Barclays urges the UK government to offer tax incentives for homeowners looking to downsize, aiming to address the housing crisis by freeing up 3.8 million homes.The bank recommends that downsizers be allowed to offset moving costs against their stamp duty bill to encourage relocation.Barclays stresses the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle housing market challenges, including simplifying the moving process and increasing retirement housing construction.Critics argue that such tax breaks may disproportionately benefit wealthier homeowners rather than first-time buyers or families in need.Despite the potential benefits, there is concern about the fairness of incentivising a generation that has gained…
Author: Dave Antrobus
The renowned grocery chain is set to enhance its in-store bakery sections through the introduction of more than 30 new items spanning bread, savoury snacks, and patisserie.This expansion marks a significant refresh, covering over a third of the store’s bakery and savoury snack selections. In particular, 15 innovative products are being debuted, offering unique flavour profiles such as Cheese and Onion Tear & Share Bread and Jalapeno & Cheddar Breadstick.In the patisserie section, 14 new sweet indulgences are being introduced. These include a variety of cakes, tarts, and buns enriched with seasonal flavours like cinnamon and tiramisu. Moreover, the launch…
Waitrose is enhancing its in-store bakery selection with over 30 new products, emphasising freshness and quality.The supermarket is introducing 15 innovative bread and savoury snack options, featuring unique flavours.A new assortment of 14 patisserie items, including cakes, tarts, and buns, is being launched with seasonal tastes.Freshness is a key focus with in-store baking for many products like the slow-fermented sourdough baguette.The bakery expansion follows a notable 14% increase in in-store bakery sales from the previous year.Waitrose is set to significantly expand its bakery counters, introducing a total of over 30 new items aimed at revitalising their in-store offerings. The expansion…
In a strategic move to meet the evolving preferences of customers, a convenience retailer has revamped its grocery range by introducing a variety of new products across its biscuits, cereals, and beverages categories.Fresh to the shelves is a selection of new items, including Oatly Oat Drink, Go Ahead Fruit Slices Apple, Quaker Apple & Blueberry Porridge Pot, and Belvita Soft Baked Choc Chips. This transformation in product offerings is driven by the retailer’s commitment to providing healthier breakfast and snacking options, in response to a rising trend towards health-conscious buying habits. As noted by the head of products, the aim…
In a significant move to support essential workers, Deliveroo has formed a partnership with Blue Light Card to offer free delivery services. This initiative is set to benefit members of the emergency services, NHS, teachers, the social care sector, and armed forces with substantial savings.Deliveroo, renowned for its quick and efficient delivery service, has become the sole delivery app to collaborate with Blue Light Card. This partnership entails providing cardholders with free Deliveroo Plus Silver membership for the coming year, amounting to over £40 in annual savings. Under this membership, Blue Light Card holders can enjoy free delivery from a…
In a significant move within the fintech sector, Pockit has acquired Monese, ensuring the stability of the London-based enterprise that faced financial challenges. This acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, follows Monese’s prior warning about its fundraising uncertainties.Pockit, having previously lent funds to Monese, has now taken ownership, strengthening its presence in the financial technology landscape.Virraj Jatania, CEO of Pockit, will lead the combined company, with services continuing independently for now.A substantial equity injection of up to £15 million is planned to support the integration and growth of the new entity.This strategic acquisition is expected to enhance financial inclusion, reaching a…
PHD Marketing unveils its new identity, Think B2B Marketing, marking a decade of growth and evolution.The rebrand reflects a commitment to addressing modern B2B challenges with strategic marketing solutions.Joanna Stephenson recounts the journey from a small team to an international agency with over 20 employees.The agency positions itself as a partner that understands the intricate needs of B2B companies.Think B2B Marketing aims to leverage its expertise for future growth and industry leadership.PHD Marketing, based in Wakefield, has undergone a full rebrand to become Think B2B Marketing as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. This change signifies the agency’s significant growth and…
Unilever has officially exited Russia, completing the sale of its subsidiary.The Russian and Belarusian divisions were sold to Arnest Group, a local manufacturer.Campaigners pressured Unilever to leave due to claims linking its activities to the Russian-Ukraine conflict.The sale, valued significantly lower than expected, underscores a strategic retreat from the region.Other FMCG giants have also reduced operations in Russia amid challenging conditions.Unilever has wrapped up its operations in Russia by selling its subsidiary to the Russian firm Arnest Group, marking the company’s departure from the region. CEO Hein Schumacher confirmed the sale, which encompasses Unilever’s entire business presence in Russia, including…
Innovate Finance is spearheading a nationwide initiative aimed at bolstering fintech startups across the UK.Over the next year, regional pitch events will be conducted in the North, South West, Midlands, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.Entrepreneurs will present innovative solutions to a live audience and a panel of industry judges.The initiative seeks to redistribute funding attention from London to diverse UK regions.The programme highlights the vast potential of fintech innovations outside the capital.Innovate Finance is embarking on a transformative journey to support fintech startups across the United Kingdom. The organisation has announced a series of regional pitch events slated for the North,…
Waitrose has launched an engaging campaign for its No.1 range, featuring the iconic pop group S Club.The campaign video showcases the group’s famous song “You’re My Number One” remixed by Jax Jones.S Club members are depicted enjoying a lavish feast in a Waitrose store.The promotional effort highlights 200 new and improved products within the range.The advert received a positive reception from social media users, praising its nostalgic appeal.Waitrose has unveiled a new promotional campaign for its premium No.1 range, collaborating with the renowned pop group S Club. The campaign features a lively video shared across social media platforms, capturing members…