2025 Manifesto for Retail | Kickstarting growth in the everywhere economy

Whilst high costs are holding back retail investment, the government has ample opportunity to create the conditions to kickstart retail investment.

Our 2025 manifesto sets out how the government can ensure that upcoming policies help, rather than hinder, retailers' ability to invest in growth, people and sustainability - the three key themes we've identified. 

We published a manifesto for retail at the start of 2024 - ahead of the general election - to shine a spotlight on retail. The industry is the 'everywhere economy', with a presence in every community in the UK, with huge potential to support government objectives - if the right policies are in place.  

Things have changed a lot since the start of last year - the election has taken place, we have a new government and the industry now faces £7 billion in new costs this year, following the 2024 Budget and ahead of the new packaging levy (Extended Producer Responsibility) starting this October.

Our 2025 manifesto accounts for the challenging trading environment retailers are dealing with, not just from new costs but minimal sales growth, weak footfall and wider geopolitical and environmental pressures. 

It's clear that 2025 will be a year of tough decisions rather than increased investment for retailers. But, there's plenty of opportunity to drive positive change and ensure that upcoming policies help, rather than hinder, retail's ability to invest. 

Download our manifesto below and explore how policies from reform of business rates and the Apprenticeship Levy, to planning policy, circular economy policies and food strategy, can be implemented in a way which helps retailers to kickstart growth. 

If you're meeting with members of the Government, opposition parties or other key stakeholders, please do share a copy of our manifesto to help amplify our message.