Latest News

Government sets out principles for underage sales enforcement

A new 'principles' framework has been set out by the Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO). The framework clarifies the agreed responsibilities of businesses, local enforcement agencies and consumers and serves as a basis for policies adopted for underage sales enforcement.

The framework is published after securing widespread support from regulators, professional bodies and business groups. The principles ar.. Read More

Local shops welcome pro-growth business rates decision

ACS has welcomed the pro-growth initiatives in the Chancellors statement including a two year deferral scheme for planned business rates increase in April 2012, extension of small business rate relief until April 2013, a £40 billion National Loan Guarantee Scheme and the deferral of the 3p per litre increase in fuel duty from January to August 2012.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: "By deferring part of the .. Read More

Some help for customers and retailers

Reacting to the Chancellor's Autumn Statement today (Tuesday), British Retail Consortium Director General Stephen Robertson said:

"Downgraded forecasts make it all the more vital that the Chancellor implements a credible plan for stimulating economic growth which helps retail in keeping inflation down and generating jobs, especially for young people.

"The Chancellor has addressed a number of the concerns we raised with.. Read More

Retailers shed jobs as high street sales continue to fall

High street sales volumes fell on a year ago in November, for the sixth consecutive month, with retailers expecting another decline in December, according to the CBI. Meanwhile, retailers are reducing their headcount at the fastest rate in two years.
 
The CBI's latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey revealed that 26% of retailers saw the volume of sales rise in the year to November, while 44% said they fell.. Read More

Retail sales - October 2011

Date: 17.11.11
.Headline: Value of retail sales in October 2011 showed an increase of 5.4 per cent compared with October 2010.
.Headline: Sales volumes in October 2011 increased by 0.9 per cent compared to October 2010.
.Non-seasonally adjusted volume data shows that small stores provided the most upward pressure increasing by 5.3 per cent, in comparison large stores decreased by 0.3 per cent over the same period. Non-seasonally adjusted v.. Read More

High streets should be at the heart of our local communities

Date: 15.11.11
Hilary Benn MP, Labour's Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, Chuka Umunna MP, Labour's Shadow Business Secretary, and Harriet Harman MP, Labour's Shadow Culture Media and Sport Secretary, met Mary Portas, who is leading the Government review on high streets and town centres today.
 
Hilary Benn, Labour's Shadow Communities Secretary, said:

"We heard direct from Mar.. Read More

Food retailers to thank for fall in inflation

Date: 15.11.11
The supermarket price war has resulted in a fall in overall Consumer Price Inflation (CPI), the latest Government figures show.
 
Statistics out this morning (Tuesday) from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) put CPI at 5.0 per cent, down from 5.2 per cent in September. The ONS reports the largest downward pressure came from falls in the cost of food as a result of both widespread supermarket discounti.. Read More

Consumer price indices, October 2011

Date: 15.11.11
The key points from this release are:

CPI annual inflation stands at 5.0 per cent in October 2011, down from 5.2 per cent in September. The largest downward pressures came from falls in the cost of food (due to significant and widespread discounting by supermarkets and good harvests for certain produce), air fares and petrol. Partially offsetting these were upward pressures from increases in the cost of clothing, e.. Read More

Convenience market to be worth £42bn by 2016

Date: 10.11.11
 The UK food and grocery convenience sector is set to grow to £42.2bn in five years' time, according to the latest figures unveiled today (Thursday) by IGD at its Convenience Retail Conference.

This means the sector will have increased in value by more than a quarter from its current value of £33.6bn in 2011. Convenience's share of the overall food and grocery market is expected to increase to 22.9.. Read More

NFSP response to NS&I product removal

Date: 03.11.11
In response to today's announcement by NS&I on the removal of services from post offices, George Thomson, General Secretary of the National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP), said: "We are surprised and bitterly disappointed by NS&I's decision to remove certain products from sale to the public at post offices. However, we welcome the news that Premium Bonds - which account for three quarters of all NS&I tran.. Read More

Grant Shapps: Parish power can save struggling village shops and pubs

Date: 03.11.11
Local Government Minister Grant Shapps today issued a new rallying cry to parish councils, to safeguard struggling village shops and pubs for the benefit of local people.

If a community shop, pub or village post office is threatened with closure, parish councils can use their powers to keep it running, including through the provision of financial support.

Parish councils.. Read More

ACS seeks evidence of rates rise impact from members
Organisation: Association of Convenience Stores

Published: 31.10.11
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is asking from information from retailers to help its case to the Chancellor for a one-off reduction of the increase in business rates, currently set to be 5.6% and taking effect from April 2012.

Annual rates increases are based on inflation figures (RPI) from the previous September, and with RPI .. Read More

Boldness and urgency retailers tell chancellor ahead of Autumn statement
Organisation: British Retail Consortium

Published: 31.10.11

Restoring customers' confidence to spend and rebuilding retailers' appetite to invest and resume job creation must be the Chancellor's first concerns as he prepares his Autumn Statement.
 
In a letter to George Osborne, released today (Monday), the British Retail Consortium (BRC) sets out retailers' key priorities for de.. Read More

Retails pin hopes on a good christmas

20.10.11
Official retail figures released today (Thursday) by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) demonstrate how crucial a successful Christmas period will be for retailers this year. The latest numbers, which echo the British Retail Consortium's (BRC's) own statistics, show some growth in sales values, although being driven by inflation rather than increased business.

The unseasonably warm start to autumn resulted in pa.. Read More

Safeguarding the UK's universal postal service

20.10.11
Ofcom today published proposals designed to ensure that UK consumers continue to benefit from a universally-priced, affordable postal service, six days a week.

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/consultations/securing-the-postal-service/summary/condoc.pdf

The proposals, s.. Read More

KRAFT HELPS RETAILERS CREATE DELICIOUS DISPLAYS WITH FIRST TRADE WEBSITE

Kraft Foods is bringing together its many years’ experience of working with small businesses to offer retailers advice on driving sales, though its brand new trade website, www.deliciousdisplay.co.uk.

The new website, which launches this month, will bring together Kraft Foods’ knowledge and business links in one easily accessible place, for the bene.. Read More

New Oats & Chocolate SKU for Nature Valley extends popular Crunchy & More range

Nature Valley has launched a delicious new Oats & Chocolate SKU into its popular Crunchy & More Granola Bar range, after identifying a gap in the market within healthier biscuits featuring chocolate.

The Nature Valley Crunchy & More range is already performing extremely well, with 70%  of sales incremental to the category and delivering an impressive £765k  v.. Read More

Cadbury Dairy Milk launches its loudest campaign to date

Cadbury Dairy Milk is today announcing the launch of ‘Keep Singing Keep Team GB  Pumped’ – a campaign that aims to get the nation singing to show their support for Team GB. The seven-month musical support for British athletes is the latest activation of Cadbury’s London 2012 Olympic Games sponsorship and will burst into song from September.

Keep Singing Keep Team GB Pumped will aim to keep Team GB motivated .. Read More

Camelot appoints Andy Duncan as UK Managing Director

Camelot UK Lotteries Limited has today announced that Andy Duncan is to join the company as Managing Director.

In the newly-created role, Andy will be responsible for all of Camelot’s operations for The National Lottery in the United Kingdom. During the last financial year (ending 31 March 2011), Camelot grew ticket sales across all channels to an all-time high of £5,822m. The further rise in sales was excellent news.. Read More

Proposals to charge for inspections will hit small firms hardest
14.10.11
Proposals to charge small firms for 'material' faults found during inspections by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) could damage relationships and may be seen as a way to raise revenue rather than improving compliance, says the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in response to a consultation which closes today.

The HSE has proposed to extend its current systems of cost recovery to include a fee.. Read More

Asda powers up community involvement
12.10.11
Asda's Community Life pilot program in 31 stores today

All stores to launch in 2012

At the 2011 IGD conference today, Andy Clarke, Asda president and CEO, announced the retailer has embarked on a program that will build on its long-standing and rich heritage of community involvement.

"In the UK, what people want and need in their lives now is a sense of ownership, unity and security. This is the new we.. Read More

Retailers call for crime-fighting support ahead of elected police chiefs
12.10.11
The work retailers do to tackle crime and create safe communities is being spelt out on a new website ahead of the introduction of locally elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).

The Tackling Retail Crime Together site, run by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) will be launched this Thursday (13 October) at the BRC's Annual Retail Crime Confe.. Read More

BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor September 2011: Heat helps food, harms clothes
11.10.11
UK retail sales values were 0.3% higher on a like-for-like basis from September 2010, when sales had risen 0.5%. On a total basis, sales were up 2.5%, against a 2.2% increase in September 2010.

Food sales growth was similar to that in July and August. Non-food sales improved a little but remained challenging. Homewares showed a modest uplift, though sales were still often deal-driven. Lar.. Read More

Local shops call for OFT to investigate magazine supply chain
03.10.11
Competition regulators must intervene to break up the newspaper and magazine supply monopoly that harms retailers and consumers, says the Association of News Retailing (ANR). Publishers and wholesalers are currently granted special treatment under competition law for their supply of product to retailers, and the OFT is considering whether to conduct an in-depth review of this decision.

Shane Brennan, ACS.. Read More

Carrier bag consultation now says MCS
01.10.11
Marine charity urges Westminster not to throw away the chance to pull the plug on plastic bags.

As Wales' single use bag levy heralds a first for the UK - David Cameron issues ultimatum to supermarkets - but the Marine Conservation Society says he must issue consultation now

The Marine Conservation Society says David Cameron's ultimatum to retailers to reduce their plastic bag use is nothing more than empty words i.. Read More

Minimum wage rise adds to retail pressures
01.10.11
The increase of 2.5 per cent in the National Minimum Wage which comes into effect today (Saturday) is a disproportionate rise which makes it harder for retailers to maintain and create jobs in the current climate. It takes the adult minimum wage up from £5.93 an hour to £6.08.
 
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) supports the principle of the minimum wage as a basic floor for decent pay but had urged the Low Pay Commission (L.. Read More

21-09-2011 - Flat retail sales confirm weak economic growth

Alerts - Press Releases - British Chambers of Commerce
August retail sales down 0.2% on the month, flat (0%) on the year
Commenting on the retail sales figures for August, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) , said:
"Retail sales in August were down compared with July, but better than many were expecting in light of the riots during the month. The fl.. Read More

22-09-2011 - Eric Pickles: Government helping high streets to thrive with support for local shops

Alerts - Press Releases - Communities and Local Government
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles told retailers they were the lifeblood of the British economy and the Government would do everything it could to help them succeed in challenging times.
In a speech to the British Retail Consortium Mr Pickles said shops had "colossal economic clout"; employing 2.9 million people and pro.. Read More

Government policies to help grow the economy are out of touch with reality, says FSB

30.09.11
The Government's policies to kick-start growth and incentivise job creation are too timid and out of touch with the reality of the UK's sluggish economy, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said today.

Ahead of the Conservative Party Conference, the FSB is warning that while the Government has adopted many policies that will help small firms, few, if any of them, go f.. Read More

ACS calls on energy secretary to stop backbilling abuses on local shops

29.09.11
ACS has called on Energy Secretary Chris Huhne to stop the double standards on energy contracts that leave local shops under threat of closure from backbilling.

In a letter written to the Secretary of State, ACS Chief Executive James Lowman highlighted the abusive practices employed by energy companies when backbilling business customers. Under current regulations, energy companies can.. Read More

Tobacco control policies can, and do, save lives

29.09.11
As the ban on cigarette vending machines comes into force, we've welcomed a Lancet report that shows tobacco control policies improve public health and reduce healthcare spending.

An article in the Lancet journal argues that tobacco control legislation does not take years to show a benefit, as is sometimes assumed. They also say any short-term economic loss from tobacco taxes will be outweighed by long-term .. Read More

Greens vote to revitalise rural economy

13.09.11
New policies will increase agricultural employment and include a proposal for a Rural Housing Agency

Caroline Allen: "Too much rural employment is often characterised by low pay and seasonal work. Improved employment opportunities, particularly for young people in rural areas, are essential. Over 20% of 16-24 year olds in rural areas are unemployed."

At its autumn conference in Sheffield this past weekend.. Read More

uSwitch.com welcomes call for VAT reduction on green deal

A collection of organisations including the British Property Federation, have called for the government to reduce VAT from 20% to 5% on all energy saving measures to be implemented through the Green Deal. This will lead to en.. Read More

Retailers seek clarity on Olympic arrangements

13.09.11
London Mayor Boris Johnson is being urged to improve the information being provided to retailers to help them contribute to the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

Ahead of the opening of Westfield Stratford City today (Tuesday), the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has written to the Mayor to express concern about the quantity and quality of information businesses in London are being given abo.. Read More

Plain packaging removes cigarettes' appeal

Removing branding and wrapping cigarettes in plain packaging helps remove the appeal of smoking according to new a Cancer Research UK funded study published in Tobacco Control. 

The researchers found that .. Read More

Shop vacancy rates stabilise in 2011 but the gap between the best and worst performing towns widens and over 14 per cent of shops still remain vacant

08.09.11
The Local Data Company's latest Shop Vacancy report, titled 'The good, the bad and the (very) ugly' reviews the shop vacancy figures of over 1,000 retail centres. Whilst the good news is that the three fold increase in vacancy rates since 2007 has stopped, the fact remains that in the extreme centres one in three shops s.. Read More

Mary Portas visits Rotherham as part of her high street review

06.09.11
The 'Queen of Shops' Mary Portas is visiting Rotherham town centre in South Yorkshire today (6 September). The visit is one of a number of events and meetings that Mary is undertaking across the country as part of a Government commissioned independent review into the future of the high street.

During today's visit Mary Portas will speak to high street businesses, local authorities and shoppers... Read More

BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor August 2011: August retail sales show sector divide

06.09.11
UK retail sales values were 0.6% lower on a like-for-like basis from August 2010, when sales had risen 1.0%. On a total basis, sales were up 1.5%, against a 2.8% increase in August 2010.

Food sales growth was similar to that in July. Non-food sales fell further below their year-earlier level, with footwear and homewares showing the largest declines, despite further promotions.. Read More

NFSP response to Consumer Focus report

31.08.11
National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP) General Secretary George Thomson said: "The NFSP has long led the call for all bank customers to be allowed to access their current account in the trusted, secure and convenient environment of their local post office. This new research shows the strong appetite among customers for this service.

"If all banks offered all current account transactions at the Post Office, this .. Read More

Current account customers should be able to bank on post offices

A new report from Consumer Focus - ' Read More

Publication: Counter measures - delivering access to current accounts for all at the post office

31.08.11
Consumers tell us there is a significant appetite for all current accounts to be accessible at post offices. Our research suggests over 18 million consumers would be likely to use post offices, in addition to their bank branches, to access their current accounts.

With 11,800 branches, there are more post offices in the UK than there are bank branches. At a time.. Read More

Portas urged to recommned radical changes for UK high streets

30.08.11
ACS has challenged the Government's High Streets Tsar Mary Portas to take decisive action on the key issues affecting independent retailers ahead of the publication of her review at the end of this year.

At the meeting on Tuesday, ACS presented the case for local shops and called on Mary Portas to recommend a stronger town centre first national planning policy and drive investment on high street.. Read More

FWD highlights the high cost of cheap alcohol

26.08.11
The Federation of Wholesale Distributors has issued two new advisory posters warning retailers of the dangers of buying alcohol from grey market suppliers.

Counterfeit alcoholic products and beers, wines and spirits on which UK duty has not been paid are sold to retailers by criminals posing as wholesalers. Many retailers are not aware that if they stock these products they are taking part in an illegal activi.. Read More

Government publishes list of RDA assets transferring to HCA

26.08.11
The Government has today published a list of Regional Development Agency (RDA) land and property assets that will be transferred to the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

It was announced on 6 July that RDA land and property assets would be transferred to HCA, with local communities and businesses involved in decisions about future development plans. This will maximise the long.. Read More

Decline in high street sales accelerates in August

25.08.11
Retail sales volumes fell on a year ago in August at the fastest pace for over a year, the CBI said today (Thursday).

Meanwhile, retailers were the most negative they have been about the general business situation since February 2009.

The CBI's latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey found that 31% of retailers saw the volume of sales rise in the two weeks to 16 August, while 46% said the.. Read More

Joint approach needed to stop damage from age restricted products

25.08.11
Scotland is putting age restricted products in the spotlight with a Conference bringing together key players from across Scotland including trading standards, health sector, police and manufacturers.

Age Restricted Products - a Collaborative Approach Conference, on 31 August, aims to hit home the complex impact issues around age restricted products have on our society, and the need for a str.. Read More

A taste of what's to come at the tenth annual British food fortnight

17.08.11
We are now just one month away from the tenth annual British Food Fortnight. The event, which runs between 17th September 2nd October, celebrates the diverse and delicious range of food that Britain produces. Hundreds of shops, pubs and restaurants take part every year with special menus and promotions as do councils, markets, hospitals, tourism attractions, hotels and many more. The event is also an.. Read More

Young people's aspirations in rural areas

12.08.11
Youth unemployment is a serious issue. The recent economic downturn and subsequent substantial reduction in public spending has had a negative impact on young people in the labour market. In rural areas, young people face distinct issues that can have a negative impact on their employment. Youth unemployment in rural areas is often believed to be caused by the low aspirations of young people themselves, their families and loca.. Read More

Councils urged to offer more services at Post Office counters

11.08.11
Call for Scottish Government, councils and Post Office to work together to expand services at post office counters - watchdog

Scotland's postal services watchdog, Consumer Focus Scotland, says local authorities could use Scotland's network of over 1400 post offices to deliver more council services.

The watchdog is calling on the Scottish Government to create a 'high-level group' to p.. Read More

Overview
Terry’s Chocolate Orange is a real Christmas star – 12 million were sold last Christmas*, at a total value of £22 million*, with the support of early promotions, fun and striking point of sale solutions and a brand new TV campaign.  For the fourth year in a row, its limited edition ball – the White Chocolate Smasher – was the number one Christmas NPD*.

The brand has even more exciting plans for 2011, with a brand new variant

Terry’s Chocolate Orange Read More

July 2011

Toblerone Snow Top brings Alpine twist

The peaks of Toblerone are to get a frosty topping from September, with the launch of new Toblerone Snow Top 100g tablet.

The launch sees Toblerone’s distinctive triangular chunks of chocolate topped with a delicious white chocolate “snow top”, giving a look of the Alps in winter and celebrating the brand’s Swiss heritage.  Combining the two great tastes of milk and white chocolate, the new and unique pr.. Read More

EU plans for the dairy sector don't do enough for UK farmers, say MPs

29.07.11
The European Commission's proposed package of measures for the dairy sector is not sufficient on its own to redress the problems facing the UK industry, warn MPs in a report published today evaluating the Commission's 'Milk Package'.

The Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee warns that farm-gate milk prices remain below the average cost of production and calls on the Government to.. Read More

New data on supermarket carrier bag use

A total of 6.4 billion single-use bags were used by supermarket customers across the UK in 2010, it was reported today by WRAP.

The figure compares with 10.7 billion single-use bags being used in 2006 when figures were first record.. Read More

Local shops welcome red tape cut

28.07.11
ACS has welcomed Business Secretary Vince Cable's announcement today that a number of retail regulations will be cut. The proposals are the first results from the Red Tape Challenge, a public consultation which asked businesses and individuals which regulations are unnecessary and should be removed.

The proposals include:
. simplifying the procedures for age verification or identification for the selling of age-restricte.. Read More

Retail jobs fall

Read More

 

NFU ON GROCERY ADJUDICATOR

NFU responds to BIS report on groceries adjudicator

28.07.11
Proposals to give a Groceries Code Adjudicator more powers to monitor retailers' behaviour in the food supply chain will go much further to stamping out unfair practices, the NFU said today.
 
The NFU's comments come after the publication of a report on the Draft Groceries Adjudicator Bill by the House of Commons Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Committee. It has recommended that the Government makes .. Read More

 

SERVICE RESUMED AT POST OFFICE

Sevice resumed at Post Office branches after temorary technical problem

27.07.11
The Post Office® today (Wednesday 27th July) apologised to its customers for a technical problem which affected PIN pad transactions in its branches earlier in the day.

Martin Moran, Post Office Commercial Director, said: "We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by a problem with the PIN pad system in our branches. Normal service was restored this afternoon, including fo.. Read More

 

RED TAPE CHALLENGE STATEMENT

Statement of the commission on the 'Red Tape Challenge'

27.07.11
The Commission understands the goal of the government to strengthen the economic recovery by reducing unnecessary regulatory burden on businesses. The Red Tape Challenge represents an opportunity for an open discussion on the effect of a range of regulations, including the Equality Act 2010.

The Commission is pleased that the government has indicated that as part of the Red Tape Challenge consultation.. Read More

 

LONDIS INVEST £4M IN FRESH EXPANSION

Londis invests £4m in fresh expansion

25.07.11
Londis is investing £4 million in its fresh food expansion this year.

A major part of this investment is in the supply chain and for the first time ever the entire Londis fleet will have full chilled capacity, enabling the group to supply all Londis retailers with the full fresh range. 

This will ensure that all fresh products are delivered to Londis retailers with guaranteed quality and best in class.. Read More

 

PLANNING POLICY MUST ENCOUARGE BROADER RURAL ECONOMY

Planning policy must encourage a prosperous and 'broader' rural economy

25.07.11
The CLA has said the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published by the Government today (25 July) is "better than expected" for rural areas. However, it said the framework still needs to support the need for a prosperous and "broader" rural economy, with housing development across all rural settlements to enable people to both work and live in the countryside.

The Associ.. Read More

 

OMBUDSMAN MUST HAVE POWERS TO FINE SUPERMARKETS

Ombudsman must have power to fine supermarkets which breach new suppliers' code of conduct, says business group

13.06.11
The Forum of Private Business is calling on the Government to give a new supermarket ombudsman the power to fine retailers for mistreating their smaller suppliers, ahead of tomorrow's scrutiny hearing of the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill.

Unless members of the Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) Committee recommend that the ombudsman should be.. Read More

 

SAD DAY FOR UK POSTAL SERVICE

Sad day for UK postal service

09.06.11
Following the passage of the Postal Services Bill through parliament today (Thursday) the Communication Workers Union warns that the government has put services and post offices at risk in favour of private capital.

Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, said: "Today is a sad day for the UK postal service. The days are numbered for the post office network, postal deliveries and services as we know them.

"How the gov.. Read More

 

NFU SAYS BACK BRITISH

NFU urges consumers to back British

02.06.11
Buy British! That's the message the NFU is shouting loud and clear to reassure consumers that British fresh produce is safe, nutritious and delicious following reports of an E.coli outbreak in northern Europe.

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chairman Sarah Pettitt said: "British cucumbers are world class and currently in season so consumers should expect to find an abundant supply of this vibrant, fresh and versa.. Read More

 

SUPPORT FOR INDIE'S WEEK

MPs, suppliers and wholesales back indie's week in the Sun

06.06.11
National Independents Week, the annual celebration of the contribution to communities made by local shops, has seen stores across the country receive the My Shop is Your Shop Gold Award for community retailing, with MPs visiting some of the teams in their stores to present the awards and find out more about their close relationships with their customers.

The My Shop Your Shop supporting suppliers h.. Read More

 

HIGH STREET SPENDING RETURNS TO NORMAL

High street spending returns to normal following weather and wedding fever

06.06.11
'Caution' is the watchword

A clearer view of the state of high street spending has been revealed this month in BDO's latest High Street Sales Tracker.

Following the mini spending-spree in April generated by feel-good factors such as good weather and the Royal Wedding, and the relative timing of annual events such as bank holidays, the year on year increase seen in April.. Read More

 

LORDS MUST ACT ON LOCALISM BILL

Lords must act now to Tesco proof Localism Bill

07.06.11
ACS has called on Peers to stand up for high streets during the debate of the Localism Bill in the House of Lords today.

High streets have suffered considerably during the recession with the closure of 12,000 independent shops, while multiples retailers like Tesco continue to up their expansion plans in a bid to dominate the market at the expense of smaller businesses.

The Localism Bill proposes t.. Read More

 

MINIMUM WAGE

Local shops welcome focus on business certainty in minumum wage review

09.06.11
The next round of consultation on the minimum wage, which will determine the recommended rate for 2013 will also have to consider ways to deliver greater certainty for business, Ministers have said.

ACS has consistently highlighted the burden that uncertainty places on employers in the convenience sector.

James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive, said: "The uncertainty caused by an.. Read More

 

UPDATE ON LOCALISM BILL

Third report: Localism

08.06.11

The House of Commons Communities and Local Government Committee has published its third report on localism.

Summary:

The Government has announced its intention to instigate a radical devolution of power to local level, giving new powers and opportunities to councils, communities, neighbourhoods and individuals. The Localism Bill embodies some of the specific changes the Government wishes to make to put this into .. Read More

 

POSTAL SERVICES BILL AGREED BY PARLIAMENT

Postal Services Bill agreed by Parliament

09.06.11
Government legislation to safeguard the future of Royal Mail and keep the Post Office in public ownership has today been agreed by both Houses of Parliament.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said:

"Today marks a significant milestone for Royal Mail. Legislation has now been agreed that will help tackle the huge challenges facing the company.

"Royal Mail and the Post Office are important a.. Read More

 

EU URGED TO ADOPT PLAIN PACKAGING ON TOBACCO

EU urged to adopt plain packaging on tobacco

31.05.11
On World No Tobacco Day today (Tuesday) Cancer Research UK has renewed its call for the European Union (EU) to adopt standardised, plain packaging with graphic pictures of health warnings on all tobacco products.

A new report being presented in Brussels shows the importance of stopping tobacco being marketed via its packaging. The report provides an overview of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Framework Con.. Read More

 

SHADOW TREASURY MINISTER ON GROWTH FORECASTS

Leslie: BCC just the latest major organisation to downgrade growth forecasts

31.05.11
Chris Leslie MP, Labour's Shadow Treasury Minister, said in response to the British Chambers of Commerce's latest economic forecast:

"The British Chambers of Commerce is just the latest major organisation to downgrade their forecasts for economic growth in the UK and continue to predict a rise in unemployment as deep cuts and tax rises start to kick in.

"Slow growth .. Read More

 

FIVE ARRESTED IN TOBACCO FRAUD

Five arrested in £20m illegal tobacco fraud

27.05.11
Officers from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) investigating a suspected excise fraud in excess of £20m have arrested five people during early morning raids across South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

Around 60 investigators from HMRC, assisted by officers from South Yorkshire Police and Nottinghamshire Police carried out searches on commercial and residential properties in Doncaster (South Yorkshire), Retford and.. Read More

 

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELLING

Research into country of origin labelling announced

26.05.11
The majority of meat and dairy products now feature information on where their ingredients came from or where they were produced, according to research announced by Food Minister Jim Paice today.

The survey looked at labels on over 500 meat and dairy products purchased from the major retailers and a number of independent shops.  It is the first evaluation of country of origin labelling since the food.. Read More

 

SPEECH BY DAVE WARD OF CWU

Speech by Dave Ward to CWU postal conference, May 24 2011

24.05.11
It has been another hard year and on behalf of the PEC we pay tribute to all of our representatives in all Royal Mail Group Businesses and its subsidiaries.

We pay tribute to your dedication and determination - your principles and values - and above all your courage. 

You really are a key part of this Union - representing CWU members in what we all know is a much harsher environmen.. Read More

 

MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR POST OFFICE

Green Investment Bank a missed opportunity for Post Office, says CWU

24.05.11
Responding to plans announced by Vince Cable today (Tuesday) to establish a Green Investment Bank, the Communication Workers Union expresses disappointment at another missed opportunity to set up a Post Bank.

Billy Hayes,CWU general secretary, said: "This is another wasted opportunity to bolster the Post Office. The Liberal Democrats promised a Post Bank in their manifesto but have so far.. Read More

 

PLANNING POLICY TO CAUTIOUS FOR RURAL ECONOMY

Planning policy too cautious for needs of rural economy, says CLA

24.05.11
The CLA today (24 May) said a draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is too cautious for the needs of the rural economy.

The Association said while the proposed draft, published by the NPPF Practitioners Advisory Group, is a move in the right direction, it still does not fully support the need for a broader rural economy  to enable people to work and live in the countryside. Read More

 

HIGH STREET SALES SUBDUED

High-street sales growth remains subdued

24.05.11
Price inflation remains high

Annual sales volumes growth on the high street remained subdued in May and retailers expect a similar pace of growth next month, the CBI said today. Meanwhile, price inflation has weakened slightly, but still remains very high.

The CBI's latest quarterly Distributive Trades survey found that 41% of retailers saw the volume of sales rise in the two weeks to May 16th, while 23.. Read More

 

GOVERNMENT PUBLISHED DRAFT BILL ON GROCERY ADJUDICATION

Government publishes draft bill on Groceries Code Adjudicator

24.05.11
New body to referee between suppliers and retailers

A new independent body to adjudicate between suppliers and retailers and protect against unfair practices moved a step closer today. Consumer Minister Edward Davey published the draft Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill and invited pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill by Parliament.
Ministers are determined that suppliers should be protected ag.. Read More

 

SUPERMARKET ADJUDICATOR BILL REACTION

Supermarket Adjudicator Bill reaction

24.05.11
The Government's decision to proceed with legislation to create a grocery code adjudicator will increase costs for consumers but achieve nothing new, said the British Retail Consortium (BRC) as the draft bill was published today (Tuesday).

Reacting to the publication of the draft legislation, British Retail Consortium Food Director Andrew Opie said: "The supermarket adjudicator will just add costs to retailers and pus.. Read More

 

HMRC TARGETS VAT CHEATS

HMRC targets VAT cheats

20.05.11
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) today announced an initiative to crack down on VAT rule breakers. The new campaign will focus on individuals and businesses who are trading above the VAT threshold but who have not yet registered for VAT.

The initiative is being discussed with interested parties to ensure HMRC has as much information from them as possible before launching the campaign later in the summer.

Mike Wells, HMRC'.. Read More

 

SUBPOSTMASTERS ASK GOVERNMENT FOR MORE WORK

'We need more government work', subpostmasters will tell annual conference

20.05.11
Members will give cautious welcome to ministers' plans for network's future Conference to hear thousands of post offices still struggling financially

Hundreds of subpostmasters will gather at their Annual Conference next week to call on the government to safeguard the future viability of the 11,500-strong national network by introducing more work at post offices.

Member.. Read More

 

BRC URGES CAUTION TO STRONG RETAIL FIGURES

Treat strong retail figures with caution

19.05.11
The strong April retail figures published today (Thursday) show a welcome boost for retailers after a dire March but need to be treated with caution.  
 
Responding to the figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which confirm the trends in the British Retail Consortium's (BRC's) own Retail Sales Monitor published last week, the BRC warns April's sales growth was not universal and was largely .. Read More

 

CWU SAYS PO MUTUALISATION A DISTRACTION

CWU says Post Office mutualisation a 'distraction'

18.05.11
Responding to a government-commissioned report on mutualisation for the Post Office published today (Wednesday), the Communication Workers Union warns that the problems facing the Post Office will not be solved by this "distraction".

Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, said: "Mutualisation is a distraction which will not solve the real problems facing the Post Office.

"Breaking the Post Office .. Read More

 

CO-OP COMMENTS ON PO MUTUALISATION

Consumers' needs must be at heart of possible Post Office mutualisation

18.05.11
Responding to proposals from Co-operatives UK for the mutualisation of Post Office Ltd1,Andy Burrows, postal services expert at Consumer Focus, said:

'Changing the Post Office's ownership to a mutual model could have potential benefits andwe welcome the UK Government's plan to explore these options. However, thecritical issue for consumers must be that any change not only provides a se.. Read More

 

POST OFFICE CUTS MORTGAGE RATES

Post Office cuts mortgage rates by up to 1.01 per cent ·    3.38% fiv Read More

INQUIRY INTO POSTBANK AND STAMP PRI

Announcement of new inquiry - Postbank and stamp prices  The Business, Innovati Read More

BILL FOR ADJUDICATOR NEEDED URGENTL

Bill for adjudicator needed urgently to police grocery supply chain The NFU has cal Read More

NON FOOD INFLATION DROPS

Non-food inflation drops to zero Overall shop price inflation fell to 1.4% in Januar Read More

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