In the news this morning, house price growth in Scotland is outperforming that in England and Wales in percentage terms, as strong markets in Edinburgh and Glasgow boost the overall score. Food was the standout sector for retail sales growth, with rising inflation and Brexit concerns encouraging caution among the country’s shoppers. The east of England is attracting homeowners from London who are looking for affordable houses – and prices in the region are getting a lift as a result.
Scottish house price growth outperforms (The Times/£)
House price growth in Scotland has outperformed England and Wales over the last 12 months, figures from Your Move show.
Annual retail sales growth slows sharply (The Independent/FREE)
Retail sales rose 0.3% in volume terms in July, matching June’s monthly increase, but the annual rise was sharply lower, at 1.3% compared with 2.8%, figures from the Office for National Statistics showed.
East of England attracts Londoners seeking affordable homes (The Times/£)
The likes of Cambridgeshire and Essex are replacing regions such as Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire as the destinations of choice for those moving out of London in search of affordable family homes.
B&Q and Homebase see sales drop (The Telegraph/FREE)
Sales at both B&Q and Homebase fell in the most recent three-month trading period, in part due to restructuring and in part to poor weather.
Asda’s quarterly sales rise for first time in three years (The Guardian/FREE)
Asda reported a rise in sales in the three months to the end of June, its first quarterly sales increase in three years.
Strong demand drives growth at Marshalls (The Telegraph/FREE)
Marshalls reported an 8% rise in revenue and a 16% increase in pretax profit in the first half of the year, amid strong demand for the installation of driveways and patios.
