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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Feb- 2025 -28 FebruaryEconomy
UK retail sales grow 2.3% in February, BDO reveals
Total retail sales in discretionary spend categories grew by 2.3% in February, compared to a negative base of -1.3% in the same month in 2024, according to BDO’s latest High Street Sales Tracker. The latest report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO shows that in store sales in lifestyle…
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26 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-26/2/25
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that one in 10 part-time retail jobs, equating to up to 160,000 roles, could be at risk over the next three years due to rising employment costs. The BRC highlighted that part-time jobs are particularly vulnerable to changes in employer National Insurance Contributions…
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26 FebruaryEconomy
One in 10 part-time retail jobs at risk, BRC says
One in 10 part-time retail jobs, up to 160,000 roles, could be at risk of being lost over the next three years as a result of the rising costs of employment, the BRC has revealed. The retail body has warned of the impact that both the budget and upcoming regulatory…
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24 FebruaryFeatures
The decline of UK department stores: can they survive?
The decline of department stores in the UK has been one of the most significant shifts in the retail sector in recent years. High street giants that once defined the shopping experience have faced unprecedented challenges, leaving behind empty storefronts and a stark reminder of how much the landscape has…
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24 FebruaryHigh Street
DFS appoints former Holland and Barrett CEO as NED
DFS Furniture has announced the appointment of former Holland and Barrett CEO Tony Buffin as an independent non-executive director. Buffin was the leader of the health and wellness retailer between 2019 and 2021 and will join the DFS board with immediate effect. He is also the chair of Nobia AB,…
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12 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-12/2/25
Kering, the luxury conglomerate behind Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta, reported a challenging fiscal 2024, with revenue falling 12% to €17.2 billion (£14.3 billion) and EBITDA plummeting 29% to €4.6 billion (£3.8 billion). Gucci’s 23% sales decline to €7.65 billion (£6.37 billion) significantly impacted the group, alongside a…
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12 FebruaryHigh Street
Beales to shutter last remaining store amid budget changes
Beales, one of Britain’s oldest department stores, will shutter its last remaining store after more than 140 years of trading amid cost pressures arising from the latest budget. The business, which opened in Bournemouth in 1881, will close its last remaining store in Poole’s Dolphin Centre at the end of May.…
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11 FebruaryEconomy
Retail sales increase 2.6% despite ‘stormy’ January
UK total retail sales increased by 2.6% year-on-year in January, against a growth of 1.2% in January 2024, as consumer sentiment remained resilient despite stormy weather, according to the latest figures from the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. This growth was above the three-month average growth of 1.1% and above the…
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Jan- 2025 -29 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-29/1/25
Lord Wolfson, CEO of Next and Conservative peer, has leveraged his House of Lords position to propose amendments phasing in upcoming National Insurance (NI) reforms. The budget measures, effective April, will raise employers’ NI contributions from 13.2% to 15% and lower the secondary threshold to £5,000 annually. Wolfson supports staggered…
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29 JanuaryDepartment Stores
Next CEO uses Lords status to lodge amendments to NI bill
The CEO of Next, Lord Wolfson, has reportedly used his position in the House of Lords to table amendments aimed at phasing in the upcoming changes to employers’ national insurance contributions, The Times has reported.The measures outlined in the budget will see employers’ national insurance contributions rise from 13.2% to…
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