Wine trade expects five more years of downturn before UK economy improves

The wine trade fully expects to have to deal with five more years of economic pressures in the UK before things start improving.

'Business as usual' for Stratford's under Kingsland ownership

FE Barber, which trades as Kingsland Wine & Spirits and Legacy Wines, has acquired Stratford's Wine Agencies out of administration and has underlined that it is "business as usual".

First South African wines to carry 'ethical seal' announced

The first wines to carry South Africa's new, fully traceable, ethical seal that protects employers against unfair discrimination, are to be showcased at Cape Wine 2012.

New Zealand sees record export rise as UK demand grows

New Zealand wine has seen a record export rise, according to the latest New Zealand Winegrowers annual report, with UK demand growing 11% by value and 8% by volume.

HMRC lacks crucial data to crack down on alcohol duty fraud, say MPs

The lack of accurate data on wine duty fraud is "unacceptable", HMRC has warned, as new figures show up to £1.2 billion is being lost in unpaid duty.

Sterling performs strongly against the euro and New Zealand dollar

Sterling had a fairly positive week and performed strongly against the euro and the New Zealand dollar, according to currency exchange specialist, Smart Currency.

Sterling buoyed by Bank of England's interest rate decision

Sterling makes early gains, but weakens later in the day

Sterling made gains of nearly a cent against the US dollar and just under half a cent against the euro yesterday morning, due to better than expected industrial and manufacturing data for June.

Sterling weakens due to subdued UK retail sales figures

Another difficult day for sterling due to subdued UK retail sales figures for July.

Market conditions continue to be volatile for sterling

Current market conditions continue to be volatile for sterling with rapid movements in either direction, according the exchange specialist for UK businesses, Smart Currency.

Sterling loses ground as worries over UK economy continue

Sterling has lost ground across the board this week as worries over the state of the UK economy continue, including the possibility that it may lose its AAA credit rating.

Sterling weakens after poor PMI results

Sterling has continued its poor week after being further undermined by the purchasing managers index for manufacturing, which showed the largest contraction since May 2009.

Sterling weakens after Moody's downgrades UK growth forecast

Sterling was particularly weak yesterday following the news that one of the big three credit rating agencies, Moody's had downgraded the UK's growth forecast.

Sterling undermined by weak economic data

Sterling had a poor day yesterday undermined by the release of a string of weak economic data.

Sterling strengthens against dollar, but weakens against euro

Sterling continued to strengthen against the US dollar on Friday, but remained weak against the euro, as risk appetite returned to the market due to renewed confidence in Europe.

Mixed week for sterling

A mixed week saw sterling reach fresh 2.5 year highs of €1.2875/1 against the euro before weakening off after global risk appetite increased and appalling UK GDP data was released which saw sterling strengthen by nearly 2.5 cents against the US dollar yesterday.

Sterling fairly strong yesterday despite poor start

Sterling was fairly strong yesterday despite a poor start to the day as new mortgage approval rates were much lower than anticipated.

Mixed day for sterling on Friday

Sterling had a mixed day on Friday reaching fresh highs against the euro of €1.2865/£1 but weakened against the US dollar after the bailout of the Spanish banking sector was confirmed during the Euro group meetings.

Scotch whisky industry legally challenges minimum pricing of alcohol

The Scotch Whisky Association is taking action in Europe and the UK against the Scottish Government's minimum unit pricing legislation, saying it will "artificially distort trade".

Sterling had strong week against euro

Sterlinghad a strong week against the euro reaching fresh highs of €1.2830/£1 as fears surrounding the Eurozone were once again at the forefront of traders' minds.