Legislation

Javid mulls three-year passenger duty holiday for Flybe

Things are not looking rosy for low-cost airline, Flybe, but the chancellor Sajid Javid may have some proposals that save it from complete collapse. It is reported this morning that he is considering cutting air passenger duty on all domestic flights – a big boon for all the other airlines…

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Northern Ireland’s business community want compensation for their Brexit troubles

To say that Brexit has been ‘divisive’ is both an understatement and also a cliché of the highest order. But Johnson’s election victory, as we are all now well versed, will not bring an immediate end to the arguing. Today we hear that business leaders and entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland want their…

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Finally, a government addressing the business rates fiasco

Regardless of your political colours, small businesses up and down the land will be pleased to hear of at least one policy which looks set to survive the transition from manifesto wish lists to actual policy and legislation, and that is a business rates overhaul. The prime minister, Boris Johnson,…

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Third of UK gold jewellery sold online suspected as fake, warns BHC

A third of “gold” jewellery being sold online is suspected to be unhallmarked and therefore may be fake, raising concerns that UK consumers are being duped by internet traders, according to data released today from the British Hallmarking Council (BHC). A 10-day internet sweep by WRi Group in partnership with…

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Banking red tape holding back UK retailers abroad

Almost three quarters (71%) of UK retailers would like their businesses to further expand internationally, however most (57%) believe overseas expansion is fraught with risk, according to new research conducted by buy now, pay later service Laybuy. The research, published today (6 June), surveyed over 200 UK retailers and revealed…

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How Making Tax Digital is going to help the retail sector

Shop closures are an all too familiar scene. A recent study by The Guardian found that English and Welsh town centres have lost 8% of their shops on average since 2013 (equating to 40 shops per town centre). While the sector is riding the waves of a storm, the digitisation…

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The importance of packaging

In addition to the packaging adding status and value to a product it is essential to ensure that it is fit for purpose and also that it complies with EU legislation. One of the most frequent causes of tarnishing is a component of the packaging such as sulphur rich glue.…

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What is x-ray fluorescence testing?

The change in the UK jewellery market during the past 15 years has been dramatic and irreversible. Items made outside the UK now outnumber UK manufactured articles by about nine to one and there has been a significant increase in silver and mixed metal articles and those which are hollow…

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When will the jewellery industry catch up?

With the majority of the industry using materials from unknown supply chains that are produced in appalling standards, European legislation is around the corner that will have a similar affect to Dodd Franks in the USA. Large organisations will have to demonstrate where they sourced their materials with an audit…

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Getting the Most from your Hallmark

While the hallmark is regarded as the oldest form of consumer protection, it can also be used creatively as a marketing tool. Not only does it provide provenance, but it can also be used as a mechanism to commemorate special occasions or events; yet many people still don not understand…

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