Halfords reveals stronger-than-expected profits – driven by cost-cutting measures and pricing strategies
HALFORDS has revealed stronger-than-expected profits for the past year, driven by cost-cutting measures and pricing strategies.
The motoring and cycling retailer 's underlying pre-tax profits rose by 6.4 per cent to £38.4million for the year to March 28.
This was higher than its earlier forecast of £32million to £37million.
New boss Henry Birch hailed the results as evidence of a strong performance and progress in the company's growth strategy.
Halfords faced £33million in extra costs last year because of inflation and higher wages. However, the company managed to offset this by saving £35million.
At the same time, it said its profitability improved thanks to better buying operations and higher pricing.
Looking ahead, Halfords plans to deal with rising costs, including higher National Insurance and minimum wages, by adjusting prices, buying smarter and cutting more costs.
Meanwhile, total revenues rose 0.1 per cent to £1.72billion for the year, with like-for-like growth of 2.5 per cent.
2
The firm's autocentres business saw like-for-like growth of 3.7 per cent, while retail sales were up 2.1 per cent.
Mr Birch said: 'The business has delivered a strong financial performance, made good strategic progress and has a clear plan in place to tackle external inflationary forces.'
I-DIAL FOR BEST NETWORK
MILLIONS of phone owners can use a new 'map your mobile' coverage checker to find their best network.
The service, launched by regulator Ofcom, shows the options on a local map based on the user's postcode.
Car washes could be causing your motor's paint to fade as expert shares DIY fix using £xx Halford's product
It can also specifically lists which is the best network for workplaces, commutes, or communities.
Ofcom's Natalie Black said the tool is based on modern smartphone needs.
It sets a higher standard for signal strength and is very precise, focusing on smaller areas within a 50-metre radius.
TAX TOLL RISES
AROUND 4.4 million households are in council tax arrears — owing a record £8.3billion, figures reveal.
The number in the red is up from 3.2 million last year while the total owed has soared 79 per cent in five years, according to research by charity Debt Justice.
It said: 'The vast majority aren't avoiding council tax, they simply can't afford it. Rather than help, councils sending in bailiffs.'
£1M BOX FINES
2
THOUSANDS of drivers were fined a total of nearly £1million from 36 box junctions last year — after councils across England gained the power to enforce penalties.
The RAC said 32,748 fines were issued, with Manchester City Council giving out the most, generating £446,706 from six junctions.
Kent's Medway Council raised £145,162 and Buckinghamshire £139,798. One, in Guildford, Surrey, netted £81,445.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
I Drove the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed For a Week: Here's My Review of this Gentleman's Plug-in Hybrid
Don't underestimate this posh Bentley At first, the Bentley Continental GT Speed might look like a typical high-end luxury car, but don't be fooled—it's secretly a supercar hiding in plain sight. On the surface, its classy looks might lead you to think it's designed just for smooth cruising; that's what I felt during my first drive out on the town. Source: James Ochoa Around town in EV mode, the Speed moves around like a ghost. Its hybrid powertrain acts like a car-sized invisibility cloak up until you reach a stoplight, where pedestrians and passersby in other cars can admire the car's looks and take pictures. But the moment you decide to let loose on the open road and push the gas, it's like flipping a switch that turns this cruiser into a supercar, as the twin-turbo V8 engine fires up and sends an adrenaline rush of 771 horsepower through all four wheels and pins you back in your seat. While silence might not be what most people think of when it comes to sports cars, I found it refreshing. Some people might see silence as weakness and think you're missing something if you're not making noise. However, the Bentley Continental GT Speed's silence shows some rare qualities of strength and self-control. In a world filled with flashy performance cars, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is a quiet, covert, two-faced cruiser concealing a rocket-like powertrain underneath the hood. Source: James Ochoa Bye-bye, big motor, hello hybrid Introduced in 2003, the Bentley Continental GT marked the start of a new era for the British brand after Volkswagen acquired it in 1998. Over the past two decades and four generations, the GT has remained a top seller, and the new Speed variant signifies the beginning of another exciting chapter for the model. The 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed features a significant change under the hood: the old twin-turbo W12 engine is replaced by a new 'Ultra Performance Hybrid' powertrain, which combines a 584 horsepower four-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and an electric motor that produces 188 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. With the help of a 25.9 kWh battery pack under the trunk and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Speed produces a whopping 771 combined horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Bentley says the new powertrain is the most powerful it has ever built, making 20% more power than the previous W12-powered Speed. As a result, this nearly 5,500-pound machine can rocket to 60 miles per hour in just 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 208 miles per hour. Around town and in most low-speed situations, the Speed operates in 'EV Mode,' which is Bentley's subtle way of saying that the Conti is only riding on its electric motors. It navigates avenues and boulevards quietly and smoothly, almost like a ghost without the rumble and hum of a V8 or W12 engine in the background. Many performance car fans and thrill-seekers might think the lack of noise at low speeds is a downside, but it fits the Bentley vibe quite perfectly. It's the ultimate example of 'Quiet Luxury,' where the reduced sound from its electrified powertrain adds another layer atop its high-end comfort and craftsmanship, making the whole experience feel much more luxurious for everyone inside. Source: James Ochoa Feels like a cloud, handles like a supercar While the GT Speed is fast in a straight line and comfortable for everyday driving, it also offers an enjoyable experience on twisty roads. The Speed models come equipped with a long list of active chassis features, including an adaptive air suspension system with twin-valve dampers, rear-wheel steering, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and torque vectoring in its all-wheel-drive system. In my few days with the Continental GT Speed, I drove it extensively throughout North Jersey, as well as into the crowded and congested streets of New York City—places I feel are its normal stomping grounds. Throughout this time, the Continental's active suspension got to see roads of varying quality, including the pothole-ridden streets of Jersey City and Hoboken, the cobblestones of Manhattan's SoHo and Meatpacking District, and even the smoother strips of tarmac on the Jersey Turnpike; all of which felt as smooth as butter from the driver's seat. However, I found that where the Conti GT Speed feels at home is on a spirited drive traversing the two-lane twisties that run nearly parallel to the New York State Thruway. Here, I found that while the GT in Continental GT stood for Grand Touring, it has distinct sporting qualities and feels scarily nimble tackling the sweeping corners on challenging driving roads. For a car that seems so heavy on paper, the electronic gizmos make the feeling behind the steering wheel feel very light and responsive to the point where you can confidently 'point and shoot' it into the next corner. It doesn't feel the need to fight you in any way. The exterior The 2025 Continental GT Speed features revised styling that distinguishes it from earlier models. Although the body shape remains the same, the iconic Bentley quad headlights, side vents, and oval taillights have been replaced. Up front, the new design features circular headlights with a slight 'brow' detail that seems to split said circle into two, while out back, the tailights are in a more 'stretched-oval' shape split by the trunk lid. In addition, the Continental GT got some redesigned bumpers, a larger grille, and new wheel and trim options. I feel a bit disappointed that the quad headlights are gone; they gave the Continental GT that look, but I have gradually accepted the new design. A lounge on wheels But whether you are fighting at the limit on a sweeping, scenic road through the hills or fighting with your emotions in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the Continental GT Speed cocoons you in a cabin that is nothing short of blissfully serene. Much of the interior trim inside the new Continental carries over from the former model. Still, it isn't much of a compromise because everything that makes contact with your fingers feels like it is made for buyers with the highest standards. Save for key buttons on the steering wheel and the dashboard, very little plastic is used inside the cabin. Most touch surfaces inside the Bentley are lined with only leather or made of metal, whether it be the metal push-and-pull levers for their air vents, the leather sides of the center console, even the knurled metal knobs to adjust the temperature. The interior of the Continental GT Speed I drove was primarily finished in a black leather that Bentley calls Beluga, with some contrast pieces in a beige called Portland. The Speed also came with two-tone wood trim consisting of a very textural open-pore koa over a glossy piano-looking grand black, which I found to add a depth of warmth and class to a muted-feeling cabin. The Continental GT Speed I drove was equipped with the First Edition specification, which includes some special extras, including exclusive First Edition badging, First Edition treadplates, and First Edition embroidery on the headrests. Other snazzy goodies to set it apart from a regular Continental include Animated Welcome Lamps by Mulliner, the Front Seat Comfort Specification with postural adjustment and automatic climate control, an 18-speaker Naim for Bentley audio system, heads-up display, night vision, active lane assist, and predictive adaptive cruise control. My favorite feature inside was the Bentley Rotating Display, which came standard with the First Edition spec. It's a real party trick item. When the car is parked, the screen spins and hides away to reveal a panel of veneered wood to match the rest of the dash, only to spin the infotainment screen back to attention when the car starts. However, when you press the button on the dash labeled 'screen' when the car is on, the display spins to reveal analog dials that show the outside air temperature, a compass, and a stopwatch. Source: James Ochoa Final thoughts As tested, this 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition was $373,660, which includes destination charges. This car specifically had $67,410 of optional extras and personalization, the most expensive being the $39,940 charge for the First Edition specification. There are some caveats I want to address, most of which have to do with the fact that it's a plug-in hybrid. Bentley says that the EV mode is good for about 50 miles of pure-electric driving; however, in my experience, I found the car to eat up more of the battery since it automatically defaults to 'EV mode' at startup. In addition, I found that the battery slightly reduces trunk space. While the previous Continental GT had enough room for a few gym bags, the included plug-in charger must stay home to get the most out of the slightly smaller trunk. Source: James Ochoa This is a personal preference, but I find the use of Dinamica, Bentley's alcantara-like upholstery material, out of character for this kind of vehicle. Although it's virtually invisible in the pictures, it leans too hard into 'boy racer' territory and is not a particularly luxurious experience when you run your fingers through it. The Continental GT Speed may have a few smallish faults, but it still provides a unique driving experience through every conceivable metric while allowing you to relax in a comfy, well-bolstered chair that even massages you. Sure, a screaming Lamborghini or a track-ready Porsche may have the same amount of power and be flashy and cool. Still, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is a sports car that makes sense outside of a track or canyon-driving setting on the weekends and is livable for going about your weekdays. It's like comparing apples to oranges, brogues to trainers, matcha to espresso, or a Balenciaga tracksuit to a tailored Huntsman Saville Row suit. Manners maketh man; to me, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is the gentleman's hybrid sports car. Disclosure: Bentley offered James Ochoa the opportunity to experience the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition and loaned the example he wrote about for six days with a fully-charged battery and a full tank of gas. About the Author James Ochoa View Profile
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
Baroness Cash warns Employment Bill could 'bring the country to its knees'
Angela Rayner is on record as saying she wants to repeal all the union laws since the seventies, to take us back to the seventies' On the latest Planet Normal podcast, which you can listen to using the audio player below, columnists Liam Halligan and Allison Pearson discuss Labour's Employment Rights Bill, currently being discussed in the House of Lords. They are joined by Conservative peer Baroness Cash, who has raised concerns it could have severe consequences for small and medium-sized businesses. A key issue is the proposed removal of the threshold for strike ballots. 'You could have two people voting for a strike… we could be bringing businesses and the country to its knees with tiny minorities of people,' she said. Baroness Cash also criticised the lack of exemptions for small firms. '60% of our workforce is employed by micro and small businesses… You could have a handful of people bringing the whole thing to a standstill.' On the issue of day one rights for unfair dismissal, she said: 'At the moment… legally you can't bring a claim for unfair dismissal before two years… the idea that from day one, you walk into a workplace and you have day one rights for unfair dismissal… is just an extraordinary retro thing to do.'
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
M&S has made a huge change at ALL cafes and shoppers will be fuming
M&S has made a huge change at all cafes and shoppers will be fuming. Prices at the Percy Pig makers in-store cafes have risen by up to 20%, with the cost of a Gastro Fish & Chips meal increasing by £2. 1 It's beer battered fish, served with chips, petit pois and tartar sauce used to cost £9.95 in August 2024. But its most updated menu for June 2025 shows the cost of the beloved British dish has risen to £11.95 across sites. The price of a single portion of chips at the cafe has also increased by 50p, now costing £2.50. And fans of its brekkie are forking out more too. M&S's All Day Big Breakfast, served with sausages, bacon, soft poached eggs, tomatoes, potato rosti, baked beans and toast, used to cost £9.50. But punters are now paying an extra 45p for the hefty morning meal. Elsewhere, toast with jam and butter now costs £3.75 up from £3.50 and a breakfast ciabatta's was £4.95 but now costs £5.25. The posh retailer has also shaken up what is served on menus, axing its nutty granola bowl priced at £4.25. This has been replaced with a Berry Bliss granola bowl that costs 70p more. An M&S spokesperson told The Sun: " We're committed to providing trusted value for our customers by mitigating and offsetting as much of the current food inflation as we can. Shoppers race to M&S as one of their best selling items which is a mum-essential viral are scanning for just 63 PENCE "We are working hard to ensure we offer a wide range of price points and options for our customers, never compromising on the M&S quality they expect." It is not uncommon for restaurants, cafés and grocery stores to raise prices due to increased operational costs, including hikes to National Insurance contributions and wages. M&S has previously faced ridicule for hiking the cost of popular items, such as Percy Pigs. Shoppers were outraged after it was discovered a 170g of the iconic sweet treat had been hiked by 10p, now costing £2. The bestselling sweets have undergone a 33% price hike since 2017 when a packet cost just £1.50. MORE PRICE RISES M&S is not the only retailer hiking costs for customers. Earlier this year, Morrisons also increased the cost of a number popular menu items in its cafés. The Full Breakfast was hiked by 25p to £7, while its sweet Stacked Pancakes have risen by £4.25 to £4.50. The price of a Ultimate Fish, Chips & Mushy Peas has increased by £7.75 to £8.50. Meanwhile, battered sausages, chips and mushy peas increased from £6 to £6.50. Greggs increased the price of a sausage roll to £1.30 nationally at the start of the year. The rise means that the Brit favourite jumped by more than a third since it cost £1 in 2022. At some travel locations, such as London Bridge, the price of a sausage roll has increased from £1.50 to £1.55. Elsewhere, Costa Coffee has hiked the price of a brew across its hospital concessions. An audit by our investigators found that a small latte or cappuccino costs £3.90 and a medium £4.10 at Medivest's Royal Victoria Infirmary's Costa Coffee outlet in Newcastle. That's a 10p increase on February 2025 prices and a 20p more compared with high street prices just yards down the road. NEW M&S MENU All Day Breakfast All Day Big Breakfast: £9.95 New Pesto Eggs, Halloumi & Asparagus: £9.95 New Berry Bliss Granola Bowl: £4.95 Pancake Stack with Maple Syrup & Butter: £6.00 Add Bacon: £1.50 Toast with Smashed Avocado: £5.25 Add Egg/Salmon/Bacon: £1.50 Toast with Jam & Butter: £3.75 Toasted Teacake: £2.95 Salmon Royale Brioche: £7.50 Breakfast Ciabattas (Choose one filling): £5.25 Smoked Bacon / Sausage / Mature Cheddar Omelette From Noon Gastropub Fish & Chips: £11.95 New Crispy Chicken Caesar Schnitzel: £9.95 Super Greens Omelette Bowl: £8.95 Hot & Crunchy Sandwiches (With smashed avocado and rocket. Choose one filling) New Pesto Chicken: £7.50 New Spicy Tuna: £7.50 Soups New Thai Green Chicken Curry: £6.50 Loaded Tomato & Basil: £6.25 Tomato & Basil: £5.50 Add Ciabatta or GF Roll: £0.70 Jacket Potatoes (Served with rainbow slaw. Choose one filling) Three Bean Chilli & Avocado: £6.95 New Tuna & Sweetcorn: £6.75 Cornish Cheddar: £6.75 Baked Beans: £6.25 Chips: £2.50 Hot Drinks New Lion's Mane Latte: £4.00 (Regular) Spiced Turmeric Latte: £3.40 (Regular) Latte: £3.60 (Regular), £3.90 (Large) Cappuccino: £3.60 (Regular), £3.90 (Large) Americano: £3.10 (Regular), £3.40 (Large) Flat White: £3.60 (Regular) Magic Coffee®: £3.40 (Regular) Cortado: £3.40 (Regular) Espresso: £2.50 (Regular) Chai Latte: £3.80 (Regular) Mocha: £3.80 (Regular) Hot Chocolate: £3.80 (Regular) Add Marshmallows: £0.50 Add Whipped Cream: £0.50 Single Origin Kenyan Coffee: £0.30 Add Syrup Shot (Pistachio, Hazelnut, Caramel, Vanilla): £0.50 Perfect Ted™ Matcha (Served with oat milk) New Iced Wild Strawberry Matcha: £4.25 Iced Vanilla Matcha: £4.00 Vanilla Matcha Latte: £4.00 Luxury Hot Chocolate (Made with Fairtrade cocoa from the Dominican Republic) 55% Milk Hot Chocolate: £4.00 65% Dark Hot Chocolate: £4.00 Teas Classic Teas (Gold Label, Earl Grey, Decaf): £2.75 Speciality Teas (Green, Triple Mint, Lemon & Ginger, Berry): £2.85 Iced Drinks Iced Latte: £3.60 New Iced Berry Cooler: £3.25 New Outrageously Chocolatey Milkshake: £4.25 New Eton Mess Milkshake: £4.25
