US elections: ‘Steep challenges’ for trade as UK exports could fall by £22bn November 8, 2024 Trade experts have warned Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs could pose “steep challenges” for the UK’s trade, with exports at risk of falling by £22bn. Ahead of his victory in the US election, Trump said he wants to increase tariffs on goods imported from around the world by 10 per cent, rising to 60 per cent [...]
Insolvencies at fashion manufacturers jump on cocktail of cost pressures October 29, 2024 Insolvencies at UK fashion manufacturers have risen by nearly a quarter in the past year as a combination of supply and demand pressures has driven firms under while customers switch to pre-loved clothing. According to Forvis Mazars, the international tax and advisory firm, over 100 companies went bust in the year to July 2024, up [...]
Shoe Zone shares slide: Profit nearly halves as costs put the boot in October 22, 2024 Affordable footwear company Shoe Zone has reported a drop in revenue and profit as weak demand and high costs weigh on the high street retailer amid a revamp of its physical estate. Revenue fell by 2.7 per cent to reach £161.3m in the year to 28 September, down from £165.7m in 2023. Profit before tax [...]
Why London is a ‘very positive’ story for UK shipping October 10, 2024 More than a quarter of the UK's deep sea shipping cargo travels through London Gateway port, with a ramp up in capacity expected this decade.
Sweet Dreams for bed retailer as sales near milestone October 7, 2024 Sales at bed retailer Dreams increased towards a new milestone as its profit remained steady during its latest financial year. The Buckinghamshire-headquartered chain has reported a turnover of £395.4m for 2023, up from the £387m it achieved in 2022. Newly-filed accounts with Companies House also show its pre-tax profit dipped slightly from £50m to £49.3m [...]
James Halstead: Flooring supplier nears ‘dividend king’ status with 49th straight yearly hike October 1, 2024 Flooring manufacturer James Halstead is nearing "dividend king" status after hiking investor payouts for almost 50 years straight.
DFS Furniture slumps to a loss in ‘extremely challenging’ environment September 25, 2024 Revenue from continuing operations fell by 9.3 per cent to £987.1m in the year to June.
Focusrite: Music tech firm’s bottom line hit by shipping and logistical woes August 28, 2024 Shares in UK-based music software company Focusrite plunged 16.7 per cent after it reported that, while demand for its products remains strong, shipping and logistics challenges are squeezing its bottom line. Revenue is expected to come in around £157m, in line with current market expectations, as overall demand for its suite of audio tech products [...]
Clarkson shares plunge despite dividend hike August 5, 2024 It marks the 22nd consecutive year the FTSE 250 shipbroker has increased dividend payouts for its investors.
Labour government ‘seeking closer relationship’ with EU, Reynolds to say July 16, 2024 The UK is “seeking a closer relationship” with the European Union (EU), Jonathan Reynolds will say as he travels to the G7 trade summit.