Sirius Bulletin - 27th September 2021
This bulletin provides a summary of topical news, announcements and policy developments affecting business across the UK.
Construction
Businesses believe sector is not ready for net zero
Two thirds of construction firms don’t believe the sector is ready to meet its net zero targets. Among the barriers to achieving net zero targets cited were a lack of skilled workers, cost and the lack of availability of low- or net-zero-carbon materials.
Read more about the concerns at: https://constructionmanagermagazine.com/balfour-two-thirds-of-businesses-believe-construction-is-not-ready for-net-zero/
Grocery
Convenience sales increase beats supermarkets
The amount spent on groceries in UK convenience stores rose by 3.3% year-on-year in the four weeks to 11 September 2021. This is compared to only a 0.6% increase in spending at supermarkets over the same period.
Read more about the figures at: www.taIkingretaii.com/news/industry-news/convenience-sa les-increase-beats-supermarkets-21-09-2 021
Hospitality
Operators get access to supermarket
Morrisons has partnered with Starstock, an online portal that enables businesses to order directly from suppliers. This means that restaurateurs, hoteliers and pub groups will be able to buy products sourced from Morrisons.
Read more about the partnership at: www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2021/09/20/How-can-pubs-buy-food-with-Morrisons?
Business rates
Stores likely to close without reform
A new report published by the British Retail Consortium highlights the need for Government to take immediate action to reduce the business rates burden. The report reveals that 83% of retailers claim they are likely to close shops if the burden is not reduced.
Read more about the report at: www.reta iigazette.co.uk/blog/2021/09/brc-83-of-retailers-Iikely-to-close-stores-without-reform
Automotive
Finance market falls by 20%
Figures from the Finance & Leasing Association reveal that the consumer car finance market reported a fall in new business volumes of 20% year-on-year in July 2021.
Read more about the figures at: www.alphabet.com/en-gb/auto-digest/consumer-car-finance-market-falls-20-july
Farming
Pig sector facing crisis
The National Pig Association’s Pig Industry Group has called for collective supply chain action, backed by government support. The sector is facing the biggest crisis since the late 1990s and early 2000s, as pigs continue to back up on farms, leaving producers fearing for animal welfare.
Read more about the crisis at: www.pig-world.eo.uk/news/npa-ruling-body-calls-for-supply-chain-action-and-government-support-to-avert massive-industry-crisis.html
Brexit
Fall in UK exports to Ireland
Exports from Great Britain to Ireland fell by almost £2.5 billion in the first seven months of 2021, according to data from the Irish Government. The largest decrease was in food and live animal exports, which have been subject to new physical and documentary controls since January 2021.
Read more about the fall at: www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/gei/goodsexportsandimportsjuly2021
Broadband
Increase in access to next-generation broadband
More than half of UK homes and businesses can now access the fastest commercial broadband speeds available, according to new figures from ThinkBroadband. This is a major increase in gigabit broadband availability, which stood at just 6% in January 2019.
Read more about the increase at: www.gov.uk/government/news/britains-gigaboom-brings-next-generation-broadband-to-1-in-2-premises
Marketing law
Consultation on green claims guidance
The Competition & Markets Authority is consulting on draft guidance for businesses on misleading environmental claims. The consultation follows an investigation into the impact of green marketing, which revealed that 40% of green claims made online could be misleading consumers.
Read more about the consultation at: https://marketinglaw.osborneclarke.com/advertising-regulati on/ cma-consults-green-claims-guidanee/?
Consumer spending
Cards account for four in every five pounds spent
Research by the British Retail Consortium has revealed that debit and credit card transactions were used for four in every five pounds spent in 2020. The impact of the pandemic means that cash now accounts for just 15% of total retail spend.
Read more about the research at: https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/cards-now-account-for-more-than-four-in-every-five-pounds-spent/
DISCLAIMER While all reasonable efforts have been made, the publisher makes no warranties that this information is accurate and up-to-date.