The hybrid working model’s popularity is facing scrutiny as both employers and employees reconsider its benefits and challenges.Originally fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid working saw a rise from 4.7% to 25% of the UK workforce working from home between 2019 and 2022.While hybrid working offers flexibility and cost savings, recent organisational shifts suggest a move back to traditional in-office setups.Employers like Boots have shifted from hybrid to complete in-office work to boost company culture and productivity.The hybrid model’s impact on talent acquisition and employee well-being continues to be a subject of discussion.The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Card Factory expands as Aldi’s sole card supplier.The partnership includes Aldi’s 1,200 UK and Ireland stores.Initial 2019 partnership shared with IG Design Group.Expansion aligns with Card Factory’s growth strategy.Card Factory navigates profit challenges despite sales growth.Card Factory has taken a significant step forward by becoming the exclusive supplier of greeting cards to Aldi, expanding its reach to the supermarket’s extensive network of 1,200 stores across the UK and Ireland. This development marks an evolution from its initial partnership established in 2019, where the contract was shared with IG Design Group.Initially, Card Factory supplied its ranges to approximately 550 Aldi stores…
Superdry CEO, Julian Dunkerton, is urging the UK government to address a tax loophole favouring Shein.The loophole allegedly offers Shein an unjust advantage by exempting low-value parcels from import duties.While Shein credits its supply chain efficiency for its success, Dunkerton argues that tax policy gives them an edge.UK Treasury maintains that tax policies must consider both retailer and consumer interests.Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has also expressed concerns over the alleged tax benefits for Shein.The CEO of Superdry, Julian Dunkerton, has called upon the UK government to reconsider tax policies that allow the fashion retailer Shein to allegedly bypass certain import…
Raspberry Pi has seen significant revenue growth following its IPO, reported in its first results as a public company.The company recorded revenues of $144m in the first half of the year, marking an impressive 61% increase.However, the firm has warned of ‘normalising’ sales and slowing demand in the latter half of the year.CEO Eben Upton highlighted the company’s strong product offering and future growth potential, amid a backdrop of unwinding inventory levels.Raspberry Pi shares have seen a 6.4% increase, reflecting investor confidence despite cautious sales forecasts.In its inaugural results as a publicly listed company, Raspberry Pi experienced a remarkable surge…
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is facing significant criticism from city solicitors over its proposed reform of fining powers, with concerns about its legitimacy and potential for legal challenges.The City of London Law Society (CLLS) has vocally opposed the SRA’s plans, arguing that they are arbitrary and fail to meet the necessary legal standards. According to the CLLS, the regime is so flawed that it is susceptible to judicial review, indicating potential legal battles ahead.Under the proposed reform, penalty bands for various levels of misconduct will be introduced, with minimum fines for firms starting at £5,000 and reaching up to…
In a significant shift within the legal profession, four out of five lawyers are now either using or planning to implement artificial intelligence (AI) tools. However, the potential implications of these tools on legal fees remain ambiguous, a recent study reveals.The research, titled ‘Fast law: why speed is the priority for lawyers using AI’ by LexisNexis, highlights that the legal market is undergoing substantial transformation. As firms increasingly adopt AI to streamline operations and improve service delivery, they face the challenge of preserving accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical standards. The study suggests that firms which adeptly manage this transition while maintaining…
Over 150 MPs have appealed to Asda’s leadership to settle a significant equal pay dispute.159 MPs have signed a letter urging the majority owners, TDR Capital, to address gender pay discrimination allegations.The legal conflict has reached a second stage, representing over £2 billion in potentially owed backdated pay.Labour MP Nadia Whittome, along with other notable political figures, leads this initiative.Asda maintains its stance against the claims, amidst mounting political and legal pressure.More than 150 members of parliament have issued a call for action to Asda’s executives, pressing for a resolution to the ongoing equal pay dispute. This development is reported…
A new immersive retail experience, Future Stores, is launching on Oxford Street next month.Located at 95 Oxford Street, the 435sq m space blends media, retail, and digital marketing.Future Stores aims to captivate audiences with a dynamic retail media platform.Brands can showcase their offerings to 1.3 million passersby monthly.Oxford Street’s transformation continues with plans to pedestrianise the iconic retail area.Future Stores, an innovative retail concept, is poised to open its doors on Oxford Street in the coming month. Occupying a 435 square metre space, the establishment seeks to blend the realms of media, retail, and digital performance marketing into a singular,…
British AI legaltech firm Luminance is gaining traction in the US market with a strategic entry into Dallas.Luminance has developed advanced AI tools for legal processes, including contract management and analysis.The company recently secured substantial funding to support its expansion in the United States.A significant portion of Luminance’s revenue comes from major American clients.This expansion is part of a broader strategy to capture the US legal tech market.British generative AI legal tech startup Luminance has strategically moved into the Dallas, Texas market as part of its ongoing expansion efforts in the United States. The company has rolled out advanced technological…
Employers are re-evaluating HR strategies for better retirement outcomes.Research by REBA shows current pension contributions fall short of good outcomes.Nearly half of employers see pension challenges as immediate concerns.Chancellor’s review could speed up changes in pension strategies.Employers call for provider and consultant assistance in maximising support.Employers are actively considering new strategies to ensure employees achieve adequate retirement outcomes. According to recent research by the Reward and Employee Benefit Association (REBA), there is a consensus that current pension contributions are inadequate for meeting future employee needs. The findings reveal that nearly half of the employers see this as an immediate issue…