Mixed investment prospects for the retail sector: new report from MHP
A new report launched today by MHP looks beyond the short term prospects for the retail sector. Drawing on our expert political and policy teams in London, Edinburgh and Brussels, we look at the medium to long term prospects for the sector more than a year after the formation of the Coalition Government.
With the wheels in motion on some of the most radical reforms to public services and fiscal policy in a generation, we analyse the investment prospects for the retail sector over the next three to five years, from a political and public policy perspective.We identify key public policy issues and risks, examining the big issues including; utilities, planning, supply chain security and sourcing amongst others. Highlights include:
- The Government’s Localism Bill and a community ‘right to appeal’ gives communities agreater say on the retail mix in their vicinity – and could cause a headache for retaildevelopers
- An overall majority for the Scottish National Party in Holrood has increased the potential for SNP policies such as minimum pricing for alcohol and a so-called ‘Tesco Tax’ on large developments to be introduced in Scotland; if successful Westminster may follow suit
- Retail has already been considered as part of the Government’s ‘Red Tape Challenge’, but issues such as Sunday trading laws remain contentious, with some influential voices within Whitehall pushing for liberalisation
- Work is underway in the European Commission on water ‘footprint’ labelling for products; there is pressure on retailers to keep ahead of public policy on sustainability and maximise the reputational and commercial benefits of sustainability initiatives will increase.
You can read the report online, here.