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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Mar- 2025 -31 MarchFeatures
Spring Budget 2025: what it means for the retail industry
The UK retail sector has been navigating a volatile economic landscape, with rising operational costs, shifts in consumer spending, and policy changes placing unprecedented pressure on businesses. The Spring Budget 2025, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, was highly anticipated by industry leaders, who had hoped for measures that would alleviate…
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31 MarchHigh Street
Pets at Home warns of profit drop in FY26
Pets at Home has revealed that it expects its retail profits to drop in FY26 to within a range of £115m to £125m, as a result of the uncertain economic backdrop for both demand and inflation. The retailer also stated that it expects increased costs of around £30m following changes…
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27 MarchDIY
Lakeland becomes latest bid target for Modella Capital
Homewares retailer Lakeland has become the latest takeover target of retail investor firm Modella Capital, Sky News has revealed. The investment firm, which owns Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop, is among a small number of parties trying to acquire a controlling stake in Lakeland. According to retail industry sources,…
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26 MarchEconomy
Chancellor resists calls for business relief in Spring Statement
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has resisted calls from businesses for relief ahead of the upcoming tax changes this April, as part of her Spring Statement today (26 March). UK businesses had been hopeful the chancellor would raise the relief rate for retail, hospitality, and leisure after cutting it to 40% in…
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20 MarchEconomy
UK consumer confidence improves in March as Gen Z set to spend
UK consumer confidence improved slightly to -35 in March, up from -37 in February, the BRC has revealed. According to the latest BRC-Opinium data, personal spending on retail rose to 0 in March, up from -5 in February. Meanwhile, personal spending overall rose to +11 in March, up from +4…
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17 MarchSupermarkets
Sainsbury’s CEO confident amid intensifying competition
Sainsbury’s CEO, Simon Roberts, has acknowledged the rising competition in the supermarket sector following Asda’s decision to cut prices but remains confident in his company’s ability to stay ahead, according to The Times. His remarks follow a 7.8% drop in Sainsbury’s shares, wiping out £487m in value after Asda’s pricing…
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7 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-7/3/25
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a deal worth £23.7bn. The transaction is expected to close in late 2025 and will see WBA become a private company, delisting from Nasdaq.WBA shareholders will receive $11.45 per share in cash, with potential…
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7 MarchFeatures
WHSmith’s high street exit: what it means for the retail industry
After more than 230 years as a staple of British high streets, WHSmith is considering selling off its entire high street business. With around 500 stores facing an uncertain future, the company is shifting its focus to travel retail — airports, railway stations, and motorway service areas — where it…
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7 MarchHigh Street
HMV halts UK expansion amid rising wage costs
HMV has halted its UK expansion in anticipation of the rising wage costs due to commence next month, and will open stores in Ireland and Belgium instead, The Guardian has reported. According to managing director Phil Halliday, HMV had ambitions to open as many as 10 additional stores in the…
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6 MarchSupermarkets
M&S invests £95m into pay increase for retail staff
M&S has announced a £95m investment in its retail pay offer, its biggest ever investment in pay and third consecutive increase since Stuart Machin became CEO in 2022. From 1 April, the rate of pay for UK customer assistants will increase from £12 to £12.60 per hour, representing a 5%…
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