I'm one of the BBC's Business Correspondents in the Business & Economics Unit at New Broadcasting House.
London
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BBC Biz Unit Klaxon 💥 @ruskin147 is about to leave building for last time after stellar 40 year stint. Will miss him terribly. Top broadcaster, colleague and pal.
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All 50 John Lewis department stores to temporarily shut at close of business on Monday due to Coronavirus. First time in 155 year history that it won’t be opening doors to customers. But customers can continue to shop online.
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Got my hands on a signed copy! With the one and only @ruskin147 at his lovely and memorable book launch
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I went to meet 91 year old Horizon victim Betty Brown. You can see my report on #BBCNews at 10. She told me she wants financial redress "now". You can hear her more of her story on BBC Sounds. Well worth a listen.
bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0h5qp…
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The excellent #MrBatesVsThePostOffice has led to 50 new potential victims coming forward, says @neilhudgell including 3 who were convicted. I also caught up with @JoHamil73963257 today and you can see my report at #BBCNewsSix.
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Getting set up for first tv broadcast from home. Builders making a right racket few doors down, somebody’s mowing the grass and it’s 27 degrees. Oh and kids on lunch break. What can go wrong ...... 😬
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Small welcome party for him. Newcastle United supporters have bought shares and hoping to get in.
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Good piece by my colleague @BBCSimonJack on #bbcnewssix just now on the the three million workers still falling between cracks with little or no Gov support. @ExcludedUK
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More than 2000 John Lewis workers already transferred you Waitrose shops to help with unprecedented demand in grocery.
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She’s never done a TV interview before but she nailed it. Powerful, passionate and angry. A real pleasure to meet her.
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Former Fujitsu engineer Gareth Jenkins is finally giving evidence this week at the Post Office Inquiry. Here's why he's important. 👇 bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy66…
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Asda is opening first in store covid vaccination centre in Birmingham. Qualified pharmacy staff will give the jabs to priority groups identified by the NHS. They’ll be able to do 250 jabs a day. Asda says it’s working with NHS to see if any other of its sites could be used.
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I am at the first supermarket to come off the National Grid, powered from food waste. Live soon on @BBCBreakfast
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Horizon scandal: Five short-changed postmasters to get full compensation bbc.co.uk/news/business-6825…
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New pay rates from #Aldi for 2020. From Feb 1, all store employees will get £9.40 p/h nationally and £10.90 inside M25. Says its highest pay in supermarket sector.
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I’ve been taking a look at the new Amazon grocery store for @bbcnews at Six. Piece on shortly with @Natalie_Berg and shoppers. Bit strange just walking straight out. Got the right bill. Super easy. Is the beginning of the end of the checkout?
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Just watched first episode of #MrBatesvsThePostOffice V powerful and brilliantly done. I went to meet the real Alan Bates who never gave up and is still fighting for justice 20 years on. bbc.co.uk/news/business-6780…
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Former sub-postmaster Lee Castleton was bankrupted by Post Office. Nearly 20 years on, he’s about to watch the solicitor who acted for PO in civil case against him give evidence to the Public Inquiry. bbc.co.uk/news/business-6685…
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I’ve been talking to the boss of @Tesco about how it’s responded to coronavirus outbreak. One of the biggest changes is online grocery shopping. It’s now fulfilled a million orders in a week, up from 590,000 before the crisis. Going to hit 1.2m in a fortnight, he says.
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A deep dive into business rates and why they are causing problems for retail chains in struggling towns and high streets in need of the most support. bbc.in/3cI2my3
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As the row rages between Badenoch and Staunton, the PO Horizon IT inquiry has released a short montage from the human impact phase back in 2022. A reminder, if needed, on what this is all about. piped.video/watch?v=n8jnsDKj…
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Been saying farewell to my desk buddy @JontyBloombiz leaving @BBCBusiness after 30 year stellar career. Gonna miss you Bloom!
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Arise Sir Alan… my interview with him on BBC Breakfast at 8:30, I think. bbc.com/news/articles/c511l0…
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BBC challenges ex-Post Office lawyer in Australia bbc.com/news/articles/czdd33…
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Cineworld shares are tanking, down more than 40%. Worst case scenario, it says there's a risk it might not be able to repay its debts. Also profit warning from WH Smith. #coronavirus will hit sales at its airport and train station outlets. This is just the start.
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It's turning out to be a truly terrible week for the high street. Now that JD Sports has pulled out of rescue deal for Debenhams, I understand the department store chain is going into liquidation. Staff told this morning.
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Just watched Scotland’s VE Day on @BBCTwo, originally shown in 2005, and so proud to see my Mum share her memories. 👇 Wish she was with us today.
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Sounds like a big turnout for both City of London and Westminster counts. As high as 82% and the Remain camp in confident mood.
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New evidence on post office scandal. Project Bramble draft report uncovered by #BBCNews. Shows PO knew by 2017 remote access was possible but the document was never revealed to the sub-postmasters defence team in epic legal action in 2018. bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68663750
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Seema Misra was pregnant and sent to jail after wrongly prosecuted by the Post Office. More details have emerged on the material the PO should've disclosed to her defence lawyer. bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68606121
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Nearly one in three shopping centres sold this year has been bought by a local council. They’ve gone for a knockdown price, too. Here’s my piece explaining how they’re buying them and why.
bbc.co.uk/news/business-4662…
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A new support for the children of sup-postmasters has been launched. And they're on the sofa @BBCBreakfast just after 8 to start making their voices heard and to try to persuade Fujitsu to pay for some financial redress. bbc.co.uk/news/business-6854…
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Aldi is now UK's sixth biggest supermarket, overtaking Waitrose, according to latest Kantar Worldpanel figures.
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Northern retailer, Booths, says it's had best ever Christmas with lfl sales up 2.6%, for three weeks to Jan 7.
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Competition laws being relaxed so supermarkets can work together on coronavirus contingency plans. Retailers had asked for this. Means they can do things like pool staff with each other to meet demand, share depots, delivery vans. Gov also waiving rules on drivers’ hours.
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Asos buys Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge in £295m deal. No stores, just the brands which they describe as strategically compelling opportunity. Approx 300 employees across design, buying and retail partnerships to transfer across.
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So I'm getting in the lift from the canteen and in pop Sister Sledge. @kirstywark jumps in before the door shuts to hustle for a @BBCNewsnight interview on Aretha. Impressive work, Kirsty!
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Dear colleagues @BBCBusiness it’s day one of new commute 😬 so if you don’t hear from me in an hour, send out search party 😂😂🤞
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It's the end of the road for #Debenhams
We're in Mansfield for #BBCNewsSix @BBCBusiness as staff share memories and bid farewell bbc.in/2RItN4S
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Remain camp reckon a turnout of 73.5% for City of London count. And that they've done better than expected.
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I’ve been talking to Theo Paphitis about impact of Covid-19 on retail. He says there’s been permanent shift in our shopping habits, costs for physical retail need to change and businesses will need to adapt. bbc.co.uk/news/av/business-5…
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Scottish Gov extends biz rates holiday for retail, leisure and hospitality for the full financial year, instead of just three months. Pressure on Sunak to do the same. Many businesses are desperate to know now instead of waiting till budget.
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Sainsbury’s Xmas figures out - total grocery sales grew 0.4% but general merchandise down 3.9%. That dragged overall sales down by 0.7%. A fifth of its business was online over Christmas period.
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But Aldi, Lidl and Waitrose still growing more quickly than the four main supermarket players.
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The retailer which sent me this parcel tonight should take a look at my video on excess packaging. 🙄
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Interesting news from The Co-op. It’s teaming up with Amazon to sell groceries as it ramps up online offer. Available via Prime. Similar to Morrisons deal.
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.@holland_barrett accused of squeezing suppliers after it sends out this letter @BBCBusiness
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John Lewis Parternership results just out. Partners getting a bonus after all. It's 2%, lowest for 67 years. Chairman Sharon White says its prudent and affordable. Underlying profits down 23% to £123m. Strategic review now underway,
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Aldi and Lidl now account for more than 10% of UK grocery sales, according to #Nielsen research.
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I've been busy making a half hour TV programme on retail charting all the upheaval of last 12 months. First showing is tonight and you can watch on BBC iplayer, too. Not all doom and gloom but industry in midst of painful transition. Details here: bbc.in/2Rd74fz
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Tesco strike action suspended by Unite distribution centre workers after improved pay offer. They'd rejected 4%. Unite says Tesco now offering a minimum of 5.5% backdated to July and an extra 0.5% from Feb '22 which union is recommending members now accept.
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Been trying to explain #financialcrisis to my son. Think I will just get him to read this bbc.in/2x5RdUB cracking job by @bbckamal and team.
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Got some great footage on Black Friday coming up on BBC News at one. And some great analysis from @rahrichardh
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Gov confirms drivers won't face higher excise duty, if vehicles found to be fitted with illegal software that manipulates emissions tests.
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Looks like a pre-pack administration looming for #Debenhams. bbc.in/2G7qHz0
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Many Post Office Horizon victims are still battling for compensation. A lot harder if you've ended up bankrupt. My story with @tonydowney67 👇bbc.co.uk/news/business-6831…
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No idea what Nile Rogers was doing in our @BBCBusiness unit, but he sure brightened up our Monday afternoon! The lovely @BBCMaryam on left. #lovemyoffice
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DVD chain Blockbuster going into administration, again, according to private equity owners.
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Charles Kennedy soundly beaten in Ross, Skye and Lochaber by SNP. Big political upset, was one of safest Lib Dem seats.
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Flybe tells customers don't come to airport. Here's what you need to know if you have a booking: bbc.co.uk/news/business-5110…
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Events are moving fast for McColls. Morrisons proposing last minute rescue deal to try to save as many stores jobs as possible. Thought to include pensions and debt. Morrisons is already in a partnership with McColls with more than 200 Morrisons Daily convenience stores.
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Aldi warehouse workers are getting another pay rise. New minimum rate of £13.18 an hour. Was £11.48 in Jan 2022. Effective from Feb 1 for around 7000 warehouse employees across UK.
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Would you take your own plastic containers to do your supermarket shop? @waitrose is doing an interesting 11 week trial to find out. I’ve even for a visit. Shoppers were really engaged.
bbc.co.uk/news/business-4849…
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Bonmarche in administration now. Not clear how many jobs but thought to be more than 1500 workers at 225 stores. Owned by retail tycoon Philip Day. His other chains are already in administration. Looks like the end of his retail empire, too.
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Spent day in St Albans hearing views of small businesses on high street. All willing to adapt and give it their best shot for re-opening. But lots of questions about practicalities and plenty challenges ahead. Piece shortly on #bbcnewsten
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It's done. #MikeAshley has bought #HouseofFraser for £90m out of administration.
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This is a long shot. Left my small black suitcase on George Street in Edinburgh. 🙄😬🥲 @EdinburghPolice please get in touch if someone has handed in. 🤞🏻
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Wonders of technology. Editing for @BBCNews at 6 from kitchen, with editor other side of table. Can see what he’s doing on my screen. Spot the fashion accessory on the mike on left 🤣
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Are you driven mad by your online purchases arriving in an oversized box? I've been to see some new technology that could play a big role in eliminating waste. bbc.in/2soLSYT
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Remember Dominic Chappell? He bought BHS for a £1 from Sir Philip Green before it went bust a year later. He's just been convicted of tax evasion on £2.2 million worth of income he received from his deal to buy the failed high street chain.
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The Co-op is going to give lunch vouchers to 6500 kids who normally rely on free school meals at its 25 Co-op Academies if they need to close. It's also calling on nationwide effort to help feed 1.4m kids who receive free school meals across the UK.
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When administrators said 70 Patisserie Outlets closing immediately - they meant it. This one in Covent Garden won’t be opening tomorrow as well as a few others in London. #bbcnewsten
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I’ve been to see Michael Murray, the new CEO of Frasers Group at his new Sports Direct Birmingham store, opens tomorrow. It’s a world away from the sports chain we’re used to. And he’s very different from Mike Ashley, too. More on #BBCNews at One. bbc.co.uk/news/business-6131…
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Supermarkets have come together, urging shoppers to behave responsibly. Be considerate in the way you shop.
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Really sad news. George was the loveliest man and the most brilliant correspondent.
George Alagiah, one of BBC's most respected journalists, who presented the News at Six and was award-winning foreign correspondent, dies aged 67 bbc.in/3Kc92Xx
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I've been having a look at the UK's first check out free shop. Quite nifty if you're grabbing a coffee and croissant on the go but wasn't so easy putting loads of stuff in a shopping bag and carrying your phone at the same time! bbc.in/2GRamig
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Great to hear the wonderful voice of @CarolineWyatt presenting PM on @BBCRadio4
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Hand brake turn by Sports Direct. CFO says stores will not open today. He’s writing to Gov for confirmation about essential retailer status. Company also owns Evans Cycles. Bike shops not ordered to close.
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Lots of retail news today. Trying to weave it all together for #bbcnewssix and #bbcnewsten thanks to @katehardcastle - too much to say and not enough time! Standard correspondent complaint alert! 😆
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Thorntons to close all its 61 stores. Had nearly 400 or so at one point. It's been shrinking over the last 10 years, and has struggled to adapt. Lot more competition these days. Hotel Chocolat, by contrast, is still doing well. bbc.in/30IH2Um
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How to revitalise a high street? BBC News has started a project to follow the progress of Bishop Auckland this year. Kicks off today bbc.in/3anH7j7 with @SarahCorkerNews #BBCMyHighStreet.
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ICYMI - how it's now easier to for developers to convert empty shops into housing on England's high streets. Gov says it will help create much needed new homes. Could this revive our town centres? Thanks to @Tennistors for explaining changes. @MelanieLeech4 raises concerns.
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So Alan Bates, who's led the campaign for justice for sub-postmasters has just had his full and final offer of compensation from Gov, but it's only about a 1/6th of what he claimed. Derisory and cruel, he says.
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So what went wrong at #ThomasCook My piece on @BBCNews at One coming up shortly. Big thanks to @philippajacks for her expertise. Company ultimately with way too much debt, amid all its other problems.
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Filming last leg of a journey from Southern Spain to UK for #BBCNewsSix showing how reliant we are on EU fresh food and what a slick operation it is to get it here.
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Asda will now stock its full Smart Price range in all its supermarkets and online by March 1st saying it wants to make these products as accessible as possible. Asda says its taken on board the comments from Jack Monroe. Quite a victory for @BootstrapCook
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Bit of good news for Tesco - it's returned to sales growth for 1st time in a year in #Kantar survey.
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