GENERAL ELECTION 2024
What the election means for retail
Who is the new business secretary and what can retailers expect from him?
As the UK embraces a period of change after the Labour Party’s landslide victory, Retail Week takes a closer look at the new business and trade secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, and what the retail sector should expect from him.
Key-cutting and shoe repair CEO is taking on the role of prisons minister
The boss of key-cutting and shoe-repair specialist Timpson has been named minister of state for prisons, parole and probation by new prime minister Keir Starmer.
After the Labour landslide, retail expects things to get better
As the opinion polls predicted, yesterday’s general election delivered a sweeping victory for Labour. Now, much like the rest of the country, retail awaits Keir Starmer’s next move
Election reactions: Here’s what retail thinks of Labour’s landslide victory
History was made today when Keir Starmer became the fifth Labour Party leader to bring a period of Conservative leadership to a close. But what does retail make of the victory? Retail Week gathers the industry’s reactions
Retail cabinet: What would government look like if retailers ran the country?
As the country casts its votes in the general election, Retail Week imagines what a cabinet made up of bold and capable retail leaders might look like
Small businesses are calling on the next government to make changes to tax and business rates
Small businesses in the UK are urging the next government to overhaul policies relating to tax, business rates and international trading.
Currys boss ‘encouraged’ by revised Labour workers rights plan
Currys chief executive Alex Baldock said he is “encouraged” by the Labour party’s updated version of its package of workers rights.
‘Why the next government helping retail is good for the whole country’
A helping hand for retail could benefit many other industries and aspects of public life, argues Lush head of UK and Ireland retail Kasey Swithenbank
Manifesto cheat sheet – what are the parties promising retail?
The seven major UK parties have now released their manifestos. Retail Week has waded through the documents so you don’t have to
Iceland launches first ever ‘supermarket manifesto’
Frozen food specialist Iceland has launched a UK grocery first ‘supermarket manifesto’ ahead of next week’s general election.
‘Election won’t make much difference to blighted town centres like Middlesbrough’
Empty shops, high crime and a lack of opportunity – no wonder retailers have deserted town centres such as Middlesbrough. There are plenty more like it. Sadly, the general election won’t make much of an immediate impact, believes George MacDonald
Labour resists calls to close tax loophole used by Shein
Labour is reportedly resisting calls to close a tax loophole exploited by fast fashion brand Shein as it plots its London IPO.
Currys chief people officer urges government to reform apprenticeship levy
Currys chief people, communications and sustainability officer Paula Coughlan has called on the next government to overhaul the apprenticeship levy to offer more opportunities and skills training.
‘In uncertain times, retailers must keep one eye looking beyond the UK’
Rishi Sunak is not right about much, in my opinion. But one thing he said in his speech calling the general election rang true – we live in the “most uncertain of times”.
Conservatives reintroduce Criminal Justice Bill reform in manifesto launch
The Conservatives have committed to reintroducing certain legislation that was interrupted by the dissolution of Parliament, including proposed changes to the Criminal Justice Bill.
Major retail landlord calls for rates review by next government
British Land head of asset management for retail parks, Matt Reed, has told Retail Week more needs to be done to deal with business rates.
Lib Dems pledge to replace business rates system in manifesto
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to replace the business rates system with a “commercial landowner levy” as part of their election manifesto.
New West End Company urges government to prioritise ‘three key areas’
New West End Company (NWEC) has launched a manifesto ahead of the general election, calling on the government to prioritise “three key areas” across retail.
Labour manifesto to combat retail crime and overhaul business rates
Labour is pledging laws to tackle violence against shop workers and overhaul UK business rates in its upcoming manifesto ahead of the general election.
BRC calls on political parties to ‘revitalise’ UK footfall
As the race for number 10 ramps up, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) is calling on politicians of all stripes to address the policies restricting retailers from investing in the high street in a bid to “revitalise footfall”.
How the general election will affect consumer spending
As we gear up for the general election, Retail Week looks at its likely impact on consumer spending
Retail’s election wish list: what the bosses of Ikea, AO and more want from a new government
“We need a better approach when it comes to the coordination of policy, regulation, taxation, and alignment across the UK’s nations.”
Labour says it is ‘the natural partner of business’ as more bosses back party
In her first major speech of the election campaign, the shadow chancellor described Labour as “the natural partner of business”.
‘In what will likely be a negative campaign, retail must tell a positive story’
With an election date set and the parties going into full campaigning mode, the next six weeks are likely to be dominated by negativity. To cut through the noise, retail must tell its story positively
Prime minister sets July 4 election date as Starmer calls for change
The UK is headed for an election on July 4, as both prime minister Rishi Sunak and opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer set out their parties’ stalls.
Boots CEO endorses Labour Party
Boots chief executive Seb James has endorsed the Labour Party and Sir Keir Starmer’s focus on the importance of looking after the high street.
AO boss urges government to let retailers fix ‘broken’ apprenticeship scheme
AO founder and chief executive John Roberts is calling on the government to let retailers and other businesses run their own apprenticeship schemes.
‘It will take a combined effort from retail to win over politicians of all stripes’
As a general election nears, retailers can show the next government that the key to successful leadership is to work with the industry, not against it, believes BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson
AO boss calls on UK government to fix ‘broken’ youth services
AO founder and chief executive John Roberts has called on the government to fix the UK’s “broken” youth services by spending £1bn a year on youth provision over the next decade.