Barclays
Barclays is one of the UK’s major banking institutions and a key financial services provider to businesses across the jewellery trade. From retail banking and merchant services to business loans, fraud protection, and sector-specific advice, Barclays plays a role in how jewellers manage their operations, access credit, and navigate economic challenges. Jewellery Focus covers Barclays-related developments including small business support schemes, fintech innovations, fraud alerts, and partnerships relevant to the trade. Our reporting helps jewellery retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers stay informed about financial tools and trends shaping the business environment.
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Jun- 2025 -5 JuneEconomy
Consumer confidence hasn’t recovered since Brexit vote, Barclays finds
Consumer confidence reached its highest point in the past 10 years in September 2016, at 48%, just after the Brexit referendum, according to Barclays’ “10 Years of Spend” report. Barclays has been tracking consumer confidence monthly since 2015 and also surveyed 2000 people in the UK for the report, which…
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Jan- 2025 -31 JanuaryCrime
Jeweller loses £50k in bank scam
A jeweller, who asked to remain anonymous, has lost nearly £50,000 to a scam in which fraudsters posed as Barclays Bank’s fraud department, the National Fraud Helpline revealed. The scam took place in April 2024, when the jeweller received a phone call from someone claiming to be ‘Andrew’ from Barclays,…
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Oct- 2024 -22 OctoberRetailers
Astella opens new boutique in Birmingham
Astella has announced the opening of its second boutique store in Birmingham’s renowned Jewellery Quarter. The new site is located in the historic former Barclays Bank building on Frederick Street. This building has been restored following a £100,000 refurbishment to create a sophisticated, modern space. Astella’s founder and director, Sunny…
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Oct- 2020 -23 OctoberEconomy
UK retail sales grow for fifth consecutive month
Retail sales in the UK have risen for the fifth consecutive month, despite the introduction of the tiered lockdown system, according to the latest figures released by the ONS. Last month, overall growth in sales volume was up 5.5% compared with February’s pre-pandemic levels. In the three months to the…
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May- 2020 -4 MayCoronavirus
Government launches new Bounce Back loans
Thousands of small firms and sole traders will be eligible for 100% government-backed Bounce Back Loans to help them make it through the coronavirus outbreak. From today (4 May), small business owners can apply to accredited lenders by filling out a simple online form, with only seven questions. The government…
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Apr- 2020 -3 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor unveils new measures to SME loan scheme
Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a major overhaul to his previously announced SME loan scheme. Initially, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) was aimed at businesses unable to secure regular commercial financing as the virus took its toll on the UK’s economy. However, according to Sky…
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2 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor set to announce overhaul to SME loan scheme
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to announce an overhaul to the SME loan scheme that will allow companies to access help quicker. According to Sky News, Sunak and members of the Treasury were reportedly in talks with major lenders, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of…
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Mar- 2020 -26 MarchCoronavirus
Covid-19: Banks under fire over emergency loan scheme
Banks have come under fire over government-backed emergency loans which require business owners to sign for a personal guarantee, as the UK battles with the Covid-19 pandemic. The British Business Bank (BBB) opened applications for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) on Monday (23 March), and claimed the loan…
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May- 2019 -22 MayRetailers
Watches of Switzerland seeks £660m valuation in London IPO
Watches of Switzerland said it is seeking a market capitalisation of up to £660m in its upcoming London public listing. According to reports the retailer intends to sell shares in a range of 250-277p as it seeks to pay off some of its debts. The retailer is now focusing on…
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Apr- 2019 -26 AprilRetailers
Debenhams to close 22 stores with 1,200 jobs at risk
Department store chain, Debenhams has announced it is to close 22 stores putting 1,200 jobs at risk. The closures come as part of a revival plan for the department store laid out by lenders including Barclays and Bank of Ireland. Terry Duddy, Debenhams executive chairman, said: “Debenhams has a clear…
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