All Policy & legal articles
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InterviewClearpay: ‘Stability and certainty that regulations bring is fuelling growth of Buy Now, Pay Later’
Buy Now, Pay Later and flexible finance options are growing in popularity not only with consumers who want to spread costs interest free, but with retailers who want to provide various payment plans to customers.
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NewsRetail leaders speak out on Poundland crisis
Retail leaders have been making their views known on the problems facing Poundland, which is at risk of being put into administration.
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NewsCo-op Group and Southern Co-op get approval for merger
The Co-operative Group and Southern Co-op have been given the green light from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to join forces.
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AnalysisM&S boss Machin on fashion improvement plans, Budget ‘tax grab’, Christmas and more
Marks & Spencer has posted one of its best interim profit performances in 15 years. Chief executive Stuart Machin aims to make the most of unrealised potential, particularly at the clothing arm, which is still not on top form
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NewsNew bidder enters Poundland race as MPs summon owner
An small investment group has entered the race to rescue Poundland, offering to pay £12.5m upfront and save thousands of jobs.
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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.