What a year 2020 has been, with so much disruption across the sector, including COVID-19, supply chain compliance, the surge to online, the consumer experience and, of course, Brexit (which we set out in our Global Challenges Facing Retailers guide earlier this year). As UK retailers head into the Golden Quarter, we wish you successful trading and prosperous times in 2021.
To support you as you plan for 2021, we want to highlight some key trends, legislation updates and best practices to protect and enhance your business.
Compliance Pressures 2021
In 2021, the call for greater corporate transparency on Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) issues will only amplify as ESG factors prove themselves not just to be non-financial considerations, but also material drivers of financial performance and business resilience.
To Vaccinate, or Not to Vaccinate, That Is the Question
So a government-approved vaccination becomes available and you really want your employees to take it. Can you just insist, or does the development of the vaccine turn out to have been the easy bit?
CMA Moves to Investigate “Green” Claims
On 2 November 2020, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that it will be investigating descriptions and labels used to promote products and services claiming to be “eco-friendly”, and whether they could mislead consumers.
Business Viability and Brexit
The UK will leave the EU single market, Customs Union, and VAT and excise duty area on 31 December. From 1 January 2021, the UK will operate its own external border as a sovereign nation. Is your business ready for the looming deadline of Brexit?
