Retail insights
Read our latest retail insights.
Consumer insights
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Consumer insights
Expert analysis on the latest consumer industry insights in the UK.
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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6 December 2024
Top trends for the consumer sector in 2025
As we move into 2025, the consumer sector is poised for significant transformation driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer values, and evolving market dynamics.
28 November 2024
Jump in insolvencies of UK fashion manufacturers
A fall in consumer sales in the Asian market and rising production costs are contributing to the rise in insolvencies, with 106 fashion manufacturers going under in the past year.
19 November 2024
New UK tipping laws in the hospitality trade
Tips are a significant benefit within the hospitality sector. With new tipping rules and requirements to ensure fair management and distribution among staff being introduced, the question is: are hospitality businesses ready to implement the changes?
8 November 2024
What the 2024 Budget means for the consumer sector
The measures announced provided some good news and support for the consumer sector, however, it is important for all businesses to prepare for the additional costs that were included in the Budget.
Our comments on ONS retail sales figures
Commenting on the latest ONS retail sales figures, Matt Dalton, Consumer Sector Leader, said:
9 September 2024
CFD in the consumer sector
As climate-related reporting becomes more prevalent, driven by growing regulatory scrutiny and heightened stakeholder expectations, it’s crucial for organisations in the consumer sector to understand the requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The challenges and opportunities of ESG
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...
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,...
Unlocking sustainable growth & profitability
Do you want to reduce business costs and unlock new opportunities?
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...
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.