Latest News
Retailers 'trying to absorb crunch costs'
British retails are "doing their best" to avoid passing on the increased costs due to rising prices, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Manufacturing 'kick-starts back into life'
The UK manufacturing sector started 2012 on a positive footing with a key sector index rising to an eight-month high.
Retail suffers in 2011
Retail sales fell in the year to January despite modest growth last month, finds the Confederation of British Industry.
UK trade deficit expands
The UK trade deficit in goods and services widened to £2.6 billion in November 2011, from a revised £1.9 billion in October, according to Office of National Statistics figures.
Businesses cold on Olympic legacy
The majority of small companies believe the London 2012 Olympic Games will not benefit their business in the long term, research finds.
Good news for services sector
The UK’s services sector expanded at its fastest rate since July, research finds.
Consumer caution worries businesses
Three quarters of small companies are concerned that cautious consumer spending this Christmas will negatively impact their business.
SMEs expect a productive 2012
More than four fifths of small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK believe that next year will be just as prosperous or even better than 2011.
Retail boost still less than expected
Year on year retail sales volumes are up for the first time in seven months, but sales are considered poor for the time of year, finds the Confederation of British Industry's monthly Distributive Trades Survey.
More gloom for manufacturers
UK manufacturers report a further weakening in total order books in December, while export orders remain well below their long term average.
FSB hails Portas retail review
The Federation of Small Businesses has urged the government to act quickly on the findings of Mary Portas’ review of the high street.
FPB: Don't forget the high street this Xmas
Festive shoppers should refrain from purchasing all their Christmas shopping online this year and instead look to the high street, says the Forum of Private Business.
Retail sales prospects gloomy
The UK’s latest high street sales performance statistics are the weakest since May.
