The ONS retail sales data for April was released May 21st. One of the main points concluded that retail sales volumes grew sharply in April 2021 with a monthly increase of 9.2 per cent, reflecting the effect of the easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions including the re-opening of all non-essential retail from 12th April in England and Wales and from 26th April in Scotland. A full report can be seen on the Office for National Statistics website.... read more
Posted: 25 May 2021
An EU decision, that follows joint negotiations between the UK Government and EU Commission, confirms that there will be no reciprocity between EU27 and UK designers on unregistered Community design protection. This would appear to be diametrically opposed to the joint and agreed ambition that there would be a level playing field for agreement on the Intellectual Property Chapter. It leaves designers in the United Kingdom vulnerable to copying from EU27. This document from ACID provides further detail...... read more
Posted: 29 October 2020
The UK Government has announced a £95 scheme aimed at aiding the recovery of the high street following the effects of COVID-19. The programme named the high streets heritage action zone (HSHAZ), is being delivered by Historic England which will work with local authorities to convert disused buildings into new homes, shops, workplaces and community spaces in 68 high streets.... read more
Posted: 21 September 2020