Inflation

Heatwave helps boost retail sales 2.3% in July

Retail sales increased 2.3% in July as the heatwave experienced across the UK helped boost demand for “hot weather essentials”, according to the latest data from the BRC and KPMG retail sales monitor. UK retail sales increased 1.6% on a like-for-like basis from July 2021, when they had increased 4.7%.…

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BoE hikes rates to 1.75%, warns UK to enter recession until 2024

The Bank of England (BoE) has raised interest rates from 1.25% to 1.75%, marking the biggest rise in rates since 1995. In its latest announcement, the BOE also projected that the UK would fall into a recession in the fourth quarter of the year, which is expected to last for…

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Retail accounts for 10% of UK administrations in 2022, study finds

The retail sector accounted for 10% of administrations in the first six months of the year – the third highest industry in the UK – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. It found more than 620 businesses, 62 of which came from the retail industry, filed for…

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Cost of living crisis starts to impact sales, BRC finds

On a total basis, sales decreased by 1.0% in June, against an increase of 10.4% in June 2021, according to the latest figures from BRC’s sales monitor. This is below the three-month average decline of 0.8% and the 12-month average growth of 3.0%. UK retail sales decreased 1.3% on a…

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Cost of living crisis weighs on retail sales growth

High levels of inflation and the deepening cost of living crisis have prompted further slowing of retail sales growth, according to BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker (HSST). It found that total like-for-like (LFL) sales, combined in-store and online, increased by +8.4% in June compared to the equivalent month in 2021,…

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Mars Petcare latest to halt supplies to Tesco amid price dispute

Mars Petcare has halted supplies to Tesco as the supermarket faces its second dispute amid rising costs, as inflation continues to impact supplier and retailer relations. Mars Petcare, which produces brands such as Whiskas, Dreamies, Pedigree and Cesar, has paused supplies to Tesco until an agreement can be reached on…

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UK consumer confidence sinks to new record low in June

UK consumer confidence has fallen to the lowest level since records began during the month of June, according to the latest figures from GfK. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index decreased one point to -41, a new record with four measures down in comparison to the May 20 announcement, with one…

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BoE raises interest rates to 1.25%

The Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee has voted to raise interest from 1% to 1.25% – marking its fifth rise in a row as it bids to offset the impact of rising inflation.  The Monetary Policy Committee voted by a majority of 6-3 to increase the rate to…

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Inflation hits 40-year high

UK inflation has hit its highest level in 40 years during the month of April, driven by the rising cost of energy bills. The figure, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), was up from 7% in March. The ONS said that around 75% of…

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BoE raises interest rates to highest level since 2009

The bank of England (BoE) has raised interest rates to its highest level since 2009 – marking the fourth time it has taken action since December.  The new rate of 1%, up from 0.75%, is the BoE’s latest attempt to curb the rampant rise in inflation – also at its…

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