Inflation
This coverage explores how inflation impacts the UK petcare industry, from rising supply chain costs to shifts in consumer spending. Pet Gazette reports on price trends, cost pressures for retailers and wholesalers, and strategies businesses are using to protect margins and maintain competitiveness. Coverage includes economic analysis, expert commentary, and case studies showing how inflation affects product pricing, sourcing, distribution, and overall market performance across the pet retail and supply sectors.
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Nov- 2025 -26 NovemberEconomy
BUDGET: Income tax bands frozen, minimum wage to increase, NI-exempt pension threshold scrapped
Income tax and NI thresholds will be frozen while the minimum wage will rise by 50p from April 2026, the chancellor Rachel Reeves said in her Autumn Budget statement today. Reeves announced a series of tax changes in other areas, including salary-sacrificed NI contributions on pensions, as part of measures…
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6 NovemberEconomy
BoE holds interest rates at 4% ahead of Budget
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to keep interest rates steady at 4% ahead of the upcoming Budget announcement on 26 November. The bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of five to four to maintain the rate, with four members voting to reduce it by 0.25…
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Oct- 2025 -22 OctoberFeatures
Is Pets at Home really a victim of a ‘subdued’ pet market?
“It’s not just one issue behind Pets at Home’s challenges. A squeeze on household budgets, rising costs in real estate and shifts in consumer behaviour have combined with the challenges of delivering a broad ‘pet care platform’ strategy,” says Anna King, a retail consultant, of the troubles facing the UK’s…
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14 OctoberEconomy
Retail sales edge up 2.3% in September as food spending drives growth
UK total retail sales rose by 2.3% year on year in September, up from growth of 2% in September 2024 and above the 12-month average increase of 2.1%, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Food sales increased by 4.3% on the year, compared with 2.3% growth in September 2024…
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Sep- 2025 -18 SeptemberEconomy
BoE holds interest rates at 4%
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to hold interest rates steady at 4% amid concerns around the recent rise in inflation. At a meeting this week, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 7–2 to maintain the rate, as two members voted to reduce it by…
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Aug- 2025 -7 AugustBusiness
BoE cuts interest rates to 4%
The Bank of England (BoE) has cut interest rates to 4%, down from the previous rate of 4.25%, marking the fifth rate cut since last year’s peak of 5.25%. At its meeting today (7 August), the bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 5 to 4 to…
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May- 2025 -8 MayEconomy
BoE cuts interest rates to 4.25%
The Bank of England (BoE) has cut interest rates to 4.25%, down from the previous rate of 4.5%, marking the fourth rate cut since last year’s peak of 5.25%. At its meeting ending on 7 May, the bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 5–4 to reduce…
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Apr- 2025 -9 AprilPet Owners
Pet insurance premiums now exceed March 2024 levels
Pet insurance premiums were 1% higher in March 2025 than they were in March 2024, according to the Pet Insurance Pricing Index from Pearson Ham Group. Premiums rose by 0.6% in March 2025, marking a consistent month-on-month climb since November. Cat insurance premiums actually dipped slightly in March (-0.1%), yet…
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2 AprilRetailers
Retailers refrain from price rises in March
Retailers did not resort to price rises throughout March, according to the latest BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index, despite rising cost pressures. It comes as high street retailers are competing for reluctant shoppers, who are more likely to be pulled in with seasonal promotions. Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business…
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Mar- 2025 -31 MarchRetailers
Pets at Home warns of profit drop in FY26
Pets at Home has revealed that it expects its retail profits to drop in FY26 to within a range of £115m to £125m, as a result of the uncertain economic backdrop for both demand and inflation. The retailer also stated that it expects increased costs of around £30m following changes…
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