Retail welcomes move for tougher sentences on those who abuse shop staff December 16, 2021 Businesses have welcomed the progression of legislation that will see people who commit violent offences against retail staff face tougher sentences. The House of Lords passed the government’s amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill this week. The amendment will mean assaults on those serving the public or performing a public duty will [...]
Wave of cost of living concern sweeps across Britain January 5, 2022 A wave of concern over the soaring cost of living is sweeping across Britain, reveals fresh figures released today. Over half of households are worried the cost of living crisis will hit their living standards this year, according to research carried out by high street bank TSB. Nearly one in three Brits are concerned their [...]
Sharp increase in retail sales amid ‘subdued’ outlook due to inflation – but is there a ‘chink of light’ with Easter holidays? March 24, 2023 British retail sales grew sharply last month compared to pre-pandemic levels, but price increases continue to deliver a “subdued” longer-term outlook. Sales volumes are thought to have increased by 1.2 per cent in February after a rise of 0.9 per cent in January, suggesting the industry is recovering from the pandemic well. Industry figures are [...]
Food industry: Government must act to tackle cost of living crisis as prices spike March 22, 2022 A food industry leader has called on the government to intervene to ease supply chain pressures on food firms as a cost of living crisis looms. Food and Drink Federation boss Karen Betts has urged ministers to act to help millions of households as they face rising food and energy prices this spring. Measures urged [...]
FTSE 100 today: London markets brace for quiet session ahead of US inflation data, Q1 earnings April 9, 2024 US stocks closed mixed, while Asian markets climbed. Oil prices rose, and most Asian currencies weakened against the dollar. Precious metals surged. Investors are now focusing on upcoming US inflation data and Federal Reserve minutes following a strong March jobs report.
Shop price inflation hits highest rate in more than a decade March 2, 2022 Shop price annual inflation surged to the highest rate since November 2011 last month, as households’ concerns about the cost of living increases. The rate hit 1.8 per cent in February, an increase from 1.5 per cent in January, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ. Non-food inflation surged to 1.3 per cent [...]
Retail recovery in ‘sweet spot’ last month as cost of living could discourage shoppers March 3, 2022 High street experts were pleasantly surprised at the robustness of retail footfall last month, but have warned the cost of living crunch may soon deter shoppers. Footfall strengthened a little in February over the month as a whole, to -20.7 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, from -20.8 per cent in January, according to retail experts [...]
Let’s face it: Profiteering is feeding the inflation beast, not just pay rises April 4, 2023 Inflation is a pernicious beast that is plainly bad for people and businesses. It can ease governments’ debt burdens by (artificially) boosting tax revenues, but that can lead to severe bouts of price rises that, often, lead to societal decay. So it’s easy to see why policymakers in the UK are sweating over the rate [...]
West End laments government Covid messaging as footfall falls flat December 7, 2021 The West End has bemoaned government messaging on Covid as it reported no uptick in footfall last week. New West End Company, which represents 600 brands in the area, said yesterday footfall was still down 30 per cent on pre-pandemic levels. Flat footfall was blamed on “the impact of Government messaging around Omicron,” and tube [...]
FTSE 100 today: London markets set to extend record streak on strong global cues April 30, 2024 Asian stocks tracked Wall Street's gains, while Japan's yen held firm after suspected intervention spurred sharp gains. Oil prices dipped amidst Israel-Gaza ceasefire talks, and China's factory activity expanded for the second month. Investor attention was on the upcoming Fed policy decision and earnings reports from Amazon.com and Coca-Cola.