British grocer and general merchandise retailer
Greggs reports a 7.2% rise in first-half sales to £1.1bn and a 20% jump in pre-tax profit to £76m, driven by a broadened menu, including iced matcha lattes and higher-protein salads, plus new stores and a 'Bake at Home' range.
The Treasury has sparked debate by discussing voluntary price caps on essentials, with M&S and other retailers pushing back. Ministers deny plans for mandatory caps while signaling potential measures to ease costs, amid ongoing inflation and competition in grocery markets.
A round-up of fresh company updates shows mixed earnings across retailers and tech-adjacent firms. Pennon sees improving profit as storms and tariffs weigh on penalties; Mitie reports rising revenue and progress on strategy ahead of leadership change; S4 Capital trims job cuts while pursuing AI-driven growth; Debenhams, Macy’s, Ulta and Asda publish updates amid a churning retail landscape.
Major UK retailers have written to the prime minister, coordinated by the British Retail Consortium, urging a review of policies on national insurance, the national living wage, and employment rights to boost youth employment. The move follows Neets data showing over one million 16-24-year-olds not in work or education. Government is rolling out a youth employment package and new payments to support entry-level hiring.
Premium grills and connected systems are redefining Britain’s outdoor cooking. From Big Green Eggs to Wi‑Fi-enabled models, shoppers are embracing high-end gear as summers grow hotter and longer.
London’s Pride parade has drawn more than 35,000 marchers from 600 groups, with temperatures reaching 28C. Activists urge ongoing protection of LGBTQ+ rights as authorities warn of a zero-tolerance stance on hate crime. The event marks a push for greater trans healthcare access and safe spaces, while London unveils plans for WorldPride 2032.
A cross-industry taskforce led by former John Lewis chair Sir Charlie Mayfield has signed up more than 250 major employers to monitor sickness absence, return-to-work outcomes and disability participation. The aims are to reveal workplace health performance and unlock productivity gains valued at billions. The initiative follows government reforms and ongoing debates about welfare and labour participation.
Skyline Enterprise’s Swansea adventure destination on Kilvey Hill is moving into construction after planning approval and on-site works. The project includes a cable car, a cafe, a zipline, a sky swing and a visitor-focused eco plan. Local opposition fears wildlife loss; council expects economic and employment gains in the first 15 years.
Gatwick Airport is experiencing a continued water supply disruption due to a power outage at a local treatment works. Bottled water is being distributed and contingency measures are in place as authorities work to restore normal service across both terminals.