Author: Sam Allcock

River Island is reportedly in conflict with some suppliers over product quality standards, signalling potential industry-wide implications. This disagreement highlights issues within the supply chain, as the retailer demands discounts on items deemed subpar.The Times reports River Island seeks retrospective discounts for items not meeting quality standards.The retailer’s ultimatum includes returning goods if discounts are not met, signalling firm action.A specific instance involved a shipment of tops being slightly too short, illustrating quality concerns.Similar supplier disputes are noted in the industry, with Boohoo Group addressing comparable issues.The retail giant River Island finds itself embroiled in a dispute over the quality…

Recent data reveals small business confidence in the UK is waning, according to the FSB survey, primarily due to rising wage costs.The FSB’s Small Business Index recorded a stark drop in confidence, falling to -10.8 in Q2, driven by increasing employment costs.Concerns are growing among small businesses over the potential impact on job numbers and economic growth due to escalating labour costs.The construction industry recorded the lowest confidence among sectors, with significant declines also noted in wholesale, retail, and manufacturing.A call for government action has been made to review employment policies and provide targeted support to struggling industries.The latest survey…

UK small business confidence has sharply declined, recent FSB survey shows.Rising wages are identified as the primary factor affecting business confidence.FSB’s Small Business Index shows a drop to -10.8, indicating financial stress.Sectors like construction and wholesale are experiencing significant decreases in optimism.Calls for government action to mitigate rising labour costs and support business growth.In a concerning trend, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reports a significant drop in confidence among UK small businesses. The Small Business Index, which surveys over 1,000 firms, highlights a fall to a score of -10.8 in confidence for the second quarter of the year. This…

Retail prices in the UK have decreased by 0.3% in August compared to the previous year, marking the first decline in nearly three years.This decrease follows significant discounting by non-food retailers, who faced challenges such as poor weather and the cost of living crisis.Non-food retail prices saw a substantial drop of 1.5%, the lowest since July 2021, as stores sought to clear summer stock.Food price inflation eased, with fresh food prices seeing the most notable decrease, reaching a low not observed since December 2020.However, concerns remain due to potential inflationary pressures from climate change and geopolitical tensions.According to data from…

In August, UK retail prices fell for the first time in nearly three years, driven by significant discounts.Retail price drop recorded at 0.3% compared to August last year.Non-food retail prices decreased by 1.5% due to unsold summer stock clearance.Food price inflation eased to 2%, the lowest since December 2020.The economic outlook remains uncertain due to geopolitical tensions and climate change.In August, UK retail prices experienced a decline of 0.3% compared to the same period last year, marking the first decrease in nearly three years. This decline represents a reversal from the 0.2% inflation recorded in July, indicating a significant shift…

Police are on the lookout for Kerry Ann Stevens, a criminal defence solicitor previously struck off following convictions for two ‘dine and dash’ incidents, who has now failed to appear for bail concerning further allegations.Stevens was removed from the roll earlier this year after convictions related to failing to settle a £104.38 bill at a Harvester restaurant and a Just Eat delivery. Her defence posited that on one occasion, the inability to pay was due to her boyfriend having departed with her bank card. In another incident, she assured a delivery driver that payment had been made and closed the…

Several major corporations have rejoined the CBI, demonstrating a renewed commitment to the organisation after its recent misconduct scandal.The CBI has undertaken significant changes, including staff reductions and governance restructuring, to restore its reputation.AstraZeneca, Unilever, and GSK are among the prominent companies now participating actively in the CBI’s committees.Despite these developments, major retailers such as Tesco and John Lewis have not yet renewed their memberships with the CBI.The CBI remains optimistic, planning a future engagement with new government ties and highlighting efforts in its upcoming annual report.The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has successfully managed to attract major corporations back…

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) sees a resurgence of support from major firms as it reforms post-scandal.After cutting a third of its staff and revamping its governance, the CBI is attracting former and new members.AstraZeneca, Unilever, and GSK are among companies re-engaging with CBI committees after previous withdrawal.Notable corporations like Tesco and John Lewis have yet to renew their membership with the CBI.The CBI plans significant events, including a summer reception, as part of its rebuilding efforts.The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is undergoing a transformative phase, aimed at reinstating its position as a leading business lobby group following…

Unite has proposed a 1% wealth tax on the UK’s super-rich to address critical funding needs.The tax aims to finance 10% pay increases for public sector workers and fill over 100,000 NHS vacancies.Unite’s motion, to be discussed at the TUC conference, challenges Labour’s stance on fiscal responsibility.The proposal could generate £25 billion annually by taxing fortunes exceeding £4 million.This call for a wealth tax is supported by other unions, indicating growing pressure on Labour.Unite, one of the UK’s most influential unions, has put forward a proposal for a 1% wealth tax targeting those with fortunes exceeding £4 million. This initiative…

Keir Starmer is poised to address the nation, acknowledging the significant challenges ahead due to Conservative policies.He emphasises that improvements will not be immediate and will require tough, potentially unpopular decisions.The Prime Minister highlights the deep-rooted societal and economic issues inherited from the previous government.Starmer has been urged from within his party to provide immediate relief for rising energy costs and poverty.Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces pressure to reconsider limiting winter fuel payments as costs are set to rise.Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is set to make a critical address outlining the considerable challenges ahead, largely attributed to…