Pret A Manger writes down value by a third amid £525m losses September 9, 2025 Pret A Manger has written off a third of the value it was handed after its 2018 acquisition by European investment group JAB as an uncertain UK economy puts pressure on the sandwich chain. The group made a £553m non-cash impairment to the £912m goodwill on its balance sheet created as part of the 2018 [...]
Modella and HMV owner compete for Claire’s Accessories September 8, 2025 Modella Capital, the investor behind WH Smith’s UK acquisition the man responsible for rescuing HMV are locked in a battle to buy struggling high street chain Claire’s. Claire’s appointed administrators for its UK arm in August, just a week after it filed for bankruptcy in the US and entered administration in France. The company had been considering [...]
Retail sales see July boost but firms warn of tough winter ahead September 5, 2025 British retail sales rose more than expected in July, boosted by good weather and the UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 tournament. However, extensive revisions to previous months’ data have revealed a less volatile but ultimately slower growth picture for the year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) today released its latest figures, showing that sales volumes [...]
Business rates ‘double whammy’ to cost English companies billions August 26, 2025 Businesses in England are to face an “unavoidable double hit” to their property tax payments next year, which will see total payments surge by about £2.5bn, according to new figures. Analysis from global tax firm Ryan indicated that inflation and a government tax change will combine to drive up business rates bills further. Business rates [...]
Coca-Cola considers grounds for sale of Costa August 23, 2025 Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has called in bankers for exploratory talks regarding a sale of coffee chain Costa. The Coca-Cola company, which acquired Costa over six years ago, has held talks with a number of potential bidders including private equity firms, according to Sky News. Investment bank Lazard is working with the firm to explore [...]
Business rates are a relic of a bygone era. Reform them to save the high street August 22, 2025 Business rates are sinking Britain’s high streets - inaction is no longer an option for the Chancellor, writes Shevaun Haviland.
Can nostalgia save Topshop? August 20, 2025 With Topshop set to return to the high street next week, Becky Mailen asks whether nostalgia alone will be enough to save the brand.
More than 200 pubs closed in six months amid tax hikes August 18, 2025 Eight pubs a week shut their doors for good across the UK over the first half of the year amid rising tax and labour costs, according to new figures. Industry bosses said it is “heartbreaking” and highlighted the need for supportive tax measures from the Treasury in the autumn budget. Official Government statistics show 209 [...]
London ‘staring down the barrel’ of £2bn hit from higher business rates August 14, 2025 London is set to take a massive blow from changes to business rates when the tax increases next April. Business rates could rise by an estimated 26 per cent across the capital, from £9bn to £11bn, according to the Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA). “Businesses in the West End and across London are staring [...]
River Island saved from brink of administration but stores to close August 8, 2025 High street retailer River Island has been saved from the brink of administration after a High Court judge approved its restructuring plan