Training
This coverage explores training initiatives, challenges, and innovations shaping workforce development in UK retail. Reporting highlights programmes aimed at upskilling retail staff, leadership training for managers, compliance and customer service education, and strategies to improve retention through learning and development. Insight is geared towards executives, HR professionals, and store managers seeking to strengthen teams and operational performance.
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Jan- 2026 -7 JanuaryComment
Direct-to-Consumer retail in 2026
As we enter 2026, Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) retail is poised to further reinforce its place as a driving force in the retail landscape. While artificial intelligence (AI) and automation dominate operational efficiency, the real differentiators for D2C brands are profoundly human: authentic interaction, trust-driven decision-making, and flexible entrepreneurship. These trends don’t…
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Dec- 2025 -9 DecemberGovernment
Government sets out £725m apprenticeship reforms
The government has announced a £725m package of apprenticeship reforms intended to expand training routes for young people and address rising youth unemployment over the next three years. Under the plans, ministers expect about 50,000 young people to benefit from new apprenticeship and training opportunities. The programme includes a £140m…
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5 DecemberFeatures
How retailers can keep staff from feeling undervalued and stressed
On a Sunday afternoon in Germany, some McDonald’s employees used to make a 45-minute trip for a task that now feels almost absurdly analogue: checking a paper rota. As Abby Guthkelch, VP Executive Advisory at Flip, recalls, there was “a crazy story of, um, people having to drive 45 minutes…
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Nov- 2025 -26 NovemberEconomy
BUDGET: Income tax bands frozen, minimum wage to increase, NI-exempt pension threshold scrapped
Income tax and NI thresholds will be frozen while the minimum wage will rise by 50p from April 2026, the chancellor Rachel Reeves said in her Autumn Budget statement today. Reeves announced a series of tax changes in other areas, including salary-sacrificed NI contributions on pensions, as part of measures to…
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20 NovemberHigh Street
Half of retail workers report workplace conflict, Acas says
Half of working-age adults employed in Britain’s retail and wholesale sector experienced conflict at work during the past year, according to new data from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas). The organisation reported a 50% conflict rate in the sector, compared with a 44% national figure. Administrative and support…
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7 NovemberSupermarkets
Waitrose unveils first ‘Home of Food Lovers’ concept store
Waitrose has opened its first “Home of Food Lovers” concept store in Newbury, marking a key step in the grocer’s £1bn investment programme to enhance and expand its 317-strong estate. The 27,000 sq ft Berkshire site will act as a testing ground for new concepts designed to improve service and…
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Oct- 2025 -30 OctoberSport & Leisure
Adidas raises 2025 profit forecast after record quarterly sales
Adidas has lifted its full-year profit forecast after posting record quarterly revenues, driven by strong growth in footwear and apparel. The sportswear brand reported a 12% increase in sales to €6.6bn (£5.82bn) for the third quarter, marking its highest quarterly revenue on record. Operating profit for the 2025 financial year…
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29 OctoberHealth & Beauty
Holland and Barrett chief joins Retail Trust board
Holland and Barrett has revealed that its chief executive, Anthony Houghton, has been appointed a non-executive director and trustee of the industry charity, Retail Trust. News of the appointment follows Houghton’s recent promotion to group chief executive at the health and wellness retailer, which he joined in 2018 as group…
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16 OctoberHigh Street
Superdrug to recruit 1000 seasonal roles
Superdrug has announced that it is set to recruit 1000 new sales assistants for the festive season, ahead of increased footfall during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas. This year is set to be Superdrug’s biggest festive season to date, fuelled by ongoing investment in its in-store experience. Earlier this…
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13 OctoberSupermarkets
M&S calls on gov to tackle youth unemployment
Marks and Spencer (M&S) has urged the government to work more closely with businesses to help reduce youth unemployment, whilst calling for National Insurance relief for employers who hire long-term unemployed or disadvantaged young people. M&S has also renewed calls for reform of the Apprenticeship Levy to allow companies greater…
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