Samworth Brothers: Profit slashed despite price rises at Ginsters owner September 5, 2024 Sales at Samworth Brothers, the food giant that owns the likes of Soreen, West Cornwall Pasty Co and Ginsters, passed £1.5bn as its raised prices for its customers in 2023, it has been revealed. The Leicestershire-headquartered group said inflation through its supply chain pushed prices for customers up, “despite our significant efforts to mitigate these [...]
Haven and Warner Hotels owner slips into the red after Butlin’s sale September 4, 2024 The group behind Haven holiday parks and Warner Leisure Hotels fell into the red after the sale of Butlin’s, it has been revealed. Bourne Leisure, which is owned by investment giant Blackstone, has reported a pre-tax loss of £166.5m for 2023, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. The loss comes after the group reported [...]
‘Little luxuries’ and warm weather boost card spending September 3, 2024 The summer heatwave, along with the ‘sweet treat economy’ pushed card spending to return to growth in August, although it remained below consumer inflation. Card spending grew by one per cent in August, below the CPIH inflation rate of 3.1 per cent. Almost half of consumers said they continued to spend on small, luxury purchases [...]
Outdoor pub smoking ban would cause ‘serious economic harm’ to UK hospitality August 29, 2024 A possible smoking ban in outdoor spaces of pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK is likely to do more harm than good, leading trade figures have warned. The ban would make it illegal to smoke in pubs, outdoor restaurants and open-air spaces in nightclubs, according to leaked documents seen by The Sun, in a [...]
Higher price of milk warning issued by Cravendale maker Arla Foods amid shortage August 28, 2024 Arla Foods, the maker of brands including Cravendale, Skyr and B.O.B milk, has warned that customers will face higher prices in the coming months amid a shortage of milk on a global level. The company said it “anticipates that volatile market conditions driven by geopolitical tension and uncertainty” will continue but that a positive trend [...]
London risks Swiftly squandering Eras Tour boost to the economy August 28, 2024 Taylor Swift’s Wembley gigs showed just how good London’s nightlife can be, but it’s all under threat from Nimbyism and over-regulation, says Emma Revell I am a strong believer that one of the best ways to get to know someone is to see what niche topic they can speak about positively and passionately, uninterrupted, for [...]
McDonald’s salad supplier Agrial loses custom after price increases August 27, 2024 McDonald’s salad supplier Agrial Fresh Produce has cut its loss thanks to price increases after what it described as three years of “upheaval” due to labour shortages and soaring costs, according to newly-filed documents. The Staffordshire-headquartered company, which also owns the pre-packed salad brand Florette, cut its pre-tax loss to £5.5m in 2023 – an [...]
‘Painful’ Budget ahead, Keir Starmer warns in gloomy No10 speech August 27, 2024 Sir Keir Starmer has warned Brits to expect a “painful” Budget this autumn as he insisted the state of the public finances is “worse than we ever imagined”. The Prime Minister addressed the nation from the No10 Rose Garden as he cautioned voters his government’s first fiscal statement would be “short-term pain for long-term good”. [...]
Shop prices in deflation for first time in almost three years August 27, 2024 The overall index was pulled down by non-food prices, which fell further into deflation in August.
Labour should not be taking inspiration from Kamala Harris August 27, 2024 Labour has a long-standing love affair with the Democrats, but while the Vice President’s plans for price controls by any other name may be popular, but they are economically illiterate, says Eliot Wilson It is hard to believe that barely a month has passed since Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election in November [...]