Can Cazoo go from collapse to Auto Trader’s ‘undisputed’ rival? June 2, 2025 Cazoo can double in size over the next couple of years and become the undisputed number two to FTSE 100 giant Auto Trader, the man charged with its phoenix-like recovery has said. Barry Judge, who helped rescue the brand after it collapsed in May 2024, added that the company is working on winning back the [...]
Natwest returns to private ownership May 30, 2025 Natwest has finally re-entered private ownership ending one of British banking’s longest-running sagas. The government sold off its remaining 0.26 per cent stake in the group on Friday marking a full exit from the lender. The Treasury’s share of the FTSE 100 lender dates back to the 2008 financial crisis. Natwest, then under the Royal [...]
Is Asda’s ambitious turnaround starting to bear fruit? May 29, 2025 Asda has had a tumultuous year and a half. Since January 2024, the supermarket giant has undergone numerous leadership changes, IT issues, and sales woes. Its troubles began back in 2021, when it was bought in a debt-fuelled takeover by the billionaire Issa brothers – who have since departed the board – and private equity firm [...]
Ghost Ship producer Adnams slashes losses May 29, 2025 Ghost Ship producer Adnams has halved its operating loss amid a commercial turnaround plan, although retail sales continue to suffer. The Suffolk-based company, which makes cask ale, bottled beers and spirits, said that sales increased three per cent to £68.1m in the 12 months ended December 31. Its operating loss shrank by more than half, [...]
Auto Trader: FTSE 100 giant passes major milestone as profit jumps May 29, 2025 Sales at FTSE 100 giant Auto Trader have accelerated past a major milestone as its profit increased during its latest financial year as it defied a year of high interest rates and economic uncertainty. The Manchester-headquartered group has posted a revenue of £601.1m for the 12 months to 31 March, 2025, according to new figures [...]
Grocery inflation jumps to highest level in more than a year May 28, 2025 Grocery price inflation shot up to 4.1 per cent in May, driven by chocolate and suncare products in the hottest start to the month on record. The rise follows a 3.8 per cent jump in April and a 1.8 per cent rise in March, according to Kantar. “This latest jump in grocery price inflation takes [...]
Pets at Home: Demand for vet services soars May 28, 2025 Pets at Home has reported flat year-on-year revenue, with a starkly diverging performance in retail sales and veterinary services. Underlying profit before tax in retail fell by 16.6 per cent year on year to £72.9m, while underlying profit before tax from the company’s vet arm grew by 23.3 per cent year on year to £75.9m [...]
The Debate: Should the UK have more bank holidays? May 28, 2025 With not another bank holiday until the end of August, are Brits in need of more time off? Two writers go head to head in this week's Debate.
Oxford Street rebounds to pre-pandemic occupancy as firms bet on shops May 27, 2025 Shop vacancies on Oxford Street have fallen below one per cent for the first time since the pandemic as brands compete for best-in-class retail space. Overall shop vacancies on Oxford Street fell to 0.5 per cent in the first quarter of the year, the first time the figure has fallen below one per cent since [...]
Labour tax hikes drive steepest fall in retail sentiment since Covid May 27, 2025 British retailers’ confidence has made the steepest dive in five years, after facing pressures from Rachel Reeves’ £26bn employer tax raid and uncertainty sparked by Donald Trump’s trade war. The drop is the most severe since the Covid-19 pandemic paralysed the UK high street, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Grim sentiment in [...]