UK economy: Retail sales crash as cost of living crunch continues to bite October 20, 2023 In an ominous sign for the UK economy, retail spending fell in September with analysts warning of a tough Christmas ahead
Dunelm sales jump nine per cent rise as customers seek homeware value October 19, 2023 Homeware retailer Dunelm reported a nine per cent rise in sales during its first quarter, as shoppers continue to splash out on bedding and curtains despite the cost of living crisis. The cushions to candles provider said that total sales for the year came to £390m, thanks to demand for its autumn collection which included [...]
Hollywood Bowl defies cost of living crisis with summer boost October 19, 2023 Hollywood Bowl has powered through the summer thanks to growing customer demand and a strategy of expansion. Despite some leisure activities taking a hit during the cost of living crisis, the ten-pin bowling operator said it has been an affordable activity for many in recent months. Prices range between £10.88 and £38.48. This strong customer [...]
Ed Warner: Has Sport England’s core purpose been forgotten? October 19, 2023 Chris Boardman. Olympic cycling pursuit champion. Tour de France stage winner. Adviser to British Cycling. Head of the government’s Gear Change strategy promoting cycling and walking at Active Travel England. Founder and face of Boardman Bikes, currently owned by Halfords. You may have one in the family, perhaps a balance bike for a toddler or [...]
Record rent rises are an existential challenge for London’s future October 19, 2023 It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who lives in London, but yesterday the capital clocked a record increase in private rental prices, with the cost of leasing a flat in the capital ticking up by 6.2 per cent in the year to September, up from 5.9 per cent in August. It is the [...]
Mark Kleinman: Why Barclays’ £1bn Telegraph bid won’t be the last word, Alison Rose’s next move and why no one wants to be chair of the BBC October 19, 2023 The must-read column from the man in the know, City Editor at Sky Mark Kleinman Barclays’s £1bn Telegraph bid not the last word Hold the front page: the Barclay family’s effort to lodge a knockout bid for The Daily Telegraph was timed like the arrival of a blockbuster newspaper story minutes before the final edition, [...]
Let’s be honest, culture wars campaigns won’t win voters in a cost-of-living crisis October 19, 2023 Australians just showed us why campaigns based on culture war issues don't work, writes Matthew Lesh
No-shows at pubs, restaurants and bars double October 18, 2023 Pubs, bars and restaurants have seen the number of customer no-shows double over the past year, according to new figures. About one in eight reservations is not being honoured, with customers also not telling venues they need to cancel, research by industry experts from Zonal and CGA by NIQ has revealed. It comes amid a [...]
Credit insurer cover cuts leave retail sector reeling October 18, 2023 Credit Insurers have been dragged into the spotlight after it emerged that they have pulled cover on a host of some of the country’s biggest retailers over the past few months. Both Boohoo and Asos have been hit by insurers withdrawing cover on their transactions. Over the summer, it was revealed that Allianz Trade, formerly Euler [...]
Just Eat raises profit guidance thanks to takeaway fiends in UK and Ireland October 18, 2023 Just Eat reported a five per cent growth in gross transaction value (GTV) in the UK and Ireland, while in Northern Europe it grew six per cent.