Shops denied energy support lifeline in Spring Budget

THE fears of thousands of retailers came true last week after the government failed to provide any extra targeted support to local shops battling rising costs.

Last week, the ACS warned that nearly 7,000 independent stores would face permanent closure if the chancellor, Jer-

THIS NEEDS ADDRESSING URGENTLY

If resources can’t be adequately supplied to support those witnessing illegal sales within their community, how can retailers have faith that organised criminals are being targeted at the more sophisticated top level.

This needs addressing urgently if there is to be any change in cracking down on these increasingly popular, illegal products.

@retailexpress betterRetailing.com facebook.com/betterRetailing

News editor Alex Yau @AlexYau_ 020 7689

Specialist reporter Dia Stronach 020 7689 3375

News reporter Jill Lupupa jill.lupupa@ newtrade.co.uk emy Hunt, did nothing to address the issue in this year’s Spring Budget.

Hunt made no reference to businesses in his announcement, and instead pledged to cap energy bills for households at £2,500 until the end of June.

The news came as a huge blow for retailers on higher rates who face the prospect of their bills quadrupling in April.

Elfbar recall

TEN batches of non-compliant El�bar products have had a mandatory recall by regulators.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency criticised wholesalers and stores that continued to sell the 600 stock, which contains more than the legal 2ml e-liquid limit. A survey of more than 100 independent shops found only half removed them from sale. Enforcement notices have been sent to every local trading standards authority.

Currently, stores are bene�itting from the energy bill relief scheme, which runs out at the end of March.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Convenience stores have been left out in the cold by the chancellor, being left to face crippling energy bills by themselves and putting thousands at risk. Dif�icult decisions will have to be made in the coming months.”

Elsewhere, the 5p cut in fuel duty will be maintained, with fuel duty frozen for another 12 months from April 2023. Alcohol and tobacco duties will rise by the rate of RPI, with the exception of draught relief in pubs. There were no signs of immediate changes or taxes to disposable vapes, despite rising political pressure.

New Lotto terminals

NATIONAL Lottery reps have claimed new terminal devices are “coming soon” to stores.

last month.

Asked about the terminals, a spokesperson for Allwyn said: “Allwyn has exciting plans to invest in and grow the retail channel over the course of the Fourth Licence. We will start to communicate with retailers this summer to share details.”

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘Elfbar’

Horizon racism claim

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Premium PMPs

A WHISTLEBLOWER has accused Post Of�ice’s Fujitsu Support Services-run helpdesk as “toxic”, with widespread racism.

PREMIUM brands have started launching price-marked packs as the importance of value continues to grow.

Lindt is to add a 95p pricemark to its 38g Lindor Milk and Lindor Milk Salted Caramel treat bars. National ac- count manager Daniel Caton described shoppers as “savvier than ever”. He said: “Price-marked purchasing is increasing in an in�lationary environment, and pricing is particularly important when purchasing snacks.” at the company’s Wake�ield of�ice from 2000 to 2001. He said the �loor was “toxic, with vocal characters in Squad A, unchallenged by managers, who looked away as all Asians were called ‘Patels’, regardless of surname”. Retail Express is printed and distributed by News UK at Broxbourne and delivered to news retailers free by their newspaper wholesaler. Published by: Newtrade Media Limited, 11 Angel Gate, City Road, London, EC1V 2SD; Phone: 020 7689 0600 Reproduction or transmission in part or whole of any item from Retail Express may only be undertaken with the prior written agreement of the Editor. Contributions are welcome and are included in part or whole at the sole discretion of the editor. Newtrade Media Limited accepts no responsibility for submitted material. Every possible care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information. No warranty for goods or services described is implied.

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