All Policy & legal articles
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NewsPoundland founder rules himself out of 11th-hour bid to save retailer
Poundland founder Steve Smith told Retail Week the retailer’s filing last week of a notice to appoint administrators would present “a problem” for any 11th-hour bidders looking to save the stricken brand.
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NewsGovernment ‘keeping options open’ over potential Poundland collapse
The business secretary has signalled the government is ready to take action against Poundland’s US owner if they feel the retailer is wrongly forced to shutter.
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Opinion‘A stench hangs over Poundland’s demise’
After the value retailer filed an intention to appoint administrators, questions are being asked of owner Gordon Brothers about why it ended up in such a parlous position, says George MacDonald
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NewsBurnham says government ‘ready to support’ Poundland workers
The prime minister also called for answers about why owners of the business would turn down an offer that would have saved jobs.
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Chart of the WeekExplainer: Why the business rates freeze is worse than the status quo for big retailers
Chancellor John Healey announced a “real-terms freeze” on business rates for shops in the Budget, capping rises in their bills at inflation for the next two years.
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Opinion‘Marmalade and gherkin Budget was just tinkering around the edges’
The country needs a vision and a growth plan, but this week’s Budget makes zero difference to economic growth, fears Charlotte Hardie
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NewsPoundland files notice of intention to appoint administrators
Value retailer Poundland looks poised to be put into administration, barring any last minute deal.
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AnalysisRise in business rates bill wipes out last year’s savings for retail chains, analysis shows
Following the Budget, big retailers will pay more, wiping out the savings they made from last year’s reform.
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NewsAccent Group hits back at Frasers ‘final offer’
Accent Group, the Australian retail chain, has hit back at the best and final declaration by Frasers Group yesterday, reaffirming its call to shareholders to reject the takeover offer.
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AnalysisBudget 2026: What’s in it for retail and how has the sector responded?
Business rates support for small businesses, online VAT reforms and more money for councils and mayors top the list of measures announced in the Budget.
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NewsPoundland owner restricts retailer’s access to funding
Gordon Brothers, the owner of Poundland, has limited the value retailer’s access to financing, further raising fears of an administration, Retail Week understands.
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NewsBRC: Eight in 10 adults worried about rising prices
Over 80% of British consumers are concerned by rising food prices and inflation ahead of today’s Budget, according to new research by the British Retail Consortium.
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NewsMinimum wage to rise nearly 4% at Budget
The chancellor is set to announce plans to increase the minimum wage by nearly 4% at tomorrow’s Budget, according to reports.
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AnalysisAs trade union access powers increase, will more retailers follow John Lewis and strike deals?
The law governing relationships between business and trade unions is changing, and the shift means new obligations for retailers.
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AnalysisSainsbury’s boss confident ahead of the Budget as grocery giant ramps up for Christmas
Sainsbury’s boss Simon Roberts outlined his wishes for next week’s Budget and outlined his takeaways on consumer confidence heading into the all-important Christmas trading period.
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NewsAldi and Lidl to be treated as “Large Grocery Retailers”, CMA confirms
The UK’s competition regulator confirmed its decision to apply the same land agreement rules to the discounters that other major grocers have to follow
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Opinion‘It’s time for the PM to wake up to the potential for economic growth from UK food system’
The food industry, from agriculture to hospitality and everything in between, is well positioned to help deliver Andy Burnham’s ambition of growth in every postcode. It’s time for government action to ensure the food system flourishes, argues Shore Capital’s Clive Black
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NewsRising inflation to slap businesses with extra £1.1bn rates bill next year
Surging inflation in September has left retail and hospitality businesses facing a £1.1bn increase in business rates in England from April 2027.
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NewsAsda launches new apprenticeship programme
Supermarket giant Asda has today (October 21) launched Asda Roots – a new apprenticeship programme to give young people a route to permanent employment.
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