Author: Dave Antrobus

A recent investigation has scrutinised supermarket price-matching practices, stirring discussions on product quality. The investigation, conducted by BBC’s Panorama, examined discrepancies in the ingredient content of products from leading supermarkets and discounters.BBC Panorama exposed significant differences in ingredient content between Tesco and Aldi products, affecting consumers’ perceived product quality.Aldi’s response, led by Giles Hurley, supports the findings, claiming no compromise on quality at competitive prices.Tesco defends its price-matching strategy, asserting ongoing quality reviews of their supermarket essentials.The investigation highlights consumer concerns, as ingredient content plays a critical role in price and quality comparisons.The BBC Panorama investigation has brought to light…

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Morrisons experienced a slight sales increase in Q3, highlighting improvements in availability and loyalty strategy.The supermarket’s revenue rose by 2% to nearly £4 billion from April to July, driven by strategic pillars.Morrisons expanded its Aldi and Lidl price match programme, now covering almost 300 products.Significant investments were made in the More Card, adding over 2,000 special prices.AI technology improved product availability in over 400 stores.Morrisons, the grocery giant, reported a modest sales increase during its third quarter, with a 2% rise to almost £4 billion between 29 April and 28 July. This growth is attributed to the company’s focus on…

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A comprehensive white paper recommends variable EPR fees to enhance sustainability in UK fashion.The proposal involves key industry entities like QSA Partners and the UKFT.Producers would bear the cost of end-of-life product treatment under this plan.A framework aims to boost recycling, reuse, and reduce environmental harm.Industry leaders call for legislation to support these sustainable practices.In a move to bolster sustainability, a white paper developed by circular business consultancy firm QSA Partners has been put forth, urging the UK government to introduce variable Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees. This initiative has garnered support from prominent organisations including the UK Fashion and…

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Cambridge-based biotech company Pact has successfully raised £9 million to expand with a new laboratory space.Pact specialises in developing ‘nature-inspired’ biomaterials, aiming to reshape the textile industry.Their flagship product, Oval, presents a sustainable alternative to traditional leather materials.The recent funding round was supported by prominent investors such as Hoxton Ventures and ReGen Ventures.Pact’s innovative approach focuses on using natural materials to meet luxury brand standards.Cambridge-based biotech group Pact has made significant strides by securing £9 million in seed funding, a move set to bolster its expansion with a new laboratory in the city spanning 13,820 sq ft.Founded in 2020, Pact…

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BBC Panorama’s investigation into supermarket price matching has prompted a response from Aldi.Aldi’s CEO, Giles Hurley, highlighted comparative findings between Tesco and Aldi products.Panorama found nearly a third of Tesco’s matched products had less of the main ingredient than Aldi’s.Examples included discrepancies in chicken and beef content in products from both retailers.Tesco maintained that ingredient quantity does not necessarily equate to higher quality.In a move that underscores the competitive nature of supermarket pricing strategies, Aldi’s Chief Executive, Giles Hurley, has directed attention towards a BBC Panorama investigation. The documentary, which aired on BBC One, examined the practice of price matching…

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Klarna is set to broaden its influence beyond ecommerce by collaborating with Adyen to offer its Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services in physical stores.Through this strategic partnership, Klarna’s BNPL product will now be available across Europe, North America, and Australia.Adyen’s extensive network of over 450,000 payment terminals will facilitate Klarna’s service, tapping into the substantial in-store shopping market.The integration allows customers to utilise Klarna by scanning QR codes on Adyen terminals and completing transactions on their mobile devices.This partnership marks a significant step forward for Klarna in delivering flexible payment options to consumers in physical retail environments.Klarna has initiated…

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Primark celebrates a significant milestone, marking 50 years since the opening of its first UK store in Derby on 26 September 1974.From humble beginnings in Derby, Primark has grown to 185 stores across Britain, employing over 30,000 people.The brand initially launched in Dublin as Penneys in 1969 by founder Arthur Ryan before expanding to the UK.Significant store openings include Oxford Street in 2007 and the largest store in Birmingham in 2019.Primark’s commitment to affordable fashion has remained steadfast, with recent investments of £100m in UK store developments.Primark marked a remarkable journey of half a century on the British high street…

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The departure of Kristian Horabin marks another significant change in Asda’s leadership team.Kristian Horabin, appointed as Asda’s managing director of commercial food services in 2023, is leaving the role.Horabin’s exit follows notable leadership changes, including the shift of Mohsin Issa and new senior appointments.Kris Comerford communicated the news to suppliers, ensuring Horabin’s continued service until March 2025.The leadership shake-up involves key roles in digital and ecommerce, highlighting Asda’s strategic focus.Asda’s leadership team is undergoing significant changes, with the departure of Kristian Horabin, the managing director of commercial business. Having joined Asda in June 2022, Horabin was initially appointed as vice…

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H&M Group has reported slow growth in sales for the third quarter of 2024, with performance stabilising compared to the previous year.The Swedish fashion retailer saw its net sales reach SEK 59bn (£4.35bn), a slight decrease from SEK 60.9bn (£4.5bn) in the same period last year.Despite challenging conditions, including adverse weather, gross profit amounted to SEK 30.1bn (£2.22bn).An anticipated boost in sales is expected due to favourable reception of its autumn collection and upcoming store developments.The company aims to enhance its brand by investing in shopping experiences and product offerings to increase profitability.H&M Group, a prominent name in the fashion…

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In a significant development within the legal industry, Stowe Family Law, the largest family law firm in the United Kingdom, has been acquired by an international investment entity, Investcorp, heralding a new chapter for the firm.Founded in 2017, Stowe Family Law was initially under the ownership of Livingbridge, a private equity firm. Under its stewardship, Stowe experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a modest team of 100 staff across 10 offices to a substantial enterprise employing nearly 400 people in 90 locations. This expansion was facilitated by four acquisitions over the past two years, culminating in a substantial increase in turnover,…

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