High business costs, inefficient schemes hamper key UK sectors

London

THE UK business environment has been particularly tough in sectors such as retail, casual dining and automotive.

"Retail is a difficult environment to invest in because it is going through so much transformation," said Elaine Nolan, a restructuring partner in the London office of Kirkland & Ellis International. She added that business rates in the UK are also higher than in many other European countries.

Nevertheless, many British retailers still have valuable and recognised global brands.

"Take Mothercare, for instance, which has decided to invest and continue with its franchise partnerships around the world," she sai…