The retail industry is facing…

  • In the year leading up to August 31, 2024, retailers experienced losses amounting to £2.2 billion due to theft, marking a 21% increase from the previous year. This surge in theft directly impacts sales and customer experience, both in the immediate and long term due to stock availability and ongoing stock file inaccuracies.

  • The British Retail Consortium reported that incidents of violence and abuse against retail staff rose to over 2,000 per day in 2023/24, up from 1,300 daily incidents the previous year. The rise in violent and abusive incidents against retail staff has led to increased absenteeism and turnover. In a positive move, the Crime & Policing Bill, introduced in February 2025 includes a specific offence of Assault on a Retail Worker – highlighting the severity of the issue.

  • While precise figures for internal theft in 2024 are not readily available, historical data and personal experience indicate that it has consistently accounted for a notable portion of retail shrinkage. Previous reports suggest internal theft, involving employees stealing from their employers, accounted for approximately 40% of the total value of retail theft in the UK in 2024.

  • A significant portion of retail theft is attributed to organised crime groups systematically targeting stores across the country, contributing to the substantial financial losses reported. A consultant can play a crucial role in helping retailers protect their stores from Organised Retail Crime (ORC) by providing strategic, operational, and technological solutions and advice.

SMEs are facing…

  • Inflation and supply chain disruptions continue to push up costs for small and medium UK businesses. Higher energy prices, increased wages due to minimum wage adjustments, increases in employer NI contributions, and supplier price hikes are squeezing profit margins. Without strategic cost management, many SMEs find it difficult to remain competitive while maintaining service quality.

  • Employers are increasingly challenged by high staff turnover, driven by factors such as burnout, job dissatisfaction, and a competitive job market. SMEs often find it difficult to match the extensive benefits and salaries offered by larger firms, making talent retention even more problematic. Additionally, many employees are prioritising work-life balance, with some opting to reduce their working hours or seek more flexible roles, further complicating workforce stability. The average cost to replace a leaver in the UK is over £30k - this covers recruitment, lost productivity and training.

  • Ongoing economic uncertainty has led to reduced consumer spending, directly impacting revenue for many SMEs. The unpredictability of interest rates, government policies, and financial market fluctuations makes long-term planning difficult. Adapting to economic shifts while maintaining profitability requires strategic financial management.

  • Many SMEs underestimate the risk of cyberattacks, assuming criminals only target large corporations. However, statistics show that nearly half of UK small businesses faced a cyber incident in 2024. A lack of cybersecurity awareness and outdated systems leave SMEs exposed to financial and reputational damage from breaches and ransomware attacks.

The Benefits of a Consultant

  • No salary commitment, reducing overhead costs.

  • Access to expert knowledge and industry experience.

  • Effective tendering and supplier management.

  • Objective perspective free from internal conflicts.

  • Ability to implement targeted solutions for immediate impact.

  • Focus on improving profitability and operational efficiency.

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