Shop theft figures hit highest level since 2003
The number of shoplifting incidents in the UK is at its highest level for 13 years, according to annual figures released by the Office for National Statistics. There were more than 9,000 additional...
View ArticleGovernment presses on with new Sunday trading plans
The Government intends to go ahead with its Sunday trading plans, which will see the power to extend opening hours being devolved to local authorities. The plans, which form part of the Enterprise...
View ArticleMPs slam sneaky Sunday trading plan
The government has been accused of using “underhand” tactics and an “embarrassing” and outdated defence to push through Sunday trading proposals. Local authorities are expected to be given power to...
View ArticlePlans to relax Sunday trading law defeated in House of Commons
The Government's plans to change Sunday trading law have been defeated in the House of Commons as MPs voted against it by 317 votes to 286. The proposals, which formed part of the Enterprise Bill,...
View ArticleBudget: small business rate relief threshold increased
The chancellor has announced the small business rate relief threshold will be increased from £6,000 to £15,000. Unveiling his eighth budget, George Osborne also revealed that future business rates...
View ArticleGeorge Osborne delivers “a Budget for small business”
Osborne pulls ‘rabbit from hat’ in 2016 Budget to take 600,000 small businesses out of rates and renew measures to tackle illicit trade, but brings in soft drink levy. George Osborne has given...
View ArticleBudget win for shops proves fight is worthwhile
Our front page proudly echoes George Osborne’s claim, made at the despatch box last Wednesday, that he has delivered a “budget for small business”. Was everything he said brilliant for small...
View ArticleNational minimum wage increase for young people could drive cash in hand
A rise in the national minimum wage for younger employees in October could lead to many retailers cutting corners and paying cash in hand. The warning came as the Government announced a 3.7% increase...
View ArticleStand up and report retail crime to keep awareness high
Our front page makes for grim reading for retailers that are plagued by crime in their stores. Shoplifting accounted for more than half of all proceedings for theft offences in the past year, but the...
View ArticleDon’t let energy database cause retailers more hassle
Rollover energy contracts and a lack of price clarity have long been issues for small retailers. So an investigation and consultation by the CMA can only be a good thing, right? Well, up to a point......
View ArticleACS Summit 2016: The morning in tweets
Yesterday's ACS Summit brought together some of the most influential figures in the convenience channel - not just in the UK, but globally. Tom Gockelen-Kozlowski takes a look at how social media...
View ArticleFresh must be a focus, say convenience big hitters at ACS Summit
Convenience retailers must improve their focus on fresh food if they want to take on major multiples and succeed. That was the advice from the ACS Summit, where retailers and suppliers from the...
View ArticleThe new loophole that could leave retailers the victims of “PR prosecutions”
A loophole in a new law has sparked fears that retailers could be used as scapegoats for “PR prosecutions”. Under the Psychoactive Substances Act, legal action can now be taken against retailers if...
View ArticleStores cutting staff to deal with national living wage
Retailers are being forced to cut staffing in the wake of the national living wage being implemented, according to the ACS and Palmer and Harvey. The ACS Employment Index found that almost one in four...
View ArticleTwo investment areas retailers ‘must consider’
Retailers are putting their businesses at risk by holding back on store investment to cope with the rising cost of wages and pensions. According to the ACS Investment Tracker, a record-breaking £181m...
View ArticleThe voice of retailers dealing with the national living wage must be heard
Since early April this year, retailers have been coming to terms with one of the most significant cost increases in their businesses in recent memory. The introduction of the national living wage at...
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In Tweets: Industry responds to Brexit
The results are in, and the British public has made a controversial decision to leave the EU. With a final result of 51.9% of the population voting Leave, the initial aftermath has left the nation...
View ArticleConcerns raised over retained rates regime
A London MP has pledged to use devolved business rates to support independent businesses – but concerns are rife that stores will be at a disadvantage under the new regime. Following George Osborne’s...
View ArticleRetailers afraid as hate crimes soar 400% after Brexit
A fivefold rise in hate crime in the wake of Brexit has left retailers fearful attacks will move from the streets to their stores. Rav Garcha, owner of six stores across the Midlands, told RN he is...
View ArticleConfidence hits four-year low as UK votes to exit the EU
Confidence among small businesses has hit a four-year low since the EU referendum result to exit the EU, with one retailer predicting “nothing but darkness ahead”. According to the Federation of Small...
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