Inflation

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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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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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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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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Chancellor resists calls for business relief in Spring Statement

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has resisted calls from businesses for relief ahead of the upcoming tax changes this April, as part of her Spring Statement today (26 March). UK businesses had been hopeful the chancellor would raise the relief rate for retail, hospitality, and leisure after cutting it to 40% in…

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BoE holds interest rates at 4.5%

The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to hold interest rates at 4.5%, having cut the rate last month to its lowest level since June 2023. At its meeting ending on 19 March, the bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 8–1 to maintain the rate at…

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Pets at Home share price rises amid takeover rumours

Pets at Home has seen its share price rise over 17% today (26 February) amid rumours that private equity firm BC Partners is preparing a bid, according to reports from City AM. A series of bidcos were registered on 24 February with pug in the name sparking speculation that they…

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BoE cuts interest rates to 4.5%

The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to cut interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%, the lowest level since June 2023, but warned that GDP growth has been “weaker than expected”. At its meeting this week, the bank’s monetary policy committee voted by a majority of 7–2 to reduce the…

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Beneo launches its low-glycaemic syrup for nutritious pet food

Beneo, manufacturers of functional ingredients, has introduced its low-glycaemic syrup BeneoCarb S for pet food applications, including semi-moist and moist products or snacks. Derived from sugar beet, this syrup offers producers a natural alternative to traditional ingredients such as glucose syrup or caramel. The group said pet owners are increasingly…

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BoE holds interest rates at 4.75%

The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to hold interest rates at 4.75%, following a recent hike in both inflation and wage growth. At its meeting this week, the bank’s monetary policy committee voted by a majority of 6–3 to maintain the current rate. Three members voted to reduce interest…

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