Businesses’ payroll bill to soar by £300m as London living wage increases October 23, 2023 Payroll costs in the capital are set to soar by over £300m as the London living wage increases by a tenth. Businesses signed up to the voluntary scheme will see their salary expenditure go up by £304,200,000 after the rate jumps from £11.95 an hour to £13.15 for 130,000 employees. Firms accredited include half the [...]
As global crises grow, Sunak should embrace the National Security Council October 23, 2023 To govern effectively in the midst of so many global crises, Rishi Sunak needs eyes in the back of his head, writes Eliot Wilson.
Our savers and our businesses are losing out from stagnant pension rules in the UK October 23, 2023 Pensions are a vital part of our later lives. As life expectancy increases with improvements in healthcare and lifestyles, our pensions will need to work even harder. Pension funds are also a vital source of investment upon which the businesses of today depend. Over the past twenty years, the UK has suffered a significant decline [...]
SMEs fear winter supply chain crunch could hit revenue in golden Christmas quarter October 22, 2023 Supply chain disruption is the top concern of medium-sized businesses ahead of winter, a survey has found, as rising costs put pressure on revenue targets. The poll of 500 medium-sized business leaders by consultancy BDO showed nearly a quarter fear that supply chain issues, including suppliers folding and stock shortages, could endanger revenue targets this [...]
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 [...]
Tax receipts: Five things we’ve learnt from today’s data October 20, 2023 Total HMRC receipts for April to September came in at £392.5bn, up £23.1bn from the same period last year.
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
Dunelm sales jump nine per cent rise as customers seek homeware value October 19, 2023 Homeware retailer Dunelm reported a nine per cent rise in sales during its first quarter, as shoppers continue to splash out on bedding and curtains despite the cost of living crisis. The cushions to candles provider said that total sales for the year came to £390m, thanks to demand for its autumn collection which included [...]
Hollywood Bowl defies cost of living crisis with summer boost October 19, 2023 Hollywood Bowl has powered through the summer thanks to growing customer demand and a strategy of expansion. Despite some leisure activities taking a hit during the cost of living crisis, the ten-pin bowling operator said it has been an affordable activity for many in recent months. Prices range between £10.88 and £38.48. This strong customer [...]
Ed Warner: Has Sport England’s core purpose been forgotten? October 19, 2023 Chris Boardman. Olympic cycling pursuit champion. Tour de France stage winner. Adviser to British Cycling. Head of the government’s Gear Change strategy promoting cycling and walking at Active Travel England. Founder and face of Boardman Bikes, currently owned by Halfords. You may have one in the family, perhaps a balance bike for a toddler or [...]