A Stronger Partnership between Call Systems Technology and Hytera
Call Systems Technology (CST) has a long-standing strategic partnership with Hytera, delivering next-generation communication solutions to businesses across the UK.
In 2025, we strengthened this further by becoming the only supplier of licensed Hytera S1 radios. Every solution we deliver is expertly configured, fully supported and optimised for the demands of modern retail. We also offer licence-free options for teams that need a simpler, faster setup.
Together, CST and Hytera help UK retailers communicate instantly, respond faster and operate more efficiently. In today’s retail climate, efficiency isn’t optional, it’s essential.
What Is Happening in the UK Retail Sector in 2026?
UK retail in 2026 is facing a “scissors crisis”, rising operating costs on one side and cautious consumer demand on the other. Margins are being squeezed from multiple directions at once.
Rising Employment Costs
From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage rises to £12.71 per hour. Alongside increased employer National Insurance contributions, retailers are facing an estimated £2.3 billion in additional annual labour costs across the sector.
For labour-intensive environments such as supermarkets, department stores and shopping centres, even modest increases per employee quickly compound into substantial financial pressure. The conversation is no longer simply about staffing levels; it’s about productivity per hour to increase the value that each member of staff delivers relative to their cost.
Taxation and Operating Pressures
Business rates are also increasing significantly, with an estimated £600 million hike impacting larger high-street properties. At the same time, inflationary pressure and security costs continue to reduce margins.
However, there’s a positive development on the horizon. The Government has confirmed the withdrawal of customs duty relief for goods valued at £135 or less entering the UK. While full implementation is not expected before 2029, this move should help create a more level playing field for UK retailers and reduce competitive tax disadvantages.
Structural Shifts in Retail
Store rationalisation continues as major chains reassess their physical footprints, while online sales now account for over 28% of total retail activity. As a result, bricks-and-mortar stores are evolving into hybrid spaces focused on service, engagement and brand experience rather than simple transactions.
At the same time, today’s digitally empowered, price-conscious consumers can compare value instantly using online tools and AI. In this environment, retailers must earn loyalty through speed, service and overall experience.
The Productivity Imperative
Customer expectations have not softened in line with economic pressure. Shoppers still expect immediate assistance, quick stock answers and minimal queuing. Delays cost both sales and loyalty.
Retailers that improve internal communication increase productivity, gain a measurable operational advantage and will provide a better customer experience, driving sales and customer loyalty.
The Hidden Cost of Poor Communication
In many stores, valuable minutes are lost every hour locating colleagues, checking stock or requesting assistance.
Industry research indicates retail associates can save approximately 17 minutes per day by eliminating unnecessary walking across the shop floor to find colleagues, equating to over 7 hours per month per employee.
Two-way radio communication converts lost minutes into seconds:
Over an eight-hour shift, conservative estimates suggest 15-20 minutes saved per employee through improved coordination and reduced walking time. This frees up staff time to focus on higher-value tasks and enhances the overall customer experience.
What Does That Mean Financially?
17 minutes may not seem a lot in an eight-hour shift, but using a modest 17 minutes saved per shift is about £3.60 per employee, approximately £936 a year. For a team of 10 staff that’s over £9,360 per year, and for 20 staff, approximately £18,720 per year.
What does an extra 17 minutes per member of staff, per day mean to you and your business?
And that is before factoring in:
- Reduced shrinkage
- Faster onboarding
- Improved queue management
- Higher service throughput
In context, smarter communications increase productivity and improve financial outcomes. By enabling instant reporting of suspicious activity, two-way radios help teams identify more theft incidents each day and intervene earlier, reducing shrinkage.
Additionally, faster response times mean customers are served more quickly and more personally. Retailers using real-time communication tools have reported sales uplifts of up to 35%, particularly during peak trading periods. When multiplied across larger store networks, the operational and financial impact becomes substantial.
A Simple Solution to a Complex Retail Environment
Retailers cannot control certain increases, taxation or macroeconomic conditions, but they can control how effectively their teams communicate.
Two-way radios provide:
- Instant colleague contact
- Faster stock checks
- Reduced customer waiting times
- Improved floor management
- Stronger team coordination during peak periods
- Faster reporting of security concerns
In short, smarter communication improves productivity, protects margin and enhances the customer journey.
See It in Action
If you would like to explore how professional radio communications can improve productivity, reduce labour inefficiencies and enhance customer experience, we would love to show you.
Despite the pressures facing the sector, UK retail remains one of the most innovative and resilient industries in the economy, and those who invest in operational efficiency today will be best positioned to thrive tomorrow.
Let’s start the conversation about driving efficiency in 2026 and beyond.
Join CST and Hytera at the Retail Technology Show, 22-23 April at London’s Excel on stand D42 and see our solutions in action.
Alternatively join us for our May webinar with Lizzie Allchin, Facilities Manager at the John Lewis Partnership in London, where we will explore the impact of Smarter Communications in retail.