‘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 [...]
Inflation back in focus ahead of key US and eurozone releases August 26, 2024 The continuing battle against inflation will be the main focus for markets this week as new data will shed light on the state of price rises in both the US and the eurozone.
Growth in food retail at highest in two years thanks to summer finally arriving August 21, 2024 After a damp start to summer, till sales growth boomed in July to record the strongest growth for food retail in two years. Total till sales at UK supermarkets grew 5.5 per cent in the four weeks ending 10 August 2024, up from 3.6 per cent in the previous month, according to fresh data by NIQ. [...]