Author: Dave Antrobus

The Frasers Group announced the resignation of its managing director of sport, Ger Wright, effective from 30 November 2024.Wright will continue her association with the company as a non-executive director post her resignation.During her two-year tenure, Wright contributed significantly to the company’s strategic growth and international expansion.Frasers Group is concurrently pursuing a takeover of luxury handbag business Mulberry.CEO Michael Murray expressed continued confidence in Wright’s expertise to advance the company’s sporting ambitions.Ger Wright, the managing director of sport for Frasers Group, is set to step down from her role on 30 November 2024. The announcement was made by the company…

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Harvey Norman has launched its first store in England, choosing Merry Hill for its flagship location.The new outlet spans 57,000 sq ft, signifying a significant investment in the Black Country retail hub.Products available include furniture, bedroom suites, kitchenware, and technology, with specialised zones.The store aims to serve as a key destination in Merry Hill, enhancing its retail appeal.Key figures express excitement about the store’s potential impact on the region’s retail scene.Harvey Norman, a renowned tech and home appliance retailer, has officially opened its first store in England at the Merry Hill centre in Brierley Hill. The Australian brand has secured…

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Sipsmith has suffered its fifth consecutive year of declining sales, raising concerns for the London-based distillery.Recent accounts show a turnover of £14.2 million for 2023, down from £18.2 million the previous year.The company has endured a substantial pre-tax loss of £17.2 million in comparison to £13.1 million in 2022.Sipsmith’s sales in the UK and Europe have notably decreased, although there was a slight revenue uptick in the USA.Sipsmith will cease its UK market and commercial activities by February 2025, focusing solely on gin production.Sipsmith, a prestigious gin distillery, has been facing a persistent decline in sales for five consecutive years,…

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The West Retail Group, owner of Wren Kitchens, has faced a challenging financial year, resulting in significant structural changes.Profits have significantly dropped to their lowest levels since 2017, leading to operational and workforce adjustments.The company experienced a notable decrease in turnover, impacting its financial stability for the past year.Despite challenges in the UK market, the company’s US sales have seen an increase, showcasing the potential for growth beyond domestic borders.Strategic investments in manufacturing aim to stabilise and drive future expansion, despite current financial setbacks.The West Retail Group, which owns Wren Kitchens, has faced a challenging year, with profits plummeting to…

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The upcoming Journalism and Media Week at Leeds Trinity University offers an exceptional opportunity to engage with influential figures in the media industry.Taking place from 4th to 7th November, the event features renowned speakers such as Jeremy Bowen and representatives from Screen Yorkshire and TalkSPORT.Participants will have access to sessions across TV, film, radio, print, and digital media, enhancing their understanding and skills.Special events include a welcome breakfast, workshops, and exclusive talks with media experts and successful alumni.This programme is highly anticipated for its role in bridging academic study and real-world media practices.The 16th annual Journalism and Media Week at…

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Revolut, a prominent fintech company, has been identified in a notable volume of fraud complaints compared to major UK banks.The BBC Panorama investigation revealed nearly 10,000 fraud complaints against Revolut in the past year.Comparative data shows Revolut exceeded Barclays by approximately 2,000 complaints, and it doubled the number of its competitor, Monzo.Incident reports highlight concerns over security measures and customer support, raising questions about priorities in product launches.Revolut has criticised social media platforms, particularly Meta, for insufficient action against fraud, suggesting policy changes are underway.Revolut, headquartered in Canary Wharf, has come under significant scrutiny following a BBC investigation that reported…

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A ground-breaking Bristol healthtech company, Siloton, has secured £860,000 in funding to combat preventable blindness and potentially save the NHS over £1bn annually.Siloton’s advanced eye imaging technology could revolutionise the diagnosis and monitoring of retinal diseases through affordable, compact devices.The funding, including contributions from notable investors, raises Siloton’s total capital to £1.7m, supporting its ambitious market launch by 2025.Led by CEO Dr Alasdair Price, the company is poised to make substantial strides in reducing eye clinic pressures and enhancing patient care.Siloton’s innovative approach signifies a promising step forward in healthtech, with implications for both patient outcomes and healthcare expenditure.A Bristol-based…

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Britain’s reliance on 1.13 million top earners to generate £124bn in income tax has sparked debate over the sustainability of current tax policies.This elite group of taxpayers contributes over 40% of the country’s total income tax, surpassing revenues from multiple other major tax sources.Labour’s proposed tax increase on high earners and non-doms is under scrutiny amid concerns about its potential effectiveness.Experts highlight the risk that heavily taxing a small group may alter taxpayer behaviour and reduce revenue.The upcoming Labour budget places significant focus on ensuring the wealthiest bear the heaviest fiscal responsibilities.According to HM Revenue and Customs, 1.13 million individuals…

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Britain’s reliance on top earners for tax revenue sparks economic debate.Only 1.13 million top-rate taxpayers provide 40% of income tax revenue, contributing £124 billion.This surpasses revenue from corporation tax, fuel duties, council tax, and business rates combined.Labour faces pressure to reconsider tax strategies targeting non-doms and higher earners.Potential behavioural changes among top earners pose risks to revenue generation.According to HM Revenue and Customs, 1.13 million individuals paying the 45p tax rate are expected to contribute £124 billion to the Treasury this year. Their contributions represent over 40% of the total income tax collected. This figure notably exceeds the combined revenue…

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SocialChain, a prominent social-first agency, has announced the appointment of Caity O’Shaughnessy as Business Director.O’Shaughnessy brings over eight years of experience in digital and social media marketing to SocialChain.She has a track record of managing large-scale international campaigns for well-known brands.Now part of SocialChain’s senior leadership, she will work on strategic business initiatives.Her appointment comes at a significant time to elevate SocialChain’s client offerings.SocialChain, a leading agency rooted in Manchester, has made a strategic addition to its leadership team by appointing Caity O’Shaughnessy as the new Business Director. Her entry into the firm marks a pivotal moment, likely to contribute…

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