Rachel Reeves
This coverage analyses Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ fiscal policies and their implications for the UK retail sector. Reporting focuses on tax reforms, business rates adjustments, labour cost policies, and trade measures affecting retail operations and strategy. Retail executives, finance managers, and policy specialists can use these insights to understand how government decisions shape the retail business environment and inform strategic planning.
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May- 2025 -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…
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9 MayFeatures
Why is Rachel Reeves reviewing the Low Value Import Scheme?
The global economy is currently experiencing turbulent times as a result of Donald Trump’s trade war. Currys CEO Alex Baldock, alongside a number of other retail CEOs, recently warned that more Chinese products could “flood” the UK and Europe market through platforms like Temu, Shein and Amazon, as a result.…
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Apr- 2025 -24 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-24/4/25
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reviewing the Low Value Import scheme, which allows goods under £135 to enter the UK tariff-free, amid concerns over Chinese companies flooding the market with cheap products. Major retailers like Next, Currys, and Sainsbury’s have warned that such imports could undercut UK businesses. The potential reform…
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24 AprilGovernment
Chancellor mulls ending tariff-free import scheme to combat Chinese dumping
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering ending the Low Value Import scheme, which currently allows online retailers to bring goods worth up to £135 into the country without paying customs duties. The move comes as the UK prepares for an influx of Chinese companies dumping stock for cheap as a result…
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9 April
Today’s news in brief-9/4/25
Boots UK reported a 1.6% sales increase in Q2, with comparable retail sales up 5.1% year-on-year across all categories. Pharmacy sales rose 5%, while online sales surged 19.5%, now accounting for over 20% of total retail sales. Parent company Walgreens Boots Alliance saw global Q2 sales grow 4.1% to $38.6bn…
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9 AprilGovernment
Chancellor rejects calls for ‘Buy British’ campaign
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has rejected calls for a “Buy British” campaign in the face of tariffs from president Donald Trump, claiming it would risk making the UK appear too “inward-looking”. Reeves was responding to a question from Daisy Cooper MP of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Commons to…
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1 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-1/4/25
Retailers are bracing for a £5.56bn rise in costs following the implementation of recent Budget measures, including higher National Insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage. According to Retail Economics, these changes will force businesses to absorb £1.76bn in profit losses while passing £1.72bn onto consumers through price hikes. Chancellor…
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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…
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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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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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