Michael Gove
This coverage examines Michael Gove’s influence on UK retail through his tenure as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Notably, his 2023 decision to block Marks and Spencer’s redevelopment of its flagship Oxford Street store sparked significant industry debate. Gove cited environmental concerns and heritage preservation, while M&S argued the decision hindered sustainable urban regeneration and economic revitalisation. The High Court later ruled in favour of M&S, deeming Gove’s decision unlawful. This case underscores the complex intersection of planning policy, retail development, and government intervention, offering valuable insights for retail professionals navigating regulatory landscapes.
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Aug- 2023 -11 AugustHigh Street
Oxford Street crime wave driven by decline, says M&S chief
Sacha Berendji, operations director at M&S, has told the Telegraph that the recent surge in crime rates on London’s Oxford Street has been caused by its decline. In a letter written to the publication, Berendji stated that Oxford Street was once “the jewel in London’s shopping crown” but now consisted…
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Jul- 2023 -21 JulyClothing & Shoes
Marks and Spencer chief slams ‘pathetic’ Marble Arch rejection
The chief executive of Marks and Spencer has slammed the government’s decision to deny the demolition and redevelopment of its flagship store on Oxford Street as “pathetic”. The company planned to demolish the existing three buildings and construct a larger 2 basement and nine-storey mixed-use development containing a retail store,…
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Aug- 2022 -22 AugustNews
M&S rejects complaints for Oxford Street redevelopment
Marks and Spencer (M&S) has reportedly addressed complaints surrounding its Oxford Street redevelopment plans by pledging that 95% of the materials in the existing Marble Arch building will be recovered, recycled or reused, amid opposition to plans to flatten the shop. According to the Guardian, the retailer has promised that…
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Jun- 2022 -22 JuneSupermarkets
M&S criticises gov decision on new Marble Arch store
Marks and Spencer has criticised the decision by Secretary of State Michael Gove to hold a public enquiry on the proposed redevelopment of its Marble Arch store on London’s Oxford Street. The retailer has been hoping to demolish the site and replace it with a larger 10-story retail and office…
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Apr- 2022 -20 AprilNews
M&S’ Oxford Street demolition blocked by Government
Marks and Spencer’s (M&S) plans for the demolition of its Marble Arch flagship on Oxford Street has been paused by Michael Gove so that ministers can scrutinise the plans. According to the Evening Standard, the communities secretary blocked the plans using an Article 31 holding direction, meaning the local authority…
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May- 2020 -27 MayCoronavirus
Frasers Group CFO blames reopening delay on ‘Cummings fiasco’
Chris Wooton, the chief financial officer of the Frasers Group, has blamed the new opening date for non-essential retail as a result of the “Dominic Cummings Fiasco” which has made the government “hesitant”. Speaking to ITV News last night (26 May) Wooton made the claim that the current controversy surrounding…
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Feb- 2020 -11 FebruaryAnalysis
Yes, the trade barriers are coming
I think both Leavers and Remainers probably expected this in the long run – Michael Gove announced yesterday that businesses should “accept” that frictionless trade with the EU will be impossible whatever agreement is finally reached by the deadline of 31 December this year. This is the cost, he says,…
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Aug- 2019 -9 AugustGovernment
Gove orders HMRC to support SMEs in the event of no-deal
Ministers including Michael Gove have ordered HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to support “cash-strapped” small business in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Representatives from 19 of the UK’s largest business federations met with ministers at No 10 yesterday (8 August) to discuss how to accelerate “business preparedness” for leaving…
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Oct- 2018 -2 OctoberGovernment
Government invests £15m into reducing retail food waste
The government has announced a new scheme to reduce the amount of food waste generated in the UK, which is being supported by £15m of additional funding. Set to launch in 2019/20, the scheme will specifically address the issue of surplus food from retail and food manufacturing, as food waste…
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Sep- 2018 -28 SeptemberHigh Street
Coroner calls Pret a Manger labelling ‘inadequate’ in allergy death
Pret A Manger’s allergy labelling has been deemed “inadequate” by the coroner investigating the death of a 15-year-old girl who died of an allergic reaction to a baguette she purchased from the store. Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, went into cardiac arrest on board a flightn to Nice after buying a sandwich…
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