Almost two-thirds of adults in England are overweight and one in three children is now leaving primary school obese. The government calls obesity one of Britain’s biggest long-term public health problems. One of its moves to tackle obesity is to restrict the promotion of foods and drinks high in fats, salt and sugar (HFSS) by October 2022.
Most retailers have supported and welcomed the government's move and believe that it's an opportunity to promote healthier and fresh products. But at present independent symbol stores are concerned about the massive lack of information by the government. They are asking the government to treat small stores fairly and give a clear picture of how it is going to police this.
In November 2020, Britain proposed a ban on online advertising of unhealthy foods as part of its efforts to tackle obesity and improve public health. In its plan, store promotions on such products cannot be advertised, and unhealthy promotions will not be allowed at checkouts, shop entrances, or at the ends of aisles from October 2022.
The government has exempted convenience stores which are either under 2,000 square feet in size or run by a business with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees. But franchise or symbol group stores deemed to be part of the larger brand-owner business – such as Spar, Nisa and Costcutter – are not exempted.
Earlier, the government had planned to enforce the restrictions on promotions of HFSS foods and drinks by April 2022 but later it extended to October 2022 to allow more time for retailers to make the necessary changes to store layouts.
Nonetheless, trade bodies representing convenience stores have expressed concern about the government’s intention to include smaller symbol group stores in the proposed restrictions.
“The proposal to include symbol groups within the requirements of the policy is both unfair and inconsistent with current government policy toward retailers,” commented Stuart Reddish, national president of the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) in a press release.
“By including independent retailers who have decided that they can best serve their local communities as part of a symbol group, while excluding those who trade under their own name, the government is creating a false division between symbol and non-symbol retailers, to the disadvantage of those retailers who have chosen to join a symbol group.
“A ridiculous situation will occur where two stores in similar locations, with similar levels of staffing and of similar size and product ranges, are treated differently solely on the basis of the sign above the door.”
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) said in a statement that the measures will put an estimated £26 million cost burden on around 2,000 independent symbol group retailers. In its submission, ACS has urged the government to rethink the size exemptions and instead use the widely accepted 3,000 square foot definition of a convenience store.
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According to the Lumina Intelligence UK Convenience Market Report 2021, 19 per cent of convenience store purchases are picked up in areas that will face restrictions under new HFSS legislation. As over four in ten shoppers (44%) purchase on promotion, the categories like Bakery, Crisps & Snacks, Soft Drinks and Confectionery, which are the most commonly purchased on promotions, are set to be impacted by the regulation.
Location
% who pick up product from location
Display on the end of an aisle
7.9%
Display at the front of the store
5.8%
Display at the till
5.7%
Credit: Lumina Intelligence UK Convenience Market Report 2021
Amish Shingadia, Londis Caterways and Post Office said, "It is a positive move for our country's health. We will grow other categories such as fresh, protein, and sugar-free goods."
"It is a good idea but the government needs to go further and not lay all the responsibility of this at the feet of us retailers,” said Pete Patel of Costcutter Brockley. “I strongly believe the growth in fast food delivery services has a much bigger impact on this issue than high sugar products at till point in a retail store,"
In one of its consultations on child obesity, the government said, “Tackling obesity requires us to look at all factors that influence our food choices. Every day we are presented with constant encouragement and opportunity to eat the least healthy foods. We face numerous decisions about the food we and our children eat created by the advertisements our children see on TV and on-line; the range of foods sold in our local shops or delivered straight to our doors; and the food that is promoted in-store and on-line. All of this is intended to influence the choices we make about the food we buy our children.”
However, some retailers believe that banning the promotion will not help in tackling the obesity issue as this move is not addressing the actual source of the problem.
Sunita Aggarwal of Spar Wigston and Hackenthorpe, said, "The government needs to look at the source of the problem and it needs to start from suppliers/manufacturers. Pack quantity and price as well as promotions set by suppliers determine a large percentage of our sales. More promotions need to be set on healthier products for us to promote this out to the consumer."
Bobby Singh, Holmfield Lane Superstore and Post Office, personally believes in having healthier options, as it is better for the health of the nation going way forward. He thinks, "if the products are being produced, and then being allowed onto store's shelf, it contradicts both the matters to me. They make the product, they allow the product, and then you can't promote the product. I cannot see how it makes sense.
"There are lots of healthier options out there now than going back ten years – protein products, low-fat products, low sugar, etc. If the government has recognised something is not good for people then why is it being produced? Either it's at the front of your shop or the back of the shop, we are still selling. I can't understand this. It's a big contradiction."
On an average, for retailers, HSFF products contribute between seven to 25 per cent of their overall sales. The implementation of the restrictions might affect their business in the early days.
HFSS products contribute 10 per cent of overall sales in Patel's store. He said, "We will lose some impulse sales as whatever we replace at the front tills, product wise, it will not have the same impact as the current lines do,” he says. “Though this is a good opportunity for the healthier product, producers need to do more promotion activity so that can go on the gondola ends and at the checkouts."
Aggarwal said that 25 per cent of her sales are from HFSS products. Although "sales are hugely based on price and availability but the implementation of restriction on the promotion would "increased costs in a number of ways: refit and restructuring the layout of the store."
Asian Trader also tried to understand the scenario in Scotland. Anand Cheema, Spar Falkirk said, "In Scotland, legislation around health is devolved to Holyrood. The Scottish government has put its plans on restricting in-store promotions of HFSS foods on hold because of the pandemic. The postponed ‘Restricting Food Promotions Bill’ would also likely have placed restrictions on where products could be positioned within a store.
"Indeed, the advertising bill, applies to the whole of the UK! HFSS advertising restrictions on TV and online to meet the objective of reducing children’s exposure to HFSS advertising. You can now see how retailers are getting confused! It will be interesting to see how this is aired and regulated."
He added, "Having consulted my father [Dr Pete Cheema OBE, the CEO of Scottish Grocers Federation], he advises me that at present there is no firm timeframe for bringing in a draft Bill in Scotland. The Scottish Government is continuing to look at evidence relating to the impact of the pandemic on the use of promotional mechanics, customer behaviour etc."
"I would suggest that most retailers in Scotland are waiting inherently on the Scottish Government before taking any action instore," he said.
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Bharti Chavda of Westminster Grocery does not belong to a symbol group; she is an unaffiliated independent retailer. But it is interesting to know how the government's decision impacts small store's business and revenue.
"We have a primary school nearby and we already have noticed that the sugar products was reduced gradually over last 5 years when Jamie's sugar tax came in. Therefore, it already has impacted our business, I would say 10 to 15 per cent."
"Not sure how much more this new HFSS will affect us. We just have to keep trying other avenues for footfall we are no longer just a retailer, we now have to provide a service such as a parcel service, money transfers, Post office facilities etc."
The measures by the government aim to support people in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and improve the nation’s overall health. The policy focuses on the products that are significant contributors to sugar and calorie intakes in children and that are heavily promoted. Only those products that are HFSS will be restricted, so there is scope for businesses to promote healthier products within these categories. It would be interesting to see how retailers plan their store’s layout so that they get similar benefits and profits as they get from HFSS products.
But the new regulations will be both a challenge and a huge risk for independent retailers.
Britvic, the soft drinks manufacturer set to be acquired by Carlsberg, has posted robust annual results after investment in marketing and product innovation helped it maintain demand for its brands.
Over the year to Sept 30, the company’s pre-tax profits climbed 10.5 per cent to £173.2 million despite a £21.3m hit related to the proposed Carlsberg deal. Britvic stated that its growth was driven by both volume and price-mix, with strong demand for brands such as Pepsi, Tango, Lipton, MiWadi and Ballygowan.
The group noted that scaling up new brands such as Plenish, Jimmy’s, Aqua Libra, and London Essence helped it build its presence in fast-growing categories. Meanwhile, it increased advertising and promotional (A&P) spend by 30.9 per cent to “support long-term brand growth”.
Volumes grew 3.1 per cent, driven by both organic growth and the acquisitions of the Extra Power and Jimmy’s brands.
Chief Executive Simon Litherland said, “We have delivered another excellent financial performance this year, with strong growth across our markets and portfolio of market-leading brands. We have also continued to ensure the business is fit for the future, adding more capacity, investing in our people, and significantly increasing investment in marketing and innovation.
“I am confident that the prospects for our brands and people are extremely positive, and I look forward to them going from strength to strength,” concluded Litherland.
Subject to approval by the regulatory authorities, the £3.3bn acquisition of Britvic by Carlsberg is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.
The Metropolitan Police has identified two new suspects in its investigation into possible criminal offences as part of the Post Office Horizon scandal. This takes the total number of individuals to four as the force also revealed it believes more suspects will be identified as the inquiry progresses.
Scotland Yard said members of the investigation team met with Sir Alan Bates, the leading Post Office campaigner, and fellow victims to update them on the development.
A Met spokesman said: “On Sunday Nov 17, members of the investigating team met with Sir Alan Bates and a number of affected sub-postmasters to provide an update on our progress and next steps, following an invitation to do so.
“Our investigation team, comprising of officers from forces across the UK, is now in place and we will be sharing further details in due course. The team is preparing to contact other affected sub-postmasters soon. While four suspects have been formally identified at this stage, this number will grow as the investigation progresses.”
However, Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Commissioner, has warned it could be years before anyone faces charges because of the “tens of millions of documents” that must be worked through.
Speaking previously on the matter, he said, “I think at the core of this you’ve potentially got fraud, in terms of false documents, if it’s for financial purposes.
“Clearly, we have to prove beyond all reasonable doubt, so really it’s 99.9 per cent, that individuals knowingly corrupted something. So that’s going way beyond incompetence, you have to prove deliberate malice, and that has to be done very thoroughly with an exhaustive investigation.
“So it won’t be quick. But the police service across the country are alive to this and we will do everything we can do to bring people to justice if criminal offences can be proven.”
More than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongfully prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 as a result of the Horizon scandal, in which the faulty computer software incorrectly recorded shortfalls on their accounts. Of these, hundreds of people are still awaiting compensation despite the previous government announcing that those who had convictions quashed were eligible for payouts of £600,000.
Oral evidence at the Post Office inquiry concluded this month.
New research by American Express Shop Small reveals the nation’s top 10 hotspots for independent shops, showcasing the small businesses and the valuable role they plan in their local communities.
American Express partnered with retail experts GlobalData to identify the top high streets for independent shops through ranking factors such as the number of independent outlets, variety of business types, and vibrancy of the high street.
The list also took into consideration the number of Gen Z and Millennial independent business owners (those aged between 18-43) in each location, factoring in how these younger generations are investing in the future success of UK high streets. Across the top 10 hotspots, on average over a third (36 per cent) of all business owners are in these age cohorts.
The research identified bustling St Mary’s Street in Stamford, Lincolnshire, as Britain’s top hotspot for independent shops – scoring highly across all the factors and delivering a unique experience for shoppers.
Britain’s top high street hotspots for independent shops:
St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire
Devonshire Street / Division Street, Sheffield, Yorkshire
Gloucester Road, Bristol
Market Street / Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire
Stoke Newington Church Street, Hackney, London
High Street, Narberth, Pembrokeshire
Oldham Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester
Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Byres Road, Glasgow
The Lanes, Norwich, Norfolk
Beyond their contribution to local communities, the research also revealed how living near a vibrant independent high street can benefit home valuations.
Dan Edelman, general manager, Merchant Services at American Express, said, “Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting local economies up and down the country, and it’s pleasing to now see their impact beyond the high street. Through our Shop Small campaign and support of Small Business Saturday we’re proud to be championing and shining a spotlight on the diverse and vibrant independent businesses who help our local communities thrive.”
The research is released ahead of this year’s Small Business Saturday (Dec 7), of which American Express is founder and principal supporter. Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign. Over the years it has been running, it has engaged millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on the day, with an impact that lasts all year round.
Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday, said, “The nation’s 5.5 million small businesses bring incredible value to the UK’s economy, society and communities, and this research underlines the material impact they have in boosting local areas. On Small Business Saturday, and beyond, we are asking the nation to throw their arms around their favourite local small businesses and show them how much they mean to us all and the wider community. Public support is so vital for small businesses, particularly for the next generation of owners.”
Matt Piner, research director at GlobalData, commented on the findings, “Independent shops bring something different to high streets, offering uniqueness and propositions that are finely tuned to the needs of their local communities. As younger generations of shoppers are attracted to their local high streets, so too are shop owners, with a new breed of Gen Z and Millennial entrepreneurs helping to keep them thriving.”
As part of this year’s Shop Small campaign, American Express has pledged £100,000 worth of grants to small businesses. The Champion Small initiative encourages Cardmembers to nominate their favourite independent small business, with 10 set to receive a £10,000 grant. Those who nominate a business will be entered into a prize draw too, with a chance to win one of 50 x £1,000 statement credits.
Shoppers who walk and wheel spend more than those arriving by car, states a recent report, demonstrating the significant economic and social benefits of investing in walkable town centres, challenging traditional views on urban accessibility.
The findings published in third edition of "The Pedestrian Pound Report", recently published by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, come at a critical juncture for British high streets, with a record number of retail failures in 2022 and a vacancy rate of nearly one in seven by the end of 2023.
The launch of the report is backed by Scotland’s national walking charity, Paths for All, underscoring the need to make walking a central feature of Scotland’s high streets.
“Making high streets and town centres more walkable increases time – and money – spent in those businesses,” says Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive of Living Streets. “It’s slowly being recognised – the majority (95 per cent) of London’s Business Improvement Districts identify a good walking environment as important to business performance.”
The report highlights encouraging data from Scottish towns, such as Nairn, where public space improvements and community events have significantly bolstered foot traffic. In 2022, a Christmas event in the town drew 7,800 attendees, including 600 new visitors, while a classic car show in 2023 attracted over 10,000, with 80 per cent saying they would return even outside of events.
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive of Paths for All, emphasised the broader benefits, “These findings show that when we put people first and make walking and wheeling the easiest, most natural choices, we don’t just get an economic boost – we build communities that are happier, healthier, and more sustainable for everyone.”
The report highlights that 85 per cent of Scottish adults walk or wheel regularly, contributing to both economic and health benefits.
In Scotland alone, the health benefits from walking to work are valued at over £600 million annually in prevented deaths. Community-focused initiatives, such as the Alloa Hub, are proving successful in encouraging residents to travel into town centres, with research showing that 56p of every £1 spent in community businesses stays in the local economy.
The report is timely, with investment in active and sustainable transport cut by £23.7 million by the Scottish Government this September. The Pedestrian Pound provides an excellent case for these vital funds to be restored.
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Home secretary Yvette Cooper speaking at the annual conference hosted by the NPCC and APCC on 19 November 2024
Home secretary Yvette Cooper has announced plans to rebuild neighbourhood policing and combat surging shop theft as part of an ambitious programme of reform to policing.
In her first major speech at the annual conference hosted by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners on Tuesday, Cooper highlighted four of the key areas for reform: neighbourhood policing, police performance, structures and capabilities, crime prevention.
The initiatives she announced include:
a Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee to get policing back to basics and rebuild trust between local forces and the communities they serve
a new Police Performance Unit to track national data on local performance and drive up standards
a new National Centre of Policing to harness new technology and forensics, making sure policing is better equipped to meet the changing nature of crime
The home secretary also announced more than half a billion pounds of additional central government funding for policing next year to support the government’s Safer Streets Mission, including an increase in the core grant for police forces, and extra resources for neighbourhood policing, the NCA and counter-terrorism.
In her speech, Cooper said that without a major overhaul to increase public confidence, the British tradition of policing by consent will be in peril.
“I am determined that neighbourhood policing must be rebuilt,” she said, pointing to its decline over the past decade. Cuts to community-based roles have left town centres vulnerable to rising crime and antisocial behaviour, she added.
“Shop theft is up at a record high, street theft is up 40 per cent in a year… Criminals – often organised gangs – are just getting away with it. We cannot stand for this,” she said.
Cooper reiterated the government’s commitment to deliver an additional 13,000 police officers, PCSOs and special constables in neighbourhood policing roles, adding that further steps will be announced in the coming weeks.
The reforms will restore community patrols with a Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and an enhanced role for Police and Crime Commissioners to prevent crime. The changes will also ensure that policing has the national capabilities it needs to fight fast-changing, complex crimes which cut across police force boundaries.
“The challenge of rebuilding public confidence is a shared one for government and policing. This is an opportunity for a fundamental reset in that relationship, and together we will embark on this roadmap for reform to regain the trust and support of the people we all serve and to reinvigorate the best of policing,” Cooper said.