National Insurance
This coverage explores the impact of National Insurance policies and changes on the UK retail sector, focusing on employer contributions, payroll costs, regulatory compliance, and workforce planning. Reporting highlights how retailers adjust strategies to manage costs and meet obligations — providing insight for executives, managers, and HR professionals overseeing financial and operational planning.
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Aug- 2025 -14 AugustEconomy
UK quarterly GDP beats expectations despite slowdown
UK GDP grew 0.3% in the three months to June, behind the 0.7% it grew in the first quarter, as a result of US tariffs and higher business costs, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, it is better than expected growth as economists polled by…
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14 AugustSupermarkets
Business rates rise could see more than 100 supermarkets at risk
More than 100 large UK supermarkets could reportedly face closure under government plans to raise business rates for the most valuable retail properties, according to the Financial Times. It learnt that the proposed changes, due to be announced in the autumn Budget, could increase rates for premises with a rateable…
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11 AugustSupermarkets
Iceland links food price rises to Reeves’ budget measures
Iceland has warned that food prices will rise as suppliers pass on higher costs linked to last autumn’s budget measures, The Telegraph has reported. The supermarket said the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage was pushing up its suppliers’ labour costs, which in turn were…
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Jul- 2025 -31 JulyDepartment Stores
Next ups full-year guidance as Q2 sales rise 10.5%
Next has upped its full-year sales guidance after sales soared by 10.5% in its second quarter, as the group “overperformed” in both the UK and international markets. In the quarter ended 26 July 2025, full price sales were £49m ahead of its original guidance, with the group previously expecting a…
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21 JulyHigh Street
Retail insolvencies hit 72,000 as risks mount for firms
More than 72,000 UK retail businesses are now technically insolvent, with over half at imminent risk of closure, according to analysis by accountancy firm Price Bailey. The firm said exactly 72,625 retailers, which represents about 15% of the sector, have negative net assets on their balance sheets. Of these, 37,332…
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21 JulyHigh Street
UK profit warnings jump 20% in Q2 as retailers feel the strain
Profit warnings issued by UK-listed companies rose by 20% in the second quarter of 2025, as policy and geopolitical uncertainty weighed on business confidence, according to new figures from consultancy EY-Parthenon. Companies issued 59 warnings between April and June, up from 49 in the same period last year. Nearly half…
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14 JulyGovernment
Reeves eyes business rates rise for supermarkets and department stores
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering increasing business rates for department stores and supermarkets as she looks to raise £1.7bn from businesses this autumn, according to The Telegraph. The outlet revealed that the chancellor is looking to plug the £5bn hole left after the government was forced to abandon cuts…
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2 JulyDIY
Topps Tiles Q3 sales jump 10% amid boost in trade customers
Topps Tiles has revealed that its group adjusted sales increased 10.1% in the third quarter of the year, up 4.1% compared with H1 and 6.1% higher year-on-year. The tile retailer said its sales trajectory has improved across all divisions in the group, with Topps Tiles, Parkside and Online Pure Play…
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1 JulyEconomy
Shop prices return to inflation as retailers struggle to shoulder costs
Shop price inflation increased to 0.4% year on year in June, compared with a decline of 0.1% in May, as retailers grappled with increases to minimum wage and employer national insurance costs. Furthermore, non-food inflation increased to -1.2% year on year in June, against a decline of 1.5% in May.…
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Jun- 2025 -25 JuneDIY
Halfords profits rise 6.4% to £38.4m in FY25
Halfords has reported that its underlying profit before tax rose 6.4% to £38.4m for the year ended 28 March 2025, above the previously guided £32m to £37m range. Alongside this, its group sales rose 2.5% on a like-for-like basis while its overall revenues inched up 0.1% to £1.72bn. However, the…
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