Author: Dave Antrobus

The much-loved Quality Street Collisions bar, a harmonious blend of two favourite flavours, has been discontinued by its manufacturer. Launched in August 2023, the bar quickly became a cherished treat for many but has now been officially removed from shelves, sparking disappointment among its fans.The news of the discontinuation was confirmed following a query from a concerned customer on X, formerly known as Twitter, asking about the bar’s availability. Quality Street responded candidly, stating that the Collisions bar, which creatively combined the flavours of The Purple One and the Green Triangle, did not match the popularity of other products in…

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Partful, a leader in manufacturing aftersales technology, has secured a £5m investment to enhance its platform.The funding, led by Northern Gritstone with participation from Par Equity and Blumberg Capital, aims to automate Partful’s 3D aftersales SaaS platform.This strategic investment will accelerate Partful’s growth in the expansive $640bn aftermarket sector.Partful’s platform enables OEMs to easily identify, order, and fit components, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors.The funding highlights the significant progress Partful has made since its inception, signalling further job creation in Manchester.Partful, a prominent name in the manufacturing aftersales technology sector, has successfully obtained £5m in investment funding. This financial boost…

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The acquisition of Crystal & Son Group by Dransfield Novelty Company Limited signifies a major expansion for the UK’s largest gaming machine maker.Dransfield’s purchase enhances its product offerings to pubs and clubs while entering the bingo and fundraising sector.This strategic move leverages the expertise of Crystal & Son Group in a closely related but distinct industry.Legal and corporate finance guidance was pivotal in executing this strategic transaction successfully.The integration of Crystal & Son into Dransfield’s operations is set to bolster its market presence.Dransfield Novelty Company Limited, the largest British-owned supplier of gaming machines, has acquired Crystal & Son Group, a…

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Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery have broadened their partnership in the UK and Ireland.The agreement includes the ad-supported Max streaming service for Sky customers.Sky customers will continue accessing popular series on Sky Atlantic until the end of 2025.Sky Sports offers an extended range of sports due to recent rights renewals.The partnership positions Sky as a leading entertainment provider.Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have announced a significant expansion of their collaboration in the UK and Ireland. This extended partnership will see Sky customers enjoying a wealth of content from Warner Bros. Discovery, including the inclusion of the ad-supported version of…

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Dobbies has been granted approval for a restructuring plan by the Court of Session in Scotland, allowing for the closure of 12 stores.The garden centre chain will exit leases on 10 sites that are not profitable, with Morpeth and Stapleton locations transitioning to other operators.Despite earlier plans, the Antrim flagship will continue to operate due to a landlord agreement.Initially, 17 unprofitable stores, including 11 mainline and 6 Little Dobbies, were set for closure, affecting 465 staff.The restructuring aims to enable future investment and sustainable profitability for Dobbies.Dobbies, the well-known garden centre chain, has confirmed that it will close 12 of…

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Flow Creative has revitalised Bolton Family Hubs with a new brand designed to welcome and engage the local community.Bolton Family Hubs offer essential support services for families and young people from birth to 19 years, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).The rebranding effort incorporates playful and diverse elements to reflect Bolton’s community spirit and make the services more accessible.Flow Creative director Karl Doran highlights the collaborative nature of the project and the significance of reinstating support services that have been diminished over the years.Chantelle Brown of the Children’s Reform Programme emphasises the importance…

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StickupMedia! celebrates its 25th anniversary with record growth.Founded in 1999, the company now reports a 22% increase in turnover.The Manchester-based firm has expanded its national reach in the UK.Employing over 20 staff, StickupMedia! offers customised OOH services.Co-founders reflect on their journey from concert promoters to industry leaders.Celebrating a successful 25 years, StickupMedia! has announced record-breaking growth, reporting an impressive 22% increase in turnover. Founded in 1999 by Lee Donnelly and Stef Loukes, the company has reached its strongest trading position yet. As an independent Out of Home (OOH) marketing specialist based in Manchester, StickupMedia! has expanded its reach nationally, providing…

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ASM Global is deepening its commitment to grassroots music venues across the UK.The collaboration with Music Venue Trust (MVT) focuses on raising funds and awareness.ASM Global’s initiatives include health, safety, and marketing support for venues.Venue and stage furniture donations strengthen local independent music scenes.The partnership highlights the significance of grassroots venues in the UK’s music ecosystem.ASM Global, a leading operator of major UK arenas such as AO Arena and Utilita Arena Newcastle, is enhancing its partnership with the Music Venue Trust (MVT). This alliance is devoted to supporting grassroots music venues, crucial to nurturing emerging talent and sustaining the UK’s…

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Industrial action at the Bakkavor plant in Spalding has sparked growing concerns over the availability of Christmas party foods.The ongoing strike at the Bakkavor facility, a significant supplier of savoury dips, has persisted for nearly three months. This has raised alarm over potential shortages of beloved seasonal items such as dips, soups, and sauces. Reports indicate that more than half of the workforce at the Lincolnshire site, approximately 800 out of 1,400 employees, have decided to extend their strike by an additional three months. They are advocating for a wage increase above the existing 10 pence per hour premium over…

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The ongoing industrial action at Bakkavor’s Spalding facility has raised concerns about potential shortages of popular Christmas party food items.For nearly three months, workers at Bakkavor’s Spalding plant, a significant supplier of savoury dips, have been on strike. According to a report by The Guardian, nearly 800 of the 1,400 workers at the Lincolnshire site, represented by the Unite union, have voted to extend their industrial action for another three months. They demand higher wages beyond the 10p-per-hour premium over the £11.44 legal minimum wage for those over 21.Unite general secretary Sharon Graham highlighted the issue, stating, “Bakkavor is an…

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