Helen Dickinson news, features and comment – Page 10
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Analysis & FeaturesHow the Apprenticeship Levy became a £3bn swindle
David Cameron’s pet project was meant to boost opportunities for apprentices, but companies say most of the money is disappearing into the Treasury’s pockets. What’s going on?
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NewsCity snapshot: UK vacancy rate stabilises amid retailer caution
The UK retail vacancy rate ended five quarters of post-Covid improvement in the first three months of 2023, remaining at 13.8% amid widespread caution in the retail sector.
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NewsRecycling reforms: supermarkets tell Thérèse Coffey to go back to drawing board
Retailers have set out six key areas they say need to be changed to prevent EPR being a failure
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NewsCity snapshot: Food prices race to 45-year high to keep UK inflation higher than hoped
Soaring food prices have contributed to a higher-than-expected inflation rate in March, according to the latest government figures. Plus, Heineken and Just Eat Takeaway report first quarter results, while Cake Box issues a full-year trading update.
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NewsCity snapshot: Mother’s Day boosts retail sales, but growth lags inflation
Mother’s Day boosted UK retail sales growth in March, but wet weather and consumers cutting back meant overall growth lagged well behind inflation
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NewsEPR: Thérèse Coffey urged to delay ‘blank cheque’ recycling plans
This week the leaders of the BRC, FDF and packaging umbrella body Incpen wrote a stinging 1,500-word letter to Coffey calling for ministers to “take the time needed”
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NewsCity snapshot: Grocery price inflation hits new high of 17.5%
Grocery price inflation reached a new high of 17.5% over the four weeks to 19 March, costing households an additional £837 on their annual supermarket bills. Plus, Diageo names new CEO, Ocado Retail sales edge up in first quarter, AG Barr posts strong annual growth amid margin compression and all the rest of the latest news from the City
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NewsCity snapshot: Retail sales return to pre-Covid levels as consumer confidence edges up
Retail sales have jumped by more than expected in February despite the inflationary challenges facing consumers, according to new data published this morning. Plus, consumer confidence also rises in March
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NewsSalad shortages fuels surprise jump in inflation as food prices soar 18%
Food price inflation has hit a 45-year high of 18% amid shortages of fruit and vegetables, according to the latest data out this morning
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NewsCity snapshot: Fever-Tree profits hit by soaring inflation as UK sales fall
Profits have declined at Fever-Tree as inflationary pressures squeezed margins and sales in the UK market shrank as consumers cut back spending to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. Plus, surprise jump in UK inflation as veg shortages push food prices 18% higher.
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Comment & OpinionBudget fails to alleviate pressure on companies caught in cost of living crossfire
After the chaos unleashed by the mini-budget last November, Jeremy Hunt’s ‘steady as she goes’ budget was not exactly unwelcome – though it left grocery industry participants frustrated that more help isn’t being offered
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NewsNew allergy laws needed to ‘save lives’, say top food bosses
An open letter was signed by 11 of CEOs and MDs including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Waitrose
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NewsViolence and abuse against shopworkers remains above pre-pandemic levels
According to retail trade union Usdaw 74% have experienced verbal abuse, 49% were threatened by a customer, and 8% were assaulted over the past year
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NewsCrime against shopworkers almost doubles on pre-pandemic levels
The BRC said it will continue to work with Police and Crime Commissioners across the country to advocate for retail crime to have a higher priority
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NewsCity snapshot: Footfall growth slows as high streets and shopping centres outperform retail parks
According to the monthly BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor UK retail footfall fell back in February after Christmas and the January sales amid concerns that shoppers are making fewer visits to the shops due to pressures on the cost of living
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NewsCity snapshot: Profits and sales jump at Reckitt as prices rise
Annual revenues at Reckitt Benckiser have increased 9.2% to £14.5bn as the Dettol to Durex owner increased prices by almost 10%. Plus, the latest BRC shop price index, and annual results from Vimto owner Nichols, Just Eat Takeaway and Glanbia
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NewsBusiness rates still ‘broken’ despite savings for retail, says BRC
BRC CEO Helen Dickinson was responding to an announcement from the Treasury this morning that retail’s business rates bill will drop by a fifth from April
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NewsCity snapshot: UK inflation slows for third consecutive month
Inflation has eased for the third month in a row but food price rises show no sign of slowing down. Plus, Heineken reports higher-than-expected profits
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NewsM&S CEO Stuart Machin joins calls for reform of Apprenticeship Levy
M&S would be able to train more young people without the levy system, according to Machin
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NewsCity snapshot: Urgent reform needed for ‘broken’ apprentice levy
The government’s apprentice levy system is ‘broken’ and needs ‘urgent reform’, according to a letter from four trade bodies.