Our comments on ONS retail sales figures
Commenting on the latest ONS retail sales figures, Matt Dalton, Consumer Sector Leader, said:
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Pret A Manger – A perfect blend for global growth
Pret A Manger, the iconic freshly-made food and organic coffee chain, has been a staple of UK life for many decades. As the company expands its reach and strengthens its global brand, it faces new challenges and opportunities. To navigate its growth and reduce risk, Pret partnered with our Advisory and Consulting team.
13 June 2024
Technology transformation in the retail landscape
Discussions on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will impact the retail sector is rampant, but that is not the only tool retailers are looking at to improve their customer experience.
Prestonfield House – A tale of resilience
Prestonfield House and The Witchery are iconic hospitality institutions in Edinburgh. For over a decade we’ve shared absolute trust with their business leaders, that’s seen total financial outsourcing to our team. In that time, we’ve managed improved profitability and top line revenue, while our teamwork enables owner and MD, James Thomson, to focus on people, ideas and growth.
Green tech: retail’s sustainable makeover
In recent years, the consumer sector has experienced an exponential rise in online retail, which led to a need for significant digital transformation. With companies now aiming to accelerate sustainable practices, the optimisation of digital tools is key to leading this revolution.
Technology supporting sustainable supply chains
Technology based solutions to supplier engagement offer a range of capabilities that support consumer businesses in addressing sustainability challenges in their supply chain, by promoting transparency, accountability, and collaboration.
Succession planning for large businesses
Robust succession plans can enable a Board to ensure their organisation remains in good hands for years to come, address any potential skills gaps, and reap the benefits of increased diversity.
Spring Budget 2024
At a pivotal time in the political landscape, the Chancellor revealed his Spring Budget and continued his theme of long-term growth. Amidst jeering and numerous interventions from the deputy speaker, his plans presented more than just tinkering around the edges.
Climate risk modelling in the Consumer sector
Climate risk modelling is not just about compliance, it is about not being left behind as the world in which organisations operate changes drastically and evolving to retain a competitive advantage over your industry peers.
How can retailers incorporate Consumer Duty
The FCA’s Consumer Duty rules came into effect on 31 July 2023. Firms seeking FCA authorisation will need to demonstrate compliance with the Consumer Duty in their applications. This may be a challenging requirement for firms, including retailers, that are new to financial services or launching new products or services.
Consumer sector report 2023
Mature markets are experiencing a shift in consumer demand patterns as consumers move away from traditional products and services towards those consistent with environmental, social, and governance goals. Our study ‘Sustainable, smart, and synchronised’ explains how consumer companies can harness ESG and digital transformation to thrive in this changing environment.
In conversation with – video series
‘In conversation with…’ is a video series that explores how consumer businesses can anticipate and manage risks and seize market opportunities in this highly competitive space. Join Matt Dalton, our Consumer Sector Leader, and subject matter experts as they discuss key topics affecting consumer businesses.
Finding the flagship
Finding a physical store location allows retailers to build on their online brand image and reinforce their customer loyalty. However, the nuances of the UK retail real estate market mean that retailers will need support to navigate the choices of available locations and associated obligations of taking onerous leases.
ESG transformation for consumer businesses
In the coming years, the economy is expected be strongly affected by the resource scarcity and climate change, which will require companies to fundamentally reshape their business model to enable a considered approach to different environmental and societal challenges. In turn, employees, regulators, and financial investors are pushing privately owned businesses in the consumer sector towards improved...
The power of influence
Ben Affleck’s latest film ‘Air’ illustrates the impact of influencer power over consumers. The film details Michael Jordan’s 1984 association with Nike that led to the best-selling Air Jordan trainer.
Improving supply chains can help retailers
Faced with high inflation and a cost-of-living-crisis, retailers are under significant pressure. What steps can supply chain leaders take to help their businesses stay profitable?
How can you protect yourself from a cyber-attack?
We tricked our way into the head office of a high street retailer.
How technology & sustainability are complementary
Business models across the consumer sector have shifted, as companies adapt to a new, multi-channel world, rather than simply putting physical products on store shelves. Shoppers’ conflicting demands – as both consumers and citizens – are creating new and sometimes contrary pressures on the sector. As consumers, shoppers expect personalised, algorithm-driven recommendations and one-click purchasing,...
Navigating stakeholder dynamics
The adage ‘the customer is always right’ is a staple of the consumer sector – and with good reason. Consumer demands are constantly shifting and, with it, so are their behaviours, aspirations and desires, all of which affect the triple bottom line.
Clicks to bricks
During the pandemic, retailers rushed to sell their products online, a move which saved many from going bust. Now, just a short time on from a worldwide health crisis, some retailers are heading the other way, realising they need a bricks-and-mortar presence if they are to remain in business.
Embracing transformation in the consumer market
30/10/2023. The consumer sector is in the midst of international transformation. Global trends and macroeconomic pressures including inflation, geopolitical conflict, regulatory change and a spike in e-commerce driven by the pandemic have all accelerated the pace of change. To ride out these challenges, many companies have shifted to new business models, sales channels and ways of engaging with their...
William Hughes appointed as member of GRI Group
William Hughes, Director of Sustainability consulting services, has been invited to join the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) working group to develop the Sector Standard for the Textiles and Apparel sector.
Why are companies choosing to enter administration
March 2023 saw the highest number of companies entering into administration, with a total of 2,457 business insolvencies recorded in England and Wales, according to a new report by Business Rescue Report. Matt Dalton, consumer sector lead, explains why companies are choosing to enter administration and how effective is administration in helping businesses survive.
A digital fashion survival kit
While boomers and millennials are scratching their heads trying to understand the concept and value of digital fashion, Gen Z and Alpha consumers not only understand but are happy to allocate a growing share of their wallets to digital fashion items.
Spring Budget 2023 – consumer sector
There was much in the Chancellor’s Budget to encourage individuals back into the workplace, be that retirees wanting to return to work, those with disabilities or childcare responsibilities, and potential apprentices. These measures should ultimately benefit the Consumer sector, both as a large source of employment and as a means to boost disposable income available for consumer spending by supporting...
Plastic Packaging Tax: FAQs
The UK government implemented a tax on plastic packaging as part of a focused initiative to shift away from waste destined for landfill or incineration.
Retailers need strong controls in these hard times
Retailers rapidly responded to the pandemic by digitally transforming and need to make sure internal control environments have evolved at the same pace.
What's next for boards in the new era of retail?
The landscape for retail boards is more challenging and complex than ever. Aside from uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the retail sector is confronted with the climate change agenda, supply chain realignment, cybercrime and data security.
Net zero in the consumer sector
Following the conclusion of COP26 in Glasgow, the focus on the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is taking centre stage. With the Government committing to significant reductions in emissions alongside rapid policy and regulatory change, businesses need to be abreast of these changes and what they could mean for their business.
Trends in the Consumer sector
Matt Dalton, our Consumer Sector Lead, explores the need-to-know issues in a series of short and informative videos.
Let's Talk Luxury podcast
Let’s talk luxury is our podcast series about how and why luxury brands are undergoing a business model makeover. In each episode, luxury experts discuss what’s happening in the sector, including authenticity, circularity, new customer cohorts and retail experiences worth posting about.
Pandemic changed the retail sector forever?
Innovation and developing a personalised shopping experience are likely to be the key to success.
Cyber security in the consumer sector
Bridging the gap between protection and value creation
Making over the luxury business model
The luxury sector has always prided itself on offering consumers a chance to own pieces that are timeless and whose value and appeal will endure. But that doesn’t mean the way it produces and sells them should stay constant too. The luxury sector is at a crossroads and brands that carry on doing what they have always done risk falling behind. Our report, Conscious, collaborative, connected explains...
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Matthew Dalton Partner - Risk Consulting & Consumer Sector Leader
Consumer
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