavy reliance on debt in a high inflationary environment threatens its ability to turn a profit, The Telegraph has reported. The online grocer saw its annual debt interest bill climb from around £27m last year to nearly £100m in…
Read More » -
9 JuneClothing & Shoes
River Island owners prepare rescue plan amid tough market conditions
High street fashion brand River Island has reportedly appointed advisers from PwC to draft a restructuring plan amid tough trading conditions, which could result in store closures and job losses, according to Sky News. Sources revealed to the outlet that although no definitive decisions have been made about the company’s…
Read More » -
May- 2025 -16 MayProperty
Landsec to invest £1bn in its retail estate amid strong FY25
Property group Landsec has announced plans to increase its investment in its retail estate by £1bn amid strong FY25 performance. The company’s retail portfolio delivered 5.1% LFL net rental income growth for the year ended 31 March 2025, with occupancy up 110bps to 96.6%, £39m of lettings signed or in…
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 » -
8 MayEconomy
BoE cuts interest rates to 4.25%
The Bank of England (BoE) has cut interest rates to 4.25%, down from the previous rate of 4.5%, marking the fourth rate cut since last year’s peak of 5.25%. At its meeting ending on 7 May, the bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 5–4 to reduce…
Read More » -
Apr- 2025 -16 April
Today’s news in brief-16/4/25
Inflation in the UK fell more than expected to 2.6% in March 2025, down from 2.8% in February, driven by declines in petrol prices and recreation and culture costs, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The largest downward contributions came from motor fuels, housing, and household services, while…
Read More » -
1 AprilEconomy
Retailers face £5.6bn rise in costs as Budget comes into play
New research by Retail Economics, along with frontline specialist Yoobic, has found that retailers face a £5.56bn rise in costs from this week as changes from the Budget are enacted, The Telegraph has reported. The rising bills will reportedly cost shoppers £1.7bn over the next year as costs are passed…
Read More » -
Mar- 2025 -20 MarchEconomy
BoE holds interest rates at 4.5%
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to hold interest rates at 4.5%, having cut the rate last month to its lowest level since June 2023. At its meeting ending on 19 March, the bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 8–1 to maintain the rate at…
Read More » -
Feb- 2025 -24 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-24/2/25
Shein, the global online fashion retailer, saw its profits plummet by 40% to $1bn in 2024. The company faced a challenging final quarter and intensified competition from rival Temu. Shein’s declining profitability complicates its efforts to secure regulatory approval for a London listing, with some investors urging a valuation reduction…
Read More »