Economy

Apr- 2012 -

20 April

UK retail sales rise by 1.8 per cent in March

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has recorded the biggest monthly rise in UK retail sales in more than a year this March.

4 April

Jewellery Focus Staff

So Jewellery sees rise in sales

At the end of its financial year, So Jewellery has announced an impressive 30 per cent increase in sales.

Mar- 2012 -

22 March

Michael Northcott

BUDGET 2012: FSB welcomes Osborne’s measures but highlights ‘missing link’

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the Chancellor's Budget speech, but remains concerned about some weaknesses in the case for business.

20 March

Jewellery Focus Staff

Research findings confirm bridal sector positivity

Research carried out by award-winning contemporary British jeweller Nicholas James has revealed that consumer confidence in purchasing the right engagement ring has not been affected by the recession. The survey, carried out earlier this year among a mixture of men and women, found that a significant 78 per cent would…

1 March

Michael Northcott

Gold prices fall amid growing confidence in US economy

Gold prices fell more than five per cent yesterday afternoon after the chairman of the US Federal Reserve expressed confidence in the US economy.

Feb- 2012 -

17 February

Jewellery Focus Staff

Retail sales rise by 0.9 per cent in January

An unexpected rise in sales in the first month of 2012 has both surprised and delighted the retail industry.

Jan- 2012 -

20 January

Jewellery Focus Staff

Chinese New Year sees surge in gold trade

US economic affairs website the Financial News has reported an eight per cent rise in gold trading over the last three weeks, attributed to the approaching Chinese New Year.

Dec- 2011 -

2 December

Jewellery Focus Staff

TfL prepares retailers for London Olympics ‘hotspots’

London businesses and organisations in the retail sector have welcomed a release by Transport for London (TfL), detailing 'hotspot' transport information and advice for the London 2012 Games.

Nov- 2011 -

29 November

Jewellery Focus Staff

BRC study highlights economic promise of retail industry

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has published "comprehensive new evidence" on retailing's importance to kick-starting growth and job creation. The research, entitled UK Retailing: leading globally, serving locally, "brings together data on all facets of retailing for the first time."

Oct- 2011 -

27 October

Jewellery Focus Staff

RPI inflation could result in £350 million business rates rise

The new retail prices index (RPI) inflation figure suggests the possibility of a business rate increase of £350 million for retailers next April, which is the equivalent of at least 16,000 jobs in the sector. As a standard, business rates in England, Scotland and Wales rise every April in…