Search Results

Lidl GB has published its first ever socioeconomic impact report which reveals that it generated £14.5bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) through its operations and supply chain in the financial year 2024 alone. As fastest growing bricks and mortar grocer for over two years running Lidl offers more value for people and is taking its suppliers, customers and colleagues on its journey to bring value to all. Coined as ‘the Lidl Effect’, the economic benefits driven by Lidl via its operations, investments and employment extend far beyond the basket. For example, Lidl is a significant taxpayer and in FY24 paid over £1 billion in tax which contributes towards public services such as the NHS, education, transport and state pensions. The report also highlights that for every £1 of direct value created by Lidl GB, its British suppliers generate an additional £7, with a further £2 added across the wider value chain. As part of its commitment to Backing British, Lidl invested £5.8bn in British food in FY24, with over two-thirds of the discounters’ products sourced from British suppliers. In this way, Lidl helps its suppliers to grow in order to build long-term and sustainable relationships. Through its direct operations and wider supply network, Lidl also supports 281,813 jobs both directly and indirectly in Britain from farm to factory. Underscoring the vital role Lidl plays in driving economic development in Britain. Reaching households from Dingwall in the highlands of Scotland to Penzance in Cornwall, Lidl stores across the country represent the positive impact the discounter delivers to communities. Every store and warehouse is linked to local charities to provide greater access to affordable, high-quality food through its surplus food donations, activated through charity partners including Neighbourly. 11% of UK households experience food poverty and the donations made through Lidl in 2024 provided 18.5 million meals, supporting 6.8 million people in need. Ryan McDonnell, CEO of Lidl GB, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the socio-economic impact that our operations bring to communities in Great Britain. Given that we’re on track to open hundreds more stores across the country, we’re encouraged by the numbers reflected in this report because they demonstrate our tangible contribution to the British economy as a whole." "Cutting the ribbon on our 1,000th store is a milestone moment for us as we celebrate not just another new Lidl, but the meaningful impact it will have. We know there are still many communities which could benefit from the Lidl Effect so we remain laser focused on delivering that through our ambitious growth plans.” Business Secretary, Peter Kyle said: "It’s brilliant to see a retailer like Lidl thriving in the UK, opening new stores, supporting a quarter of a million jobs and delivering billions for our economy. This milestone shows the confidence businesses have in our plan for growth, and I’m excited to see more opportunities like this open up in communities across the country." Since opening its first store in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl has been going from strength to strength – now reaching over 60% of British households and employing over 35,000 colleagues. Its teams are the backbone to its success and competitive pay is central to the discounter’s commitment. For example, during FY24, this resulted in pay awards totalling £392million above the UK Living Wage benchmark. The inaugural report comes as Lidl marks the opening of its 1,000th store in GB at East Grinstead, not only celebrating another new Lidl, but the socioeconomic impact it will make. The discounter shows no signs of slowing as Lidl invested £478million in the development of new stores and distribution centres in 2024, and renewing that investment, with £500million planned for its expansion plans this year. Looking to the future, the discounter is continuing to expand at pace and is committed to bringing suppliers and the next generation along in its journey, thereby creating genuine added value. Over the next five years, Lidl intends to double its original sourcing investment into British suppliers, to the value of £30bn. Plus, through its nationwide schools’ programme Lidl Foodies, over 250,000 primary school children will learn the importance of healthy, sustainable eating. Now in its second year, the initiative represents an investment of £650,000 over two years.

London’s tradespeople and DIYers can help fight the capital’s homelessness crisis simply by picking up a tin of Dulux paint at Leyland next month (December 2025). From 1 - 14 December, leading decorating retailer Leyland and global paint brand AkzoNobel will donate £2 for every tin of Dulux Trade or Dulux Heritage (750ml or larger) sold across their London network of stores – £1 from each business – online and in-store – to St Mungo’s charity. St Mungo’s has been on the frontline of homelessness in London for over 55 years and also runs services in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Brighton, Bristol, Oxford and Reading. New figures show that 4,711 people slept on the streets of London between July and September 2025 – and nearly half of them were doing so for the first time. This rise is being driven by the ongoing housing and cost of living crisis, leaving thousands without a safe place to call home. Martin Hastings, CEO of Leyland, said: “Homelessness is one of London’s most urgent challenges. With 35 Leyland stores across the capital and a 36th opening in December, we’re part of these communities – and we want to help. Dulux Trade and Dulux Heritage are consistently among our bestselling paints, and we hope this initiative will drive even more sales to boost the support we can offer to St Mungo’s.” Peter Howard, Sustainability, Regulatory & Partnership Lead at AkzoNobel Decorative Paints UK (parent company of Dulux), added: “This is a brilliant example of brands, customers and communities coming together. When decorators and DIYers choose Dulux Trade or Dulux Heritage, they’re not just transforming spaces – they’re helping people rebuild their lives. We hope this campaign brings real colour, warmth and hope to those who need it most this Christmas.” St Mungo’s is a leading homelessness charity with national influence. They work in partnership with local authorities, health colleagues and communities, to end homelessness and rebuild lives. Last year, the charity supported approximately 26,000 people who were homeless, or at risk of homelessness, through 138 services. They support almost 2,000 people every night. Hetti Hartnall, Senior Corporate Partnerships Lead at St Mungo’s, said: “This partnership goes far beyond paint. Every tin sold across the two weeks will help people to rebuild their lives and find a safe place to call home.” St Mungo’s also runs a construction skills programme, giving people access to accredited training in painting, wallpapering, plumbing, dry lining and more – opening doors to secure employment and long-term stability. For more information, please visit the St Mungo’s website . Leyland stores are located across London, offering a full range of decorating supplies, tools, hardware, electrical and plumbing equipment, and building materials. For more information, visit: leylandsdm.co.uk duluxheritage.co.uk duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk dulux.co.uk

In the continued journey to modernise the sport of cycling, a new competition framework has been released, following a period of consultation with a variety of key stakeholders across the cycling community. Read the "Winning Together: Building a Competition Framework for the Future”. Following the feedback from a survey shared back in August and as the result of months of consultation with riders, clubs, volunteers, fans and the wider cycling community, a dedicated project team at British Cycling has created a competition framework for the future, bringing a simpler, more fun and effective competition structure by 2029, that is standardised across all disciplines. The key outcomes from the project are to: Put riders at the heart of all British Cycling’s competitive events which will help people have great experiences. Simplify competition by ensuring greater consistency across all governed disciplines, which will help to attract new people into our clubs and events. Support new and existing event organisers by making competitions and events more efficient to deliver Create a sustainable financial future for our sport through smarter, and innovative ways of working. From the first wave of consultation, our research showed that currently, only 1 in 5 competitive events cater for newcomers to the sport, and 67% of people responded saying they want an easier way to find events that are suitable for their age and ability - a key consideration in the proposed framework. Notably, 61% of people are seeking a fun and welcoming environment at competitive cycling events. The new framework will structure the sport into five clear and easy to understand levels: Discover – A great introduction for newcomers to competition, delivered in a safe, welcoming, and accessible way. These coach-supported events will build learning and excitement while removing barriers to entry. Engage – Grassroots, club, and local-level events, focused on fun competition and supported by a welcoming community. Challenge – Regular competition for developing riders, offering meaningful, discipline-specific opportunities for personal achievement and goals. Advance – A proving ground for experienced competitors aiming for the top, with a strong focus on technical standards, and progression. Elite – The pinnacle of domestic cycling, showcasing excellence and inspiring others while setting the highest standards of performance & event delivery. Over the next 14 months , working with the community, the project team will co-design and deliver these changes, which will ride in tandem with the ongoing digital transformation programme. For a more detailed breakdown of the roadmap ahead, please read more in the document. Amy Gardner, Sport and Participation Director at British Cycling said: “This project comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of our sport as we undertake a bold and comprehensive transformation of our competition framework, so it reflects the needs of riders, coaches, volunteers and communities across the country." “It will play a vital role in delivering British Cycling’s strategic priorities to support and grow the sport, and the framework sets out our vision for a modern, inclusive and high-quality competition structure that will shape the future of competitive cycling in Britain.” British Cycling are calling the cycling community and beyond, if you’d like to help shape this project as it moves forward, focus groups and work sessions kick off in Spring 2026. This is your opportunity to influence what comes next. Register your interest in these today, HERE.

East Kilbride’s hospitality scene is gearing up for an exciting arrival this festive season, as new venue Ruby’s confirms it will officially open its doors on Wednesday 17 December 2025. With refurbishment work now in its final stages, the £700,000 plus transformation of the former Coppertrees restaurant into the town’s newest independent hospitality destination is almost complete. The St James Way site has been fully reimagined to create a stylish, welcoming space and a vibrant neighbourhood hub for dining, drinks and relaxed socialising. Led by operators Struan Barclay and former Crystal Palace and Scotland internationalist James McArthur, the vision for Ruby’s has centred on delivering a venue that East Kilbride can be proud of, and one that will draw visitors from across the wider region. Ruby’s will offer over 100 covers inside, with an adjoining bar suited to everything from a quiet pint to catching live sport on the big screens, as well as a heated outdoor garden that is both family and dog friendly. The pair have combined their experience and passion for hospitality to create a vibrant, modern venue that feels equally suited to breakfast with the family, lunch with colleagues, evening cocktails or a celebratory night out. Ahead of opening, Ruby’s has also revealed its new menus, featuring locally sourced ingredients and bold, flavour-packed dishes. The breakfast menu features a dedicated eggs section, with a standout dish of smashed avocado, spicy ’nduja and crème fraiche served with your choice of eggs. Highlights across the main menu include for starters the Rosemary Panko-Crusted Mozzarella Stick with hot honey–lemon dressing and tomato sugo. For mains the Tuscan Slow Cooked Beef in a rich Chianti ragu with seasonal vegetables is set to be a real winter warmer and a delicious Warm Cookie Dough Skillet is tipped to become a crowd favourite. These dishes sit alongside a curated drinks list featuring fresh lager, expertly crafted cocktails, a smooth Guinness pour and a strong selection of non-alcoholic options, as well as a quality coffee offering with a range of speciality choices. To support the local community, Ruby’s will also introduce a takeaway breakfast and weekday lunch menu from opening day. Breakfast options include filled breakfast rolls and a variety of filled bagels, while the lunchtime offer features fresh salads, pasta and Puccia pockets - ideal for nearby workers, shoppers and residents looking for something quick and flavourful. All existing staff roles have been retained throughout the refurbishment, with additional positions created as the venue prepares to welcome its first guests. Struan said: “James and I are thrilled to confirm our opening date. The response from the East Kilbride community has been fantastic, and we can’t wait to open the doors in December and unveil the new venue. Ruby’s is designed to feel warm and inviting from morning to night, and we’re incredibly proud of what the team has created.” James added: “Our goal has always been to create a space people genuinely enjoy spending time in, whether that’s for a casual coffee, a midweek meal or a weekend night out. With the opening date now set, we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone and showcasing exactly what Ruby’s is all about.” Table bookings are now live here , where visitors can also explore the full menus and follow the latest updates.

A Hampshire IT provider has acquired a ‘complementary’ firm in the East Midlands in a strategic move designed to boost nationwide growth plans. Ringwood-headquartered entrustIT has made Bedford’s DWM Technical Solutions its fifth wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition expands entrustIT’s geographic footprint northwards and comes as the managed service provider prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary since incorporation. The agreement was negotiated with legal advice and due diligence from Ellis Jones Solicitors’ Business Services and Commercial Property teams. The share purchase will see DWM’s husband and wife owners Robert and Laura Munday remain in the short term to support the transition process. Robert will stay on for longer but reduce his involvement over time. DWM will continue to trade under its existing name with co-branding for IT services. entrustIT will take over DWM’s premises lease in Bedford with the whole DWM team remaining in place, creating a combined organisation of more than 75. Group Chief Executive Jeff Dodd, who founded entrustIT in December 2006 with his brother Matthew, said: “DWM is a natural fit with our business, strengthening our capabilities in IP integration. This partnership expands our reach in the UK and brings our combined team to over 75 people, enabling us to deliver even greater value to clients.” entrustIT provides transformation, operations, cyber security and ‘smart buildings’ services to clients with typically complex IT requirements and hundreds of staff, including at multiple sites. Core sectors include retail, leisure, manufacturing and law. entrustIT has been a long-standing client of Ellis Jones, a law firm which also has an office in Ringwood alongside bases in Dorset and London. Neil Cook, Partner, Solicitor and Head of Business Services at Ellis Jones, advised on the deal along with solicitor colleagues Clementine Saulnier and Howard Hasan. Neil said: “We carried out extensive due diligence and negotiated a robust share purchase agreement which provided our client with significant protections." “The outcome is a deal that supports entrustIT’s growth strategy and positions it well for the future by achieving substantial synergies with its new subsidiary.” For more information on Ellis Jones’ Business Services, visit here.

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Mellor on a one-year deal! Mellor becomes the 14th new face in the Kurt Haggerty era – linking back up with his new head coach along with the likes of Jayden Nikorima, Ethan Ryan and Loghan Lewis. Having come through the ranks at Wigan, Mellor debuted for Widnes Vikings, making 178 appearances, scoring 66 tries. Three years at Leigh Leopards followed, playing a vital role as Adrian Lam’s side won the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup and Betfred Championship in 2022, before lifting the Betfred Challenge Cup in 2023. Mellor then made the move to Salford Red Devils where he has spent the last two seasons, featuring as hooker as Paul Rowley’s side finished 4th in the 2024 Betfred Super League season. Joe Mellor said: “It’s good to be here, it’s a really exciting time, with the squad that has been put together it is nice to know a lot of the lads already here and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone." “It’s exciting times for the whole club, it’s exciting to be back in Super League and I wanted to stay in Super League as I still feel I have got a lot to offer." “Kurt being here was a massive draw, he knows how I like to play and I know the style of rugby he wants to play and having so many players familiar with him and his brand of rugby will certainly help." “For the lads making the step up it is a big step up to go from training 2/3 times a week and working to training full time, the lads have been talking about the intensity of training and the wrestle sessions but the step up is what was needed to get ready for Super League." “On a personal level I just go about my business I am not a shouter, I train hard and try lead by example and if people follow me that’s good but I won’t be rallying everyone I just do what I do and see where it takes me." “Everyone is working towards that first game, having now seen the fixtures we are away from home first and then we have couple of games after at home which will be massive for the fans to turn up knowing we’re back in Super League it is really exciting.” Bradford Bulls Head Coach Kurt Haggerty said: “I’ve worked with Joe at nearly every club I’ve been to and I’ve pushed to get him at every club I’ve been to because he understands the style of play I want. He is a fantastic person, the ultimate competitor and a very good, established Super League player. He can play in multiple positions and he knows my style, he is almost a Mr fix it who can play 6, 7 or 9, you could put him at full-back and he’ll do a first class job." "He has won numerous Super League games, he won the Challenge Cup a few years ago so this is a really big signing, a very important signing for us. He’s a player that probably goes under the radar, he is probably undervalued but he is someone I think highly of and I think he is a fantastic player.”

Sustainable hospitality developer Lamington Group has discovered evidence of a Roman road and buildings from the Roman and Anglo-Saxon/ Anglo-Scandinavian periods on the site of room2 York, set to open in 2027. The discoveries were made following in-depth archaeological investigations alongside the main contractor, Clegg Construction, and On-Site Archaeology. Artefacts, including pottery, building materials, metal objects, such as coins, and animal bones, were among the considerable number of fascinating finds. The discoveries have been excavated safely and are currently under further analysis. Once complete, the artefacts will be displayed at the Yorkshire Museum. Following this discovery and excavation, room2 enters the next phase of the project, a transition from early ground work to vertical construction. Michael Sims, Managing Director of Clegg Construction said: "Discovering such significant Roman and early medieval remains in the heart of York is a reminder of the city’s remarkable history." As the main contractor, we are proud to have facilitated the safe and efficient excavations. Collaboration between our site team and the archaeologists was key to achieving this balance, and we are pleased that the discoveries will contribute to a deeper understanding of York’s past for generations to come.” Robert Godwin, from Lamington Group, said: “Uncovering traces of York’s Roman and Anglo-Saxon / Anglo-Scandinavian past has strengthened our connection to the city and its layered history. We want room2 York to reflect that heritage and be a space where guests can experience the city’s story through design that’s both rooted in place, while also reflecting our commitments to sustainability and circularity.” Located inside the city’s historic castle walls, room2 York will offer 116 guest rooms with kitchens, meeting space, a laundry room and a gym. The property will be designed with a modern take on the city's medieval history, while also reflecting room2’s circular design philosophy through the in-house Circular Design Studio’s products, which are made from room2 coffee, plastic, and cardboard waste. York will also feature a Winnie’s Café and Bar, serving great food that’s fresh, thoughtful, and rooted in sustainability. The net zero property will be fully electric, targeting BREEAM Excellent certification and aligned with the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard for operational and embodied carbon. The development is the latest in a number of projects undertaken in York by Clegg Construction, which is a Midlands and Yorkshire-based construction firm with its headquarters in Nottingham. Last year the company completed a new Premier Inn hotel in York, on behalf of CBRE Investment Management.

Responding to the much anticipated Autumn Budget, Ross McNally, Chief Executive and Executive Chairman of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chancellor had already said she would avoid putting further headline tax rises on businesses but nothing she has announced now will put a spring in the step of Chamber members." “They continue to face the impact of costs imposed in the previous Budget which will stay as a general drag on hopes for economic recovery. And it will be businesses that ultimately pay for the rise in the minimum wage coupled with the freezing of tax thresholds and higher welfare spending." “All of that simply piles more pressure on beleaguered firms responsible for payroll and tax receipts, essentially funding it out of earned income. There was precious little this time round that will transform the confidence of consumers, employees or employers, so to that extent it was a missed opportunity to create an economy that is moving." “Industrial strategy and efforts to stimulate international trade were hardly mentioned at all and we believe the Chancellor could have taken far more risks on business support and investment, tax breaks and, despite some lowering of costs for hospitality businesses, business rate reform." “Most businesses will continue to be cautious and lacking in confidence after. That said, there was some good news on skills with the announcement that funding will be provided to make under-25 apprenticeship training completely free for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises)." “We also welcome the commitment to increase defence spending and the Chancellor’s reference to Portsmouth as playing a key role in that sector. Overall, we don’t believe this Budget recognises that it is businesses which ultimately drive the economy and create the prosperity to fund those essential public services we all rely on." “We wanted to see business-friendly measures that support growth and turn around years of weak UK productivity, but what we have, at exactly this pivotal moment for an already stretched economy, is continuing cost pressure."

Sheffield Hallam University one of 26 universities that will support the country’s first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), which aims to transform national and international research and innovation for specialist rehabilitation. The NRC, based on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate, near Loughborough, is preparing to open to its doors to its first patients, and will be supported in its ambitions by an Academic Network of 26 universities from across the country. The NRC is a 70-bed specialist rehabilitation centre for NHS patients who have experienced life-changing illness or injury and will be run and staffed by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). The Centre’s ambition is to become a world-leading national centre of excellence for rehabilitation, and to do this it will focus on three main areas: • Specialist rehabilitation • Research and innovation, • Education and training Research and innovation, and education and training, which will drive forward the national provision of rehabilitation, will be delivered through the NRC Academic Network. The initiative is led by NUH and includes Sheffield Hallam University along with 25 other universities from across the country, meaning hundreds of educators and researchers will be able to work with - and learn from - each other, to co-ordinate an overall approach to rehabilitation research. The intention is to also develop a national network for rehabilitation research, data, information and analytics. The NRC Academic Network will operate through a collaborative model, with the NRC coordinating research and education activities across a network of leading universities and clinical partners throughout the UK. This national approach will accelerate the translation of research into practice, ensuring patients benefit from the latest advances wherever they are treated. Professor Toni Schwarz, Dean of the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We are pleased to be an academic partner of the National Rehabilitation Centre and for our research and expertise to play a role in transforming rehabilitation outcomes across the country. Our involvement underlines Sheffield Hallam’s credentials in health research including our world-leading Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre which will be at the forefront of our work with the NRC.” Miriam Duffy, NUH’s Director for the NRC, said: “The NRC has become NUH’s fourth site and has been nearly ten years in the making. To see it finally open is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many people." “We have huge ambitions for the NRC and believe it will help transform specialist rehabilitation as we currently know it, not only in the way that the rehabilitation is provided, but also through ground-breaking research and training." “At its core, the NRC is about transforming outcomes for people who have suffered potentially life-changing injury, trauma or illness – and making sure that they can regain a quality of life equivalent to or as close as possible to their life prior to injury or illness.” An online directory, that highlights the breadth of rehabilitation education and training offered by the NRC’s academic partners, has also been created. The directory is aimed at healthcare professionals as well as a range of other professions that will help the NRC lead the way in rehabilitation services. These include engineers/bioengineers, computer scientists, smart materials experts, research methodologists, health economists, medical statisticians, sport scientists, personal trainers, psychologists, and many others.

Responding to the Autumn Budget, Steven Martin, Senior Tax Manager at HWB Chartered Accountants, said: “I would have liked to see more simplification in the range of tax rates and allowances. Instead, there is more complication, with fine judgements needed about marginal rates when it comes to tax planning." “The heavy lifting on tax receipts for the government will come from the freezing of personal tax and pension allowance thresholds. With £70 billion in tax-raising measures in this Chancellor’s first two budgets there is little to support growth and business." “With inflation continuing to be stubborn, assuming people’s salaries keep up with inflation on every pay rise, the government will keep a larger proportion of take-home pay. By April 2028, it is estimated that around 780,000 more people will be paying basic rate tax which starts at £12,570. Nearly a million more will pay the higher rate, starting from £50,270." “Freezing thresholds risks an inflationary effect because it could drive up wage demands in the workplace to compensate for the extra income tax employees have to pay. Pensioners with no other income will also pay be brought into the tax net as pension income starts to exceed the personal allowance." “Individuals with investment income in the form of savings, property, and dividend income will also be hit with a 2% increase in the headline rate of Income Tax on their income. The Chancellor also announced that National Insurance relief on pensions contributions will be capped at £2,000. This could be a further disincentive to make provisions for their retirement, so creating an extra burden on the state when the generation, who should be saving now, hits retirement age." “If you are on the National Living Wage and working full-time with auto-enrolment for a pension, you won’t be affected, but everyone else in the workplace will. Essentially, while the Chancellor has not raised the rate of tax for employees, she has elsewhere by broadening the base of opportunities to collect more." “On Inheritance Tax, in my view she has corrected an anomaly and made the £1 million business property relief allowance transferable between spouses. This is a move that will be welcomed by many family businesses and farmers." “Less welcome by business will the reduction in writing down allowances for qualifying plant and machinery from 18% to 14%. A new 40% First Year Allowance for main rate expenditure will lessen the impact, however ultimately this is a tax-raising measure from business." “Among other tax-related measures, the Chancellor has introduced a further layer of complication, not least on the administration and make-up of ISAs. Our message, as ever, is to take professional advice on the tax aspects of financial planning especially now given the more complex set of applicable rates and allowances.” For more information, visit here . HWB Chartered Accountants, founded in 1985 and based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice.

Sentiment amongst retailers fell at the sharpest rate in 17 years, with a growing share of firms expecting their business situation to deteriorate over the coming quarter – according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey. Retail sales volumes fell at a fast pace in the year to November, extending a period of weakness that goes back to mid-2023. Retailers expect demand to remain subdued heading into December, with sales set to fall again, albeit at a somewhat slower pace. With demand still weak and uncertainty mounting ahead of the Budget, retailers plan to pull back on both investment and hiring. Investment intentions remain historically weak and have now been negative for three-and-a-half years. In the near-term, firms also expect to trim headcount at a slightly faster pace next month. Key findings included: Retail sales volumes fell at a fast pace in the year to November (weighted balance of -32% from -27% in October) but are expected to decline at a somewhat slower rate next month (-24%). By seasonal standards, November’s retail sales were judged to be “poor” (-25%), to a somewhat greater extent than in October (-15%). December’s sales are set to disappoint seasonal norms to a comparable degree (-18%). Sentiment among retailers worsened in November to the greatest extent in 17 years, with firms expecting their business situation to deteriorate over the coming quarter (-35% from -10% in August). Retailers expect to reduce capital expenditure over the next 12 months (compared to the previous 12 months) to the same degree as reported in August (-42%). Investment intentions remained poor by historical standards (long-run average of -3%). Retail employment declined again in the year to November (-19% from -14% in August). Headcount is expected to fall at a marginally quicker pace next month (-23%) Retail selling price inflation fell closer to its long-run average in the year to November (+46%), slowing from a much faster rate in August (+65%), and bucking the trend of accelerating price inflation seen this year so far. Retailers anticipate selling price growth to ease again next month (+40%). Total distribution sales volumes (including retail, wholesale, and motor trades) fell significantly in the year to November at a slightly quicker rate to October (-35% from -30% in October). Sales are set to decline at the same pace next month (-35%). Alpesh Paleja, Deputy Chief Economist, CBI, said: “Retailers continue to grapple with a long spell of weak demand, as households remain cautious around day-to-day spending. With all eyes on the forthcoming Budget, uncertainty in the run-up has meant that businesses are holding back on plans for investment and hiring." “The Chancellor must avoid pulling the business tax lever once again, at risk of further curtailing firms’ efforts to build a more resilient, dynamic economy. Businesses want bold decisions to wrestle back the government’s fiscal headroom and get the economy on a solid path to prosperity. This includes finding a landing zone for the Employment Rights Bill that doesn’t harm job prospects or shortchange economic growth.” In addition, data from the survey showed: Online retail sales volumes  grew in the year to November at a moderate pace and for the second month in a row (+13% from +4% in October). Retailers expect online sales to surge in December (+50%), marking the strongest expectation since May 2021. Retailers’ orders placed upon suppliers  declined in the year to November at a similarly firm pace to October (-25%, from -28%). Retailers expect to reduce orders at a faster rate next month (-34%). Retailers reported that stock volumes relative to expected demand were broadly in line with the long-run average (+18% from +14%; long-run average of +17%) and are expected to broadly stay in this position in December (+16%). Wholesaling’s annual sales volumes fell in November at the same pace as October (-31%). The rate of decline is expected to remain steady next month (-34%). Motor trades sales volumes  contracted at an accelerated rate in the year to November (-55% from -29% in October) and are expected to plummet next month (-66%).

Four companies have signed for a total of nearly 17,000 sq ft of Grade A office space at Bracknell’s 1+3 Arlington Square. The flurry of plug-and-play lettings by property consultancy Vail Williams and joint agent Fryer Commercial, with three completed and one agreed for November, follow two others since last November, totalling just over 6,700 sq ft. Andrew Baillie, an associate at Vail Williams specialising in commercial property across the South East, said: “Following a significant investment in top-quality refurbishment, 1+3 Arlington Square is proving popular with discerning companies looking to invest in stunning workplaces which support retention and talent attraction." “As well as the premium quality of each office, there is the advantage of shared amenities available across both buildings at 1+3 Arlington Square. These include a gym, padel court, café, expansive atrium/business lounge providing casual seating and meeting spaces, cycle racks and EV charging.” Andrew added: “We anticipate other signings in due course, with the six tenants signed up already accounting for nearly 24,000 sq ft between them. Bracknell, with its mainline railway station eight minutes’ walk away, and proximity to the M3 and M4, less than six miles away, continues to draw companies seeking accessibility to a wider catchment of staff and talent pool.” Lease terms range from five years to 10, with quoting rents of £30 to £34.50 per square foot, depending on fit-out specifications. The largest letting to date is to xe.com, a global financial services company which provides currency services and products, with 6,625 sq ft at 1 Arlington Square from November following office works. There were three lettings in September – 5,913 sq ft to pan-European distribution partner Albert Roger at 1 Arlington Square, 3,000 sq ft to Keenfinity, which provides safety, security and communication products and systems, at 1 Arlington Square and 1,400 sq ft to STEM recruiter ReeVR Talent at 3 Arlington Square. Telecoms service provider Connect 44, occupied 3,000 sq ft at 1 Arlington Square in March and One Media Services, the specialist technical AV distributor, moved into 3,713 sq ft in the same building last November. Anthony Rajwan, a director at Clim plc, which is leasing space at 1+3 Arlington Square to companies, said: “We are noticing that when companies are selecting their next office space, they are closely looking at the doorstep amenities on offer as these are seen to benefit employees and customers – and, crucially in today’s marketplace, help curate a memorable experience in the workplace.” Liz Thorn, Operations Manager at Connect 44, said: “Our move to 1 Arlington Square has been a resounding success. The building provides exceptional facilities for our staff, including the gym, padel courts and the Atrium Cafe, which offers an ideal setting for lunch, meetings and informal break-out sessions." “The surrounding green spaces, seating areas and fountain create a unique environment rarely found in a town centre location. The landlord and management team ensured a seamless transition and continue to provide excellent day-to-day support." “We believe 1 Arlington Square is the best workplace setting we viewed in Berkshire, and the staff are delighted with our choice.” EPC ratings for both buildings, which can fitted-out suites from 2,300 sq ft to 13,800 sq ft, are energy-efficient A. Joint marketing agents are Vail Williams and Fryer Commercial. Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.