Overview

Retailing is the UK’s top service industry, employing just over 3 million people in the UK (1 in 10 of the UK workforce). In 2003, the sector had £250 billion in sales (a third of total consumer spending).

Some of the UK’s world-class companies have also seen considerable success in overseas markets. The retail sector is a major user of new business to business, and business to consumer technologies and a pioneer of e-commerce.

An overview report on the retail sector in the UK, commissioned by DTI and undertaken by the University of Stirling, Institute for Retail Studies was published in 2003.  The report is based on an analysis of secondary sources and restricted to the UK rather than international comparisons.

Government Sponsorship of the Retail Sector
Retail Unit
DTI
151 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SW1W 9SS
 
Email: retail@dti.gsi.gov.uk 

DTI Public Enquiries: 020 7215 5000

Retail Strategy Group (RSG) 

The Retail Strategy Group published its report ‘Driving Change’ in  April 2004.  The report makes a number of recommendations that are being taken forward by Government, retailers and other stakeholders leading to closer working partnerships.  The work of the RSG was supported by three studies looking at retail productivity, land assembly for retail development and how the financing of retail developments influences the leasing and retail regime.

The Retail Strategy Group - Driving Change, Executive Summary (564Kb)
Full Report (1.6Mb zip file)

The Templeton College Report on Assessing the Productivity of the UK Retail Sector (1Mb)

Retail Development Process and Land Assembly - Volume 1 - Report (445Kb)

Retail Development Process and Land Assembly - Volume 2 - Appendices (1.6Mb)

The Cushman Report on The Financing of Retail Property Development in the UK (590Kb)
 

Specific Export Help for the Business Services Sector

UK Trade & Investment
UK Trade & Investment is the Government Organisation that brings together the work of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Department of Trade & Industry in support of British trade and investment overseas. Sector specific export help for the Business, Consumer and Retail Services industries can be found on the UK Trade & Investment website.

Other Sector Contacts

Listed below is a selection of organisations that can offer assistance to companies in this sector.
A more extensive list of Trade Associations in this sector can be found at the Trade Association Forum web site.

British Retail Consortium (BRC)
2nd Floor
21 Dartmouth Street
London
SW1H 9BP

Director General: Dr Kevin Hawkins OBE
Tel: 020 7854 8900
Fax: 020 7854 8901
Website: www.brc.org.uk

Association of Convenience Stores (ACS)
Federation House
17 Farnborough Street
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 8AG

Chief Executive: Mr David Rae
Tel: 02152 515001
Fax: 01252 515002
Website: www.thelocalshop.com

Alliance of Independent Retailers
Bank Chambers
5-9 St Nicholas Street
Worcester
WR1 1UW

Director: Ms Beryl Davis MBE
Tel: 01905 613106
Fax: 01905 21501
Website: www.indretailer.co.uk

British Shops and Stores Association Limited (BSSA)
Middleton House
2 Main Road
Middleton
Cheney
Banbury
Oxon
OX17 2TN

Chief Executive: Mr John Dean
Tel: 01295 712277
Fax: 01295 711665
Website: www.british-shops.co.uk

General Business Support, Schemes and Initiatives

DTI Business Support Solutions outline the range of business support tailored to meet different stages of a business’s development and growth.

Consultation Index lists both current and closed Government consultations.

Business Link provides information, support and practical guidance for small businesses.