All Economy articles
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Comment & OpinionFeatures editor’s picks 2025: robots, chicken shops and pay gaps
With 2025 drawing to a close – and the weekend almost upon us – we thought this would be a prime opportunity to remind our readers of some of the very best features of the year
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NewsConsumer confidence edges up as budget blues settle
Consumer confidence has edged up by two points in GfK’s monthly barometer, as worries over November’s budget settle
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Comment & OpinionCan Minette Batters’ farming review push Defra into action?
Just as MPs were packing up for the festive period, Defra published Batters’ much anticipated Farming Profitability Review – something that had been sat on Emma Reynolds’ desk since October
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NewsUK consumer confidence edges up but ‘remains gloomy’
Consumer confidence edged higher in December after a better-than-expected budget, according to the BRC
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Comment & OpinionTop Products 2025: cash-strapped shoppers seek added value
Intentional spending doesn’t automatically translate into a single-minded hunt for the lowest prices or loyalty-led discounts, says Julian Crane, MD UK&I at NIQ
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NewsNIQ predicts max-value Christmas for shoppers
NIQ has predicted almost £20bn will be spent on groceries in December, just 2.8% up on last year, as 40% of UK households plan to use saved loyalty points and vouchers to maximise savings
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Comment & OpinionRetailers must navigate grocery’s trickiest Christmas trends
Financial pressures remain front of mind for many households across the UK, notes Luke Hand of Mail Metro Media
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Comment & OpinionBudget drama distracts from its very real consequences
A lot of hot air has been expended on attacking Rachel Reeves for ‘misleading the public’ – this has meant that real focus on the radical changes she made has been lost, says Ian Wright, partner at Acuti Associates
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NewsUK immigration policy changes condemned by Scottish government and fishing sector
Announcements made in October by Keir Starmer’s government outlined substantial reforms that will reshape how the fishing industry can access overseas labour using the Skilled Worker Visa System
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NewsLidl lays claim to boosting UK economy by £14.5bn in 2024
The figure is the gross value added to the economy by Lidl through its operations and supply chain, according to its first socioeconomic impact report
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NewsInflation-linked booze duty rise a bitter mouthful for producers
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has ignored pleas for a freeze on alcohol duty, confirming it will rise with RPI to maintain its current real-terms value
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NewsTop suppliers investing again after years of caution
Capex among the UK’s top 150 suppliers rose to 3.4% of revenue in 2024, up from 2.8% the previous year, according to a report from strategy consulting firm OC&C and The Grocer
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NewsFood inflation up to 4.9% despite first fall in CPI since March
Food inflation edged back up to 4.9% in October, making it the largest driver of consumer price rises last month
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NewsMcCain report finds 51% of farmers are considering leaving the industry
The report’s key findings revealed 51% of farmers have considered leaving the industry due to financial strain, and only 4% believed current government support was adequate
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NewsReady Egg invests £2.9m into Fermanagh to drive productivity and growth
It was announced by economy minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, who said the Lisnaskea-based company’s £2.9m investment would also create opportunities for upskilling and workforce development
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NewsRetail sales volumes hit highest level since 2022
Retail sales volumes have hit their highest level since 2022, driven by strong performance from clothing and online retailers
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NewsMajor retail sales events drive bump to consumer confidence
Major retail sales events have helped drive a bump in consumer confidence, according to October 2025’s GfK-NIM Consumer Confidence Barometer
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NewsGovernment fishing fund faces backlash from devolved nations
Governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland criticised the new £360m fund, which aims to ‘boost’ investment in new technology and equipment, train the next generation of fishermen, and revitalise the UK’s fishing fleet
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NewsFood inflation falls to 4.5% in August but CPI holds firm
Food inflation fell to 4.5% in the 12 months to September 2025, despite overall consumer price rises holding steady on August’s levels at 4.1%
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NewsThe Felix Project adds apple farm to growing food rescue list
London’s largest food distribution charity started picking apples from Hazel Street Farm in Kent, which donated the orchards as the crop became less financially viable