More than 40% of UK retailers and transport and storage firms plan to raise prices in May, according to Office for National Statistics survey data highlighted by Parcelhero. The figures mark a sharp increase from April.

The latest ONS Business Insights survey found that 41.1% of transport and storage companies expect to increase prices this month, along with 40.5% of retailers and 35.2% of manufacturers. The data points to broad pricing pressure across sectors closely tied to consumer demand and the movement of goods.

In April, 18.6% of transport and storage companies, 25% of retailers and 21.5% of manufacturers planned price increases. That means the share of transport and storage firms planning rises has climbed by 22.5 percentage points month on month, compared with 15.5 percentage points for retailers and 13.7 percentage points for manufacturers.

The comparison with March is also stark. That month, 10.5% of transport and storage firms increased prices, along with 24.6% of retailers and 13.5% of manufacturers, suggesting pressure has intensified over a short period.

Rising costs

The survey also showed many businesses reporting higher input costs. Comparing March with February, 50.6% of transport and storage firms said the price of goods and services they bought had risen, as did 50.9% of retailers and 48.5% of manufacturers.

Many businesses also reported weaker trading. In March, 26% of transport and storage businesses said turnover had fallen, compared with 27.2% of retailers and 25% of manufacturers.

Parcelhero linked rising costs and pricing plans to disruption associated with conflict in the Middle East. Among companies that experienced global supply chain disruption in March, 49.9% of retailers and 48.5% of manufacturers cited conflict in the Middle East as a factor. Across all sectors, 46% pointed to conflict in the Middle East as a reason for supply chain disruption in March, 34 percentage points higher than in February, according to the ONS.

The ONS data also indicated wider strain across the economy. Economic uncertainty was cited as affecting business by 27.6% of transport and storage companies, 43.9% of retailers and 37.4% of manufacturers. Across all sectors, this was the highest proportion reported since the question was introduced in April 2022.

Energy and freight

Energy costs featured prominently among the reasons businesses are considering price increases this month. They were cited by 34.1% of transport and storage companies, 42.9% of retailers and 45.2% of manufacturers.

Transport and haulage costs were also a major factor. The figures showed 41.6% of transport and storage companies said these costs were causing them to consider raising prices, while 36.4% of retailers and 40.6% of manufacturers said the same.

The transport and storage sector is central to domestic distribution and international trade flows. Any increase in freight, shipping or aviation costs can quickly move through supply chains and into shop prices, adding to pressure on businesses already facing subdued demand.

David Jinks, head of consumer research at Parcelhero, said the latest data pointed to mounting pressure on both companies and households.

He said: “The results of the latest ONS Business Insights survey spell bad news for both British industry and consumers. 41.1% of transport & storage sector companies say they plan to increase their prices this month, together with 40.5% of retailers and 35.2% of manufacturers.

“To put these price increases into perspective, only 18.6% of transport & storage companies planned price increases for April, together with 25% of retailers and 21.5% of manufacturers. That’s a 22.5 percentage point increase in the number of transport & storage firms planning increases over last month, a 15.5 percentage point increase among retailers and a 13.7 percentage point increase among manufacturers.

“The situation is even gloomier when compared with March, when the impact of the conflict was only just beginning to bite. In March, only 10.5% of transport & storage firms increased their prices, together with 24.6% of retailers and 13.5% of manufacturers.

“The planned price rises for this month are not surprising when we look at the increase in the cost of services and goods that companies are now facing. Comparing March with February, 50.6% of transport & storage firms reported an increase in the price of goods and services they bought in March, as did 50.9% of retailers and 48.5% of manufacturers.

“The bad news didn’t stop there. As the impact of the conflict hit, 26% of transport & storage businesses reported that turnover decreased in March, together with 27.2% of retailers and 25% of manufacturers.

“There is no mystery over the source of escalating prices and falling demand. Of those companies that experienced global supply chain disruption in March, 49.9% of retailers and 48.5% of manufacturers cited conflict in the Middle East. Across all business sectors, 46% cited conflict in the Middle East as a reason for experiencing global supply chain disruption in March – a 34 percentage point rise from February, according to the ONS.

“Businesses across all sectors face ongoing challenges created by the conflict. 27.6% of transport & storage companies, 43.9% of retailers and 37.4% of manufacturers said economic uncertainty was impacting their business. Across all business sectors, that’s the highest proportion reported since the question was introduced in April 2022, according to the ONS.

“Looking specifically at the factors causing businesses to consider raising their prices this month, 34.1% of transport & storage companies named energy costs, as did 42.9% of retailers and 45.2% of manufacturers.

“One final cost increase facing British businesses is in transport, because of disruption to the Strait of Hormuz and to international shipping and aviation across the Middle East. 41.6% of transport & storage companies said this was an issue that had caused them to consider raising prices this month. 36.4% of retailers and 40.6% of manufacturers also cited transportation or haulage costs as factors causing them to consider increasing prices during May.

“Unfortunately, the economic impact of the conflict does not look likely to lessen any time soon. The fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran is currently under increased threat over the Strait of Hormuz blockade, while international supply chains will face increased costs and disruption for months, even if the truce holds.”

Beer52 has extended its warehousing partnership with Europa Warehouse after eight years of collaboration.

The renewed contract comes as the Edinburgh-based subscription drinks business expands into coffee with the launch of Coffee52, adding to its existing beer, wine and whisky clubs.

Founded in 2013, Beer52 says it has more than 100,000 UK members across its clubs. Subscribers receive monthly boxes containing eight to 10 craft beers, along with snacks and Ferment magazine, which features stories about independent drinks producers.

Europa now handles fulfilment for Beer52’s wider portfolio, including Wine52, Whisky52 and Coffee52, from its Corby site. The facility processed 1.62 million consignments in 2025.

Scaling demand

The warehousing arrangement has expanded over time. Beer52’s operations were initially supported at Europa’s Birmingham site before moving to Corby as volumes increased.

According to the companies, the subscription model creates sharp swings in demand, particularly in the final quarter of the year and around promotional periods. Order volumes can rise by as much as 60 per cent within seven days.

Monthly boxes can include up to 16 stock keeping units, plus snacks and printed material, adding complexity to picking and fulfilment. As Beer52 broadens its product range, warehousing flexibility has become increasingly important.

Beer52 also uses bonded warehousing, allowing goods to be stored ahead of seasonal peaks without immediate duty payments. It said this helps manage cash flow and plan inventory during periods of heavy demand.

New category

The launch of Coffee52 marks Beer52’s first move into coffee. The business described the new offer as a coffee discovery club for consumers interested in trying different products, extending a model it has already used in beer, wine and whisky.

The expansion comes as direct-to-consumer drinks brands look for ways to add adjacent categories and increase customer spending across memberships. For Beer52, it also broadens the supplier base beyond brewers, winemakers and distillers.

James Eccleshall, head of supply chain at Beer52, linked the company’s logistics arrangements to its supplier model.

He said: “We’re proud to be able to champion outstanding small independent drinks makers, introducing our subscribers to rare, small-batch producers and the most exciting hidden gems in the drinks world.

“Our successful partnership with Europa has been critical in supporting our growth and managing the extreme peaks that come with a subscription-based model. Their ability to flex quickly, combined with the advantages of bonded warehousing, gives us confidence that our supply chain can continue to scale as our customer base grows.

“We have a true partnership with Europa; our teams have a collaborative approach, continually looking at how we can excel and refine our processes to not just meet but exceed customer expectations.

“Europa has been with us on our journey as Beer52 has grown from a single craft beer subscription into a multi-category drinks business. Their ability to support our seasonal peaks and expansion into wine and whisky has been vital in helping us deliver a great experience to our members.”

Warehouse footprint

Europa supports other drinks brands across retail and eCommerce, including Naked Wines, FUNKIN, Beerwulf and Laylo. Its warehousing network in London and the Midlands totals more than 1 million square feet, with customs warehousing for wet and dry goods.

Europa is part of Europa Worldwide Group, which says it has annual turnover of GBP £300 million and employs 1,300 people worldwide. The group operates across road freight, air freight, sea freight and warehousing.

Dionne Redpath, chief operating officer and warehouse divisional director at Europa Worldwide Group, outlined how the logistics provider views the account.

She said: “Beer52 is a great example of a modern, fast-growing drinks brand that needs agility, reliability and smart customs solutions from its logistics partner.

“Beer52 and its other brands aren’t simply a delivery service; they support the growing number of artisan brewers, distillers and winemakers, sharing their stories and bringing them into the homes and attention of artisan beer, wine and whisky lovers.

“We’re proud to be supporting Beer52, Wine52 and Whisky52 as they continue to expand and introduce more consumers to premium craft drinks from around the world.”

SOFIAH NICHOLE SALIVIO

News Editor

NSSLGlobal has equipped two tall ships in the Full Circle veterans’ sailing expedition around the UK with satellite communications. The voyage is carrying the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 flag.

It has provided broadband satellite connectivity on Pellew and Spirit of Falmouth, along with handheld satellite voice phones for emergencies, crew training and round-the-clock technical support. The expedition involves up to 70 ex-forces veterans taking part in stages of a 2,000-nautical-mile route around the UK.

Organised by Turn to Starboard and Full Circle, the voyage set out from Falmouth and is due to visit 22 ports across the UK over 13 weeks before returning home. Crew members include veterans who are wounded, injured or dealing with mental health challenges.

The communications systems are being used for welfare, safety and media purposes during the journey. The voyage is also seeking to raise GBP £300,000 to help fund the purchase of another tall ship and expand support for ex-service personnel.

Support at sea

The project aligns with NSSLGlobal’s work in maritime and defence communications, including support for welfare initiatives linked to service personnel. It also highlighted its previous backing for former soldier Craig Wood, who completed a solo Pacific crossing after losing both legs and his left hand in Afghanistan.

That broader context helps explain its involvement in a voyage focused on recovery, reconnection and raising the visibility of veterans through a public route around the British coastline.

“We are delighted to support Turn to Starboard & Full Circle with communications. This hugely uplifting project is using the experience of sea and sail to give our veterans potentially life-changing opportunities to rebuild confidence, strength and a sense of connection in the face of all kinds of physical and mental challenges. We have been lucky to have met some of the organisers and crew at numerous port stays and key events throughout the UK. Staff from our different offices have been on board and experienced first-hand the great atmosphere and teamwork. Having enjoyed chats with fellow ex-service personnel, it is clear that this expedition is having a great impact, and being able to stay in touch and record the trip is also key,” said Sally-Anne Ray, Chief Executive Officer of NSSLGlobal.

Veterans aboard

Turn to Starboard was founded to support Armed Forces personnel affected by military operations through sailing and sail training. Based in Falmouth, the charity uses time at sea to help veterans and their families rebuild confidence and find structure after service.

The Full Circle expedition connects that work with the Invictus Games flag, which is being carried around the UK ahead of the Birmingham event. Participants join different legs of the voyage rather than sailing the full route, allowing more veterans to take part.

Satellite connectivity has become a practical part of that model because crews are often at sea for extended periods and moving between ports. The equipment allows those on board to remain in contact with relatives and support networks while also documenting the trip.

“Reliable communications play an important role in keeping our crews connected, supported and safe throughout the Full Circle Expedition. NSSLGlobal’s connectivity support enables those on board to stay in touch with loved ones and share their recovery journeys as they carry the Invictus Games Flag around the UK,” said Sally Terry, Chief Executive Officer of Turn to Starboard.

The expedition is being undertaken on two traditionally rigged wooden-hull vessels, adding a demanding physical element to the programme. Sailing these ships requires teamwork and sustained effort, which organisers say can help participants rebuild trust and resilience.

One of the skippers involved in the voyage is Army veteran Paul Miller, who is leading Spirit of Falmouth on part of the route.

“Being part of this expedition fills me with real pride. It has reminded me how far I’ve come in my own recovery and how much further we can all go together,” said Miller.