By: Felix Armstrong

Retail Reporter Felix Armstrong is City AM's retail reporter, covering retail, hospitality and property news. He has previously written for The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph and The i Paper. Email Felix at Felix.Armstrong@cityam.com

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Hiring intentions at lowest level in nearly 15 years

March 8, 2026

British businesses are the most pessimistic about hiring they have been in nearly 15 years, according to consultancy firm BDO. UK bosses are facing difficult hiring decisions as the cost of employment ramps up, with the BDO’s employment index at its weakest reading since March 2011. The index, which reflects hiring intentions, held at 93.30 [...]
Staff bonus up in air as John Lewis tempers expectations

March 8, 2026

Many of John Lewis’ more than 70,000 employees will be hoping for some good news next week, as the retail giant will announce whether it will be reinstating its sorely missed staff bonus after years of freezes. The bonus handed out to staff had long been a central part of John Lewis’ brand, as symbolic [...]
Iran war: Oil prices could reach $150 a barrel

March 8, 2026

Oil prices could reach $150 (£112) by the end of the month if the severe disruption to the Strait of Hormuz is not eased, Goldman Sachs has warned. The bank said it will revise its oil price forecast soon unless it sees evidence that transit through the crucial shipping route is beginning to return to [...]
Samsung on market for deals with AI giants

March 8, 2026

Samsung is pursuing AI deals with tech leaders as it bets on artificial intelligence as the new front in its competition with Apple for dominance of the global smartphone market. The Korean tech giant’s consumer device chief has said the firm is “open to strategic co-operation” with AI companies like OpenAI. Samsung lost out against [...]
Israel expands strikes on Iranian oil as Trump hits out at Starmer

March 8, 2026

Israel expanded its attacks on Iranian oil facilities as President Trump hit out at the Prime Minister, telling Keir Starmer he doesn’t need the UK’s military support. The boss of Iran’s oil distribution company told state TV five sites were “damaged” but that the fires have been brought under control. The chief executive of the [...]
Iran war: From fuel to food, what could get more expensive?

March 6, 2026

Amid fears the war in Iran could “bring down” the world’s economies, experts have warned the conflict could have wide-ranging impacts which reach into the households of everyday consumers. The Middle East plays a central role in global energy supplies and shipping routes, and consumer industries have warned the knock-on effects of the conflict could [...]
Hugh Osmond-backed restaurant group snaps up pubs to launch new brand

March 6, 2026

The restaurant group backed by British businessman Hugh Osmond has bought four pubs for more than £11m as it launches a new brand. London-listed Various Eateries has bought the four sites – in the Cotswolds, Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire – from Grosvenor Pubs and Inns for £11.5m. The group said “premium” pubs with rooms remain [...]
Fish and chip shops under threat as Iran war spikes energy prices

March 6, 2026

Britain’s beloved fish and chip shops could go under as they brace for the boom in energy and import costs caused by the Iran war, an industry leader has warned. Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), told City AM chippie owners across the country are expecting the conflict to add [...]
Matalan gets £25m investment boost for store upgrades

March 6, 2026

Clothing retailer Matalan has secured a £25m funding boost from its investors despite facing falling revenue and job losses last year, City AM can reveal. The firm’s core investor group – Invesco, Tresidor, Man Group and Napier Park – have committed the funding to accelerate the retailer’s plans to revamp its stores. The funding boost [...]
House prices rise as property market builds momentum

March 6, 2026

House prices grew 1.3 per cent year on year to February, in the strongest growth in four months, as the property market continues its steady start to the year. Prices rose by 0.3 per cent between January and February, with the average UK property price at a new high of £301,151, according to Halifax’s house [...]

Sex Education star makes investment into women’s football vehicle

Sex Education star makes investment into women’s football vehicle

Jaguar reveals the Type 01’s screen-free interior

By: Felix Armstrong

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