John Lewis boss: UK economy facing a ‘permacrisis’ Retail The boss of John Lewis has warned that the UK economy is locked in a “permacrisis” as he urged the government not to hike business rates on large retailers. Peter Ruis, the outgoing managing director of the retail giant, said that British businesses are facing a “permacrisis externally [which] isn’t going to go away”. Last [...]
Retailers urge Healey to unwind national insurance hike to boost jobs Retail Retailers have called on Chancellor John Healey to unwind some of the national insurance reforms made by his predecessor in a bid to tackle the youth joblessness crisis. The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer, has written to the Chancellor, urging him to unwind “soaring employment costs”. [...]
Tesco, B&Q and Whitbread scolded in minimum wage crackdown Retail Labour’s new workers’ rights police force has scolded Tesco, B&Q and Whitbread, and more than 600 other firms, for failing to pay the minimum wage. The Fair Work Agency has published the names of 658 companies which have been fined £7m and forced to return £4m to more than 27,000 workers who have not been [...]
Burnham says the government is central to his ‘triple helix’ plan for growth September 1, 2026 Andy Burnham has said the state will be central to his “theory of growth” in his first statement in the House of Commons as Prime Minister. Addressing MPs, Burnham said his ideas for the UK economy centres on a “triple helix approach to economic development” in which universities, businesses and the government foster economic growth. The ‘triple [...]
Tesco and M&S warn Burnham against Budget tax raid on retailers September 1, 2026 Top supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer have urged Andy Burnham to rule out a Budget tax raid on retailers, warning they are already facing “unsustainable” costs. The Retail Jobs Alliance (RJA), which represents retailers employing more than 1m people, has urged the Prime Minister not to prioritise pubs and bars over high [...]
SNP slammed for ‘mind-boggling’ food price cap plans September 1, 2026 The Scottish government has been criticised for its “mind-boggling” plans to impose price caps on major retailers operating in the country, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Aldi. The Scottish National Party (SNP) has published a draft bill for the policy, which has been dismissed as an “unnecessary exercise” by leading retailers. SNP leader John Swinney’s initial [...]
Former Interpath Advisory chair takes helm at sustainability consultancy after chief executive exit September 1, 2026 Interpath Advisory’s former chair will lead the City-headquartered, sustainability-focused consultancy Anthesis Group as its new chair, as its chief executive steps down. Tamara Box, previously City law firm Reed Smith‘s managing partner for Europe and the Middle East, is set to take on the new chair of Anthesis Group’s board of directors this week after [...]
How I earn cashback on everyday purchases with the Complete Savings shopper rewards programme August 28, 2026 I joined Complete Savings in July 2024 and since then I’ve earned £1,276.26 in cashback. I’ve used it for everything from everyday grocery deliveries and takeaways to flights, accommodation and car hire. Cashback has now become one of my first considerations before making an online purchase. What is Complete Savings? Complete Savings is a shopper [...]
Asda turnaround king Allan Leighton hopes for summer boost August 27, 2026 Allan Leighton, the turnaround expert charged with leading Asda’s resurgence, has been known for his showmanship. During his first stint at Asda in the 90s, he kicked off an annual managers’ conference by revving into the auditorium on a Harley-Davidson motorbike. It was this reputation for bold, eye-catching leadership which prompted struggling discount retailer Asda [...]
Why The Outer Hebrides is Scotland’s ultimate wellness escape August 26, 2026 Exquisite silence and beautiful beaches in The Outer Hebrides, Scotland’s wildest part I’m floating above luminous purple coral and brilliant white starfish. The water below me is so clear that I can see individual grains of sand and the scales on the fish. One giveaway that I’m not somewhere exotic? I’m wearing a wetsuit and [...]