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« Previous EntriesVAT rise had ‘little effect on shop prices’ says BRC
Friday, February 18th, 2011Overall shop price inflation increased to 2.5% in January from 2.1% in December, according to the latest research from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Food inflation accelerated to 4.6% from 4.0% in December, with non-food inflation increasing to 1.3% from 1.1% in December.
Stephen Robertson, BRC director general, said: “The VAT rise had little effect on shop […]
Small businesses fear coalition government will not deliver on red tape pledge
Friday, November 12th, 2010Many small business owners doubt the Government’s ability to free them from the shackles of red tape, according to new research.
A study by the Forum of Private Business found that just 28% of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) believe the Tory/Lib Dem Coalition will make a noticeable difference to the rules and regulations they face.
40% […]
Demand for highly-skilled staff set to grow during the recovery
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010Employers fear they will not be able to find people with the skills they need to fill high-level jobs, a new survey reveals.
The survey was answered by 694 employers, which together employ over 2.4 million people and represent companies of all sizes and sectors.
Half of employers (51%) are concerned they will not be able to […]
UK retail sales suffer after snowy winter
Friday, February 19th, 2010The weather was one factor in the surprisingly sharp sales drop
Poor winter weather drove UK retail sales down by 1.8% between December and January, the sharpest drop in 18 months, official figures have shown.
The fall was more than three times faster than analysts had forecast.
However the figures were weighed down by the inclusion of petrol […]
Nestle predicts higher growth for 2010
Friday, February 19th, 2010Nestle has reported a net profit of 10.4bn Swiss francs ($9.5bn; £6.2bn) for 2009 and said it expected to achieve higher growth this year.
The profit fell below the 18bn francs the Swiss giant made in 2008, which included profits from the sale of part of its stake in eye care company Alcon.
Sales rose by 4.1% […]
Falling food prices drive lower CPI inflation
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009The Consumer Prices Index annual inflation rate fell to 1.6% in August compared to 1.8% in July.
The Retail Prices Index rate fell by 1.3% versus a 1.4% fall in July.
The Office for National Statistics reported that food and non-alcoholic drinks were among the biggest contributors to downwards pressure on the CPI.
“This was mainly due to […]
Debenhams on track to hit profits despite sales fall
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009Debenhams has forecast a rise in annual profit despite store revamps impacting on the retailer’s sales.
The department store said that like-for-like sales fell 3.8% in its second half to August 29, compared with a decline of 3.6% for the full year.
Debenhams will complete the conversion of 530,000 sq ft of trading space from concessions to […]
UK booze duty rises will ‘lead to job cuts’
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
The increase in alcohol duty will force more wine and spirit businesses to cut back on jobs and investment, Tim How, the new chairman of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA)warned today.
The warning comes as the latest industry figures confirm falling sales in both on- and off-trades as consumers look to reduce spending.
Speaking […]
Gap sales continue to slide
Thursday, April 9th, 2009Gap sales have continued to fall 6 per cent for the five weeks to April 4 on last year with comparable sales down 8 per cent.
Comparable store sales in March, although down, were an improvement on the same period last year when like-for-like sales dived 18 per cent.
International sales, including the UK, were down 5 […]
Retailers concerned over rate supplements
Monday, January 12th, 2009Extra business rate supplements could push up annual costs paid by retailers to £7bn, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) argued today.The BRC said supplements, added to business rates revaluation and the loss of empty property relief, will mean retailers will be under increased pressure when times are already tough.Director general Stephen Robertson said: “Many retailers […]
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