Frasers Group chairman urges Unite to avoid ‘reckless’ strike October 3, 2025 The chairman of retail giant Frasers Group has urged Unite the Union to avoid “reckless and irresponsible” strike action as retail firms across the UK feel the crunch of rising cost pressures. Sir Jonathan Thompson, who took the role of Chair in September, has asked the Union’s General Secretary Sharon Graham to reconsider plans to [...]
Will we mourn the loss of WH Smith from the high street? September 29, 2025 So long then, WH Smith, a firm which has graced our high streets for more than a century – even though it never intended to. Founded as a small newspaper kiosk in Mayfair in 1792, the business grew massively in the mid-19th century, spurred by the rapid expansion of the railways, which allowed consumers up [...]
Coco di Mama bets on meal deals as it launches in Tesco September 12, 2025 Coco di Mama has announced the launch of a range of freshly made Italian sourdough sandwiches in Tesco’s premium meal deal as it bets on the grocery market. The launch follows a “hugely successful” debut year in retail with its range in Sainsbury’s’ £5.50 meal deal. “Capital-light, fast-growing channels,” are the focus of the brand at [...]
ABF: Primark owner’s shares sink as sales slow at FTSE 100 giant September 10, 2025 Shares in Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF) have plunged after posting what analysts branded a “mixed bag” of results. The FTSE 100 warned that challenging conditions were weighing on the company’s trading, listing consumer caution, geopolitical uncertainty and inflation as top factors. Shares plunged 13 per cent on the news to their lowest value [...]
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.