Electricty demand is expected to expand slowly due to subdued economic growth and rising fuel prices, and Ofgem has recognised that price rises are required to help distributors fund repairs and maintenance to their networks. As a result, industry revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 1.7% over the next five years, reaching £6.1 billion in 2018-19. Read the full report on IBIS.

Volume sales of beer have been declining for some time now, especially via on-trade sales outlets such as bars, pubs and restaurants. A variety of socio-economic trends — including the uncertain economic context, high taxes on alcohol and growing concerns about the health impacts of alcohol consumption — have all contributed to the general decline in the levels of beer consumption. Despite this, the beer industry is so much a part of UK culture that there is little need for concern. Read the full report here.