Campaigners warn hiking rail fares could push people away from train travel December 21, 2022 Even a below inflation increase in rail fares could put people off travelling by train altogether, according to campaigners. Norman Baker, director of external affairs at advocacy group Campaign for Better Transport, told City A.M. that any increase to ticket prices will come “as a further blow to long-suffering passengers” after months “of cancellations and [...]
Asda launches new and larger value range and kills off Smart Price in race to kickstart stalling growth March 29, 2022 Supermarket giant Asda, which was bought by the Issa brothers and backers TDR Capital last year, said this afternoon it will axe its Smart Price range and replace it with new Just Essentials by Asda products. In fact, Asda is launching a new and larger value range, amid the cost of living crisis, as the [...]
UK voters’ concerns on inflation reach highest level in four decades July 26, 2022 UK voter worries on inflation are at their highest since the 1980s as the country faces a severe cost of living crisis and prices of essentials surge. The July 2022 Ipsos Issues Index by research company Ipsos showed that 45 per cent of adults in the UK view inflation as one of the most pressing [...]
Energy firms split as Ofgem boss calls for price cap rethink August 15, 2023 Energy bosses are split over the role of the price cap in the UK's retail market, with a seeming rift between challengers and the Big Six.
DIY giants Wickes posts growth in first half but cautious of softening sales and worrying outlook July 26, 2022 Home improvement giant Wickes registered strong sales for the first half of 2022, but has reined in its expectations for the second half due to economic uncertainty. The Northampton-based company had sales growth of 5.5 per cent in the first six months of this year, with progress in its score revenue and ‘Do It For [...]
Tesco: ‘Encouraging signs inflation is starting to ease’ as quarterly revenue tops £14.8bn June 16, 2023 Britain’s biggest supermarket Tesco has reported a nine per cent increase in UK sales, with its new chief executive saying there are “encouraging early signs that inflation is starting to ease”. Tesco said it reported £13bn in sales across the UK and Republic of Ireland, up almost nine per cent on the previous quarter. In [...]
We didn’t know it, but it was 2015 not 2008 that changed the housing market forever February 23, 2023 2015 was the year when the "demand and supply" argument in housing was won and lost. Supply won the argument, because in order to build more, we have to drive more affordability first, writes Giles Mackay
Natwest’s profits soar as high interest rates boost bank’s mortgage business April 29, 2022 Natwest today said its profits had almost doubled since the previous quarter, despite inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, and the war in Ukraine. The bank said it had generated £841m in profits in the first quarter of 2022, up 93.8 per cent compared to the £434m in profits Natwest posted in Q4 2021. The first quarter [...]
Letters: Taking care of customers June 10, 2022 [Re: No more Netflix and chill: Consumers cancel subscriptions and miss out on meals out amid historic inflation, June 7] In a week with an avalanche of new retail data, it is easy to miss the big picture. The BRC data has a clear message: online is here to stay. Hasty predictions that online would [...]
New justice secretary Brandon Lewis faces calls to ‘open negotiations’ with barristers September 7, 2022 Former secretary of state for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis is set to succeed Dominic Raab as the UK’s new justice secretary. The 51-year-old MP for Great Yarmouth is set to face immediate pressure from striking barristers following calls from the chair of the Criminal Bar Association for “substantial positive movement” from the government. The appointment [...]