Sirius Bulletin - 17th May 2022
This bulletin provides a summary of topical news, announcements and policy developments affecting business across the UK.
Automotive
Used car sales increase
Used car sales in the UK increased by 5.1% in the first quarter of 2022, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Ql 2022 was also a record quarter for used battery electric vehicles, with transactions increasing by 120.2%.
Read more about the figures at: www.smmt.eo.uk/2022/05/used-car-buyers-double-up-on-electric-vehicles-as-market-grows-5-1
Electric vehicles
Lack of accessible chargers
More than two thirds of disabled drivers plan to make the switch to an electric vehicle in the next decade. However, 71% of disabled drivers indicate that a lack of accessible charging infrastructure is the main reason they haven’t bought an electric vehicle.
Read more about the research at: https://forecourttrader.co.uk/latest-news/lack-of-accessible-chargers-is-a-barrier-to-evs-for-many-disabled drivers/667250.article
Supermarkets
Online-only redistribution store to launch in June
Discount grocer Motatos will launch its online-only redistribution supermarket model in the UK in June 2022. The Swedish retailer will be the UK’s first-ever surplus stock supermarket that will allow consumers to buy well-known products that would otherwise end up in landfill.
Read more about the store at: www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2022/05/11/discount-motatos-uk/?
Tourism
Fuel costs impacting on staycations
The high price of fuel is driving many households away from holidaying in the UK. Around 38% of households said they were less likely to take a staycation this year, with 85% citing rising fuel costs as the main reason.
Read more about the research at: https://motor.market/motoring-news/news/staycations-lose-their-shine-8735?=tl 651938659
Commercial vehicles
Increase in production
UK commercial vehicle production grew by 57% in the first quarter of 2022. Production finally exceeded pre-pandemic levels, up by 11.3% on 2019.
Read more about the increase at: www.alphabet.com/en-gb/auto-digest/commercial-vehicle-production-accelerates-march-output-surpasses-pre pandemic-levels
Amazon
Legal action against fake review sites
Amazon is taking legal action against fake reviews broker Extreme Rebate. It follows similar action that resulted in Fivestar Marketing, Matronex and AppSally being prevented from targeting Amazon customers in the UK.
Read more about the legal action at: www.which.co.uk/news/article/amazon-takes-legal-action-against-fake-review-sites-alXVb2e2Zi7i
Convenience stores
Loyalty scheme launched
Jisp has launched a store-specific loyalty scheme designed to support independent grocers. The loyalty scheme will give customers money off their shopping for using Jisp’s Scan & Save technology. The scheme is already available in over 120 stores across the UK.
Read more about the scheme at: www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2022/05/10/jisp-store-loyalty-scheme/?
Seafood
Export package launched
The Government has announced a £1 million package to boost seafood exports and promote produce overseas. The package will target growing overseas markets and provide new export opportunities for the UK fishing industry and seafood sector.
Read more about the package at: www.gov.uk/government/news/export-package-launched-to-promote-world-class-uk-seafood-overseas
Education
Council-maintained schools perform better
Schools that stay with their council are more likely to perform better than those that convert to an academy. Research by the Local Government Association found that 92% of council-maintained schools were rated outstanding or good by Ofsted, compared to 85% of academies.
Read more about the research at: www.local.gov.uk/about/news/council-maintained-schools-outperforming-academies-new-research-reveals
DISCLAIMER While all reasonable efforts have been made, the publisher makes no warranties that this information is accurate and up-to-date.