Sirius News Bulletin - 19th April 2021
This bulletin provides a summary of topical news, announcements and policy developments affecting business across the UK.
Retail
UK retail sales rise driven by grocery spend
The BRC-KPMG Sales Monitor has revealed that in March 2021 grocery sales increased by 8.4% compared to the same period in 2019. Sales of fashion and beauty items continued to fall over the same period but online non-food sales rose by 94%
Read more about the figures at: www.retailgazette.eo.uk/blog/2021/04/uk-retail-sales-rise-largely-driven-by-grocery-spending/
Cider stays strong despite Covid-19 restrictions
A report published by Weston Cider has revealed that in 2020 off-trade cider sales increased by 24%. The report also revealed off-trade sales of craft cider increased by 76% and sales of premium cider increased by 40%.
Read more about the increases at: www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/cider-performing-better-in-convenience-than-grocery-says-report- 12-04-2021/
Banknote training for retailers
The Bank of England has published free online training materials for retailers. The training covers security features on banknotes and includes short tests for retailers to complete.
Read more about the training at: www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/counterfeit-banknotes/how-to-check-your-banknotes
Record charity shops sales
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Salvation Army recorded their busiest day of sales ever on Monday 12 April as charity shops reopened in England. The BHF recorded more than £1 million in sales, while the Salvation Army said its sales had doubled.
Read more about the increase at: www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr /14/charities-report-bumper-day-of-sales-as-locked-down-shops reopen?
Pubs
£285 million invested by pub operators ahead of reopening
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has revealed that pub operating businesses have invested more than £285 million to support their leased and tenanted publicans to reopen. The investment was used to supply marquees and tepees, outdoor heaters and outdoor beer pumps and fridges.
Read more about the investment at: https://beerandpub.com/2021/04/09/285-million-invested-by-pub-operators-ahead-of-reopening-as-sector fights-to-recover/
Farming
BPS calculator shows impact of cuts
Defra has launched an on line calculator to help farmers in England who receive Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments to understand how scheme reductions from 2021 to 2024 will affect their direct payment.
Read more about the reductions at: www.fwi.co.uk/business/payments-schemes/bps/defras-bps-calculator-gives-speedy-result-on-impact-of-cuts
Exporting
UK traders require an economic operator to sell products to EU
From 16 July 2021, traders in the UK who sell CE-marked products to EU customers will need to provide the name and contact details of an economic operator on their product or the product packaging. Economic operators include ‘Manufacturer in the EU’, ‘Importer in the EU’, ‘Authorised Representative in the EU’ and ‘Fulfilment Service Provider in the EU’.
Read more about the requirements at: https://tamebay.com/2021/04/eu-economic-operator-required-for-ce-ma rked-products.htmI
Demand for IT contractors reaches 32-month high
In March 2021, demand for IT contractors grew at the fastest rates since July 2018. The increased demand has been attributed to the easing of lockdown restrictions and the reform of IR35 rules from April 2021.
Read more about the demand at: www.contractoruk.com/news/0015010demand it contractors rocketed march 32 month high.html
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