Business
BRC warn new tax band could push 400 large stores to the brink
New analysis by the British Retail Consortium shows that 400 large-format stores are at risk, if forced into the government’s proposed higher business rates tax band.
Regulation
Emma Reynolds appointed as the new Environment Secretary
Emma Reynolds has been appointed as the new Defra Secretary of State following the Cabinet reshuffle, with the former Defra Secretary, Steve Reed appointed as Housing Secretary.
Economy
The Long Wait: Speculation builds ahead of Autumn Budget
The Treasury has confirmed that the date for the Autumn Budget is November 26th, leaving over two months of speculation and uncertainty.
Economy
Price of staples is rising
Fuelled by food price rises, shop price inflation hits highest rate since March 2024 adding pressure to disposable incomes across the country.
Business
Retailers call for economic reform ahead of Autumn Budget
Sixty retail CEOs, including Aldi, Asda, Boots, Tesco, B&Q, Co-op, Kingfisher, Dobbies, Wickes, and trade associations such as the British Retail Consortium and the Horticultural Trades Association, urge the Chancellor to take action.
Economy
Consumer confidence remains low
Despite a slight improvement in the state of the economy to -32 in August (up from -33 in July), consumer confidence remains lower than a year ago.
Economy
Bank of England cuts interests rates to 4% amid rising unemployment
The Bank of England has cut interest rates to 4%, the lowest level in more than two years.
Economy
UK retail footfall stumbles again
Data from the British Retail consortium showed disappointing shopping footfall across the UK, decreasing by 0.4% in July (YoY), up from -1.8% in June.
People
Population of England and Wales increased to 61.8mn, says ONS
Latest ONS dat indicated that the population of England and Wales continued to grow in the year to mid-2024, reaching 61,806,682 people.
Economy
UK economy contracts again in May
Despite government growth push, the UK economy contracted by 0.1% in May, following a drop of 0.3% in April.
Economy
New UK Trade Strategy to boost exports
The Government has launched its new trade strategy which aims to boost UK services exports and strengthen anti-dumping defences to protect the country from the global tariff wars.
Economy
Budget blamed for labour market decline
HMRC figures show that the higher employer national insurance costs caused the loss of more than 250,000 jobs since the Autumn budget.
Economy
Consumers reduce non-essential spending
Data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) indicates that whilst food spending remains solid, non-food sales decreased in May due to lower consumer confidence.
Regulation
Inheritance Tax reforms a ‘lose-lose’, says HTA
The Horticultural Trades Association warns that proposed reforms to inheritance tax will cost 1,300 sector jobs, slash investment and drain treasury tax revenues.
Economy
Inflation risen to highest rate in more than a year
A rise in the cost of household bills and higher business costs has pushed UK inflation from 2.6% in March to 3.5% in April, according to official data.
Regulation
HTA calls for UK-EU leaders to negotiate an SPS agreement ahead of key summit
Timed ahead of the London Summit and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the HTA highlights the crucial opportunity to ease trade burdens.
Business
Businesses struggling to keep head above water, says S&P
S&P Global Market Intelligence suggests private sector confidence collapse and significant output decline in April, with firms reporting “more of a struggle” to survive after Chancellor’s tax rises kicked in
Regulation
Trade bodies call for urgent action to safeguard horticulture and fresh produce industry
The Horticultural Trades Association, the Fresh Produce Consortium, and British Potato Trade Association urgently call on the Cabinet Office, Treasury and Defra to secure UK’s horticulture and fresh produce industries.
Regulation
Spring Statement 2025: Key points
During her Spring Statement, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out the plans for the UK economy in the House of Commons.
Economy
OECD cuts growth forecasts
Ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement next week, the OECD has downgraded the UK’s growth prospects.
