UK stock markets tumble as cost of living crisis sees Next cut sales and profit guidance
Shares in companies that depend on consumer spending have plunged after Next, the fashion to homewares retailer, cut its sales forecast for the second half of its financial year and annual profit guidance.
The company used the publication of its half-year results to the end of July to say that there were too many variables at play amid the cost of living crisis to have much confidence in determining consumer demand ahead.
Next, which is widely seen as the most consistent high street performer, reported that it had enjoyed a stronger than anticipated first half with full price sales up 12.4% on the same period last year.
Profit before tax of £401m was 16% higher.
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But it revealed that sales suffered during August before some demand returned in the current month.
Next, which trades from about 500 stores and online, said it now expected full price sales in its second half to fall 1.5%.
It had previously guided an increase of 1%.
The full-year pre-tax profit forecast fell by £20m to £840m but it still represented a rise of 2% on 2020/21.
The company’s shares fell by 10% in early deals while those of high street rivals and other consumer-facing stocks also suffered.
The FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indexes were both down more than 2% while growing recession fears were also evident on the continent, with the German DAX and French CAC also significantly lower.
Those worst hit on the London Stock Exchange included housebuilders and personal investment platforms.
Next said it was hoping to “see benefits from recent government measures” – namely help for household energy bills – but admitted it was tough to have a clear picture of what lay ahead.
The economy is enduring challenges on many fronts, with sterling hitting record lows this week and government bonds under severe pressure after the mini-budget, prompting Bank of England intervention.
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‘Inflation is going up across the economy’
Both the pound – at $1.08 – and bond yields – the interest rate demanded to hold UK government debt – were relatively stable on Thursday morning as the PM defended the government’s growth plan and the handling of it following the market backlash.
“There are so many variables at play – energy, freight, employment, tax, economic migration, exchange rates, etc – that today, more than ever, it is not possible to predict the future on the basis of the past,” Next said.
“It is over 40 years since the UK last experienced an inflationary shock on the scale we are witnessing today; and the UK economy of the 1970s – with its reliance on highly subsidised and geographically concentrated heavy industry – was incomparably different to the economy of today.
“We have used our recent trade, along with some internal and external economic data, to build a picture of what we think is going on and how the company is likely to be affected over the coming months.”
The company’s results followed weak recent trading updates from rivals including Asos, Boohoo and Primark.
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Charlie Huggins, head of equities at Wealth Club, said of the Next results: “The fact that many retailers are struggling shouldn’t be a surprise.”
“This is arguably the most difficult trading environment since the 2008/09 financial crisis. Inflation is at levels not seen for four decades.
“Sterling is in the doldrums, trading at its weakest level against the dollar since 1985. Add to this, the war in Ukraine and the spectre of further interest rate rises. It’s not exactly conducive to consumers restocking their wardrobes.
“Perhaps the biggest issue for the whole sector is that while things look challenging right now, they look set to become even more so.
“This is due to the precipitous decline in sterling which will only exacerbate inflationary pressures.
“Next looks better positioned than most of its peers to weather the storm, and emerge stronger in light of its high margins, robust cash flows and strong balance sheet. But 2023 could be a very difficult year the way things are shaping up.”
Comedy writer Bill Dare, – who worked on shows including Spitting Image and Dead Ringers – has died after an accident overseas, his agent said.
Described as a “super producer” by his peers, Dare, 64, worked on eight series of hugely popular satire puppet show Spitting Image.
Airing on ITV during the 1980s and 1990s, the show delighted in lampooning public figures including politicians, celebrities and royalty, winning BAFTAs and Emmys. It was rebooted in 2020.
Dare also created Dead Ringers, a comedy impressions show broadcast on BBC Radio 4.
He also produced The Now Show, a satirical take on the news which ran on Radio 4 from 1998 to 2024.
Dare worked on a wide range of comedy shows during his career, including the radio production of The Mary Whitehouse Experience in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He had also written several novels.
In a statement released on Monday, his agent JFL Agency confirmed he died at the weekend.
A spokesperson said: “We are shocked and greatly saddened to have to announce the death of our brilliant client Bill Dare, who died at the weekend following an accident overseas.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Lucy, daughter Rebecca, and with all of Bill’s family and friends who will be devastated by his loss.
“Bill was a truly legendary producer and writer, and his comedy instincts were second to none.”
Oasis depicted on Spitting Image in 1996. Pic: ITV/Shutterstock
Colleagues were quick to pay tribute and reflect on his talent.
Impressionist Jon Culshaw wrote on X: “It’s impossible to express the unreal sense of loss at the passing of the incredible Bill Dare. The wisest comedy alchemist and the dearest, dearest friend. Much love to Lucy and all Bill’s family and friends. We shall all miss him more than we can say.”
David Baddiel posted on the social media platform: “Just heard that the original producer of The Mary Whitehouse Experience on radio, Bill Dare, has died. Bill was an amazing creative force. I owe him much. RIP.”
Former EastEnders actress Tracy-Ann Oberman said she was “devastated” and that her “entire comedy career was down to Bill”.
She wrote: “When I was on the BBC Radio 4 rep company early on in career – I ran into Bill in the corridors – He asked if I was good at accents. I said yes.
“He cast me in a sketch show. I had to do about 15 different accents. We recorded in front of a live audience at Broadcasting House – afterwards Bill said ‘Why have I never met you – you’re going to have a big career’.
“He was incredibly loyal and supportive and really opened a path for me into the R4 comedy world and then TV having come out of the RSC and theatre it was all new. I will always be grateful. Fly high Bill.”
Comedian and writer Mark Steel wrote: “This is so grim. Bill was a compassionate hearty soul with the ability to be beautifully grumpy, a marvellously thoughtful comic mind.
“He’d argue but always listen and you’d always laugh, he made a million shows and wanted them all to matter and would have made a million more.”
Have I Got News for You writer Pete Sinclair said: “I am utterly devastated by Bill’s death. I still can’t believe it. He was a comedy genius. A hugely talented writer as well as a brilliant producer. A close friend and co-writer. I cannot begin to say how much I’ll miss him.”
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Julia McKenzie, comedy commissioner for Radio 4, said: “I am so terribly sorry to hear this tragic news and my thoughts are with Bill’s wife, family and friends.
“Bill has been a huge part of Radio 4 comedy for decades, as a writer and producer, and listeners will have heard his legendary name at the end of many of their favourite shows.
“Bill was a comedy obsessive, and very instinctive about making the funniest choices when it came to writing, directing and editing.
“He cared so much about his work that in the production booth during Dead Ringers you’d see him crouched over the script, utterly focused on the show.
“He was funny and very dry in person, amusingly cynical when he needed to be and always pushed to keep the comedy he made, and particularly satire, spiky.
“I’ve known and worked with him for 18 years and like many I can’t believe he has gone, he will leave a big hole in the comedy world and in our hearts.”
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