Reform business rates to keep food prices low, retail sector warns October 31, 2023 The rate at which food prices are increasing sank to its lowest level since last summer this month, as sector heads make fresh calls to the government to slash business rates to ensure the deceleration continues. According to the latest reading from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) food inflation came in at 8.8 per cent [...]
‘A few people tried to talk me out of it’: The Deutsche Bank analyst who opened up thriving Farmer J lunch chain October 31, 2023 Farmer J is on track to hit sales of c.£17m in 2023 and it has plans to open six more site launches next year.
Germany one of the EU’s ‘growth laggards’ as economy shrinks slightly in third quarter October 30, 2023 Germany's economy shrank slightly in the third quarter, data showed on Monday, as Europe's largest economy continues to be weighed down by weak purchasing power and higher interest rates.
Small business confidence grows — but it’s still stuck in negative territory October 30, 2023 Small business confidence has not been in positive territory since last year
Ofwat: Thames Water has ‘significant issues to address’ as industry pays £1.4bn to shareholders October 26, 2023 Water regulator Ofwat has named the four worst performing water companies, with troubled Thames Water among those being urged to address big holes in their finances. Ofwat, which oversees the water sector in England and Wales, said Thames Water, Southern Water, SES Water and South East Water need to deliver a turnaround in their financial [...]
Bunzl snaps up two more firms as dealmaking spree continues October 24, 2023 Outsourcing giant Bunzl has announced two more acquisitions, bringing its tally for the year to 14 and at a total spend of more than £425m.
Unilever: All eyes on Ben & Jerry’s maker’s progress after leadership shakeup October 22, 2023 Investors will turn their focus to Unilever’s third quarter on Tuesday results to see how the ice cream and deodorant maker is faring after a leadership shakeup. New chief executive Hein Schumacher officially took over from his predecessor Alan Jope back in July, telling investors at the time he wanted to see more of its [...]
FTSE 100 live: London ends week deep in the red on back of Israel-Gaza war, borrowing and retail figures October 20, 2023 London’s FTSE 100 ended the week deep in the red following disappointing retail figures and falling but still very high, public borrowing stats. The capital’s premier bluechip index was 1.31 per cent down by the close, at 7,401.30, while the FTSE 250, which is more aligned with the domestic market, dropped to 0.9 per cent, [...]
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
Triple lock: Pensioners could be set for inflation-busting state pension rise next April October 18, 2023 Under the triple lock, the state pension usually rises each April by inflation, wages or 2.5 per cent – whichever is higher.