Rise in alcohol prices contributes to a jump in inflation in the UK

The Office of National Statistics most recent figures released yesterday, saw inflation rise to its highest level in nearly two years to 0.6%.

Access Uncorked partners with Capital On Tap to unlock cashflow for wineries

Access Uncorked has announced an exclusive global partnership with small-business finance specialists Capital On Tap to provide a range of innovative financial services to wineries.

The Smith Report: implications for the wine trade as euro tumbles

The euro has been having a rough time of it lately, which has implications for the wine world and may cause things to change over the next couple of months.

Drinks trade saves £51m on glass recycling

The wine and spirits trade has saved an estimated £51 million in glass recycling fees per year in the last year, after a WSTA-led campaign sought to bring spiralling costs down.

Harvest shortage: producers urged to rein in prices

Distributors are urging producers to be true to long-term partnerships and not be "too greedy" when it comes to putting prices up, as the impact of 2012's short harvest is felt.

Wine and drinks investors behind Thierry's new company Watermill Wines

Thierry's new owners have vowed to make the business viable long term after severe cash flow problems brought the company close to collapse.

Thierry's acquired by investment company

Wine importer Thierry's has been acquired by an investment company following a strategic review of its business activities.

Hatch Mansfield upbeat despite difficult climate

Hatch Mansfield is optimistic about the future given its brands operate in the more premium sector.

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.

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.