A notable immigration lawyer has expressed surprise following a Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) review, which concluded that legally aided work was perceived as being of lower quality compared to privately funded work. The review, conducted in July, involved examining law firms specialising in asylum services.Barry O’Leary, a partner at the London-based immigration law firm, Wesley Gryk, shared his response in a podcast hosted by Free Movement. He firmly contested the SRA’s findings, stating, ‘My perception is that a lot of the bad practice is actually in the privately paid sector, not in the legal aid sector.’The SRA’s thematic review of…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Marking 100 years of its promise, John Lewis launches a new ad campaign.The campaign is the department store’s biggest marketing effort to date.A 90-second film reflects on the past century through store window displays.Narrated by Samantha Morton, it showcases historical and modern scenes.The ad is part of a three-part Christmas campaign celebrating ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’.John Lewis has introduced the first segment of a three-part Christmas advertising campaign, celebrating 100 years of its iconic pledge, ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’. This campaign is considered the department store’s most extensive marketing endeavour since reinstating the pledge that was paused two years ago.The 90-second film…
The London Fashion Week 2024 was a vibrant display of creativity and innovation, captivating audiences with unique designs from renowned designers.Jawara Alleyne showcased a collection blending Cayman Islands heritage with London’s subculture, featuring bold and eclectic designs.Knwls brought an elevated, ladylike feel with leather, corsetry, and sheer floral elements, reflecting a mature Y2K aesthetic.Marques’Almeida drew inspiration from 17th-century Dutch portraits, incorporating raw denim and floral brocade fabrics.Labrum’s SS25 collection, held at Emirates Stadium, showcased strong tailoring with West African influences and included a unique look designed for Arsenal.The London Fashion Week 2024 concluded with a diverse array of shows that…
Frasers Group has announced a substantial expansion into the Benelux region, marking its ambition to strengthen its international presence.Having acquired Sprinter stores earlier this year, the group is launching nine new Sports World locations in the Netherlands.The company plans to open new Sports Direct outlets in Luxembourg and Belgium within the next few months.Frasers Group aims to dominate the Benelux sports retail market by investing in a blend of online and physical stores.Ger Wright, Frasers Group’s managing director of sport, emphasises the importance of their ‘Elevation Strategy’ and brand partnerships in driving growth.Frasers Group is set to enhance its presence…
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has urged the Bank of England to consider reducing interest rates in a bid to revitalise consumer spending. This call comes amidst unchanged inflation rates and increasing pressures on consumer finances.An unexpected hold on inflation rates, reported at 2.2% from July through August, dims hopes for a forthcoming interest rate cut.The impact of rising private rents, which surged 8.4% across the UK, adds to consumer financial strain.Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, underscores the necessity of an interest rate reduction to rejuvenate consumer confidence and high street spending.With the Bank of England’s meeting looming, speculations…
Employers are displaying significant concern over the physical health of overseas employees, according to research.60% of businesses with staff working abroad prioritise physical health concerns over mental, financial, and social health.While physical health stands out, mental health still presents a substantial challenge for employees overseas.Social and financial health aspects are also notable concerns for enterprises engaging international assignments.Research underlines the necessity for comprehensive support across all health and wellbeing dimensions abroad.Recent research highlights a growing concern among employers regarding the physical health of their overseas employees, with 60% prioritising this aspect over other health dimensions. This trend points to the…
Pret A Manger has achieved significant growth, reaching £1.1 billion in sales for 2023.Sales rose by an impressive 22% last year, indicating strong performance.International markets have played a crucial role, contributing £1 in every £4 spent at Pret.Franchising now represents a third of Pret A Manger’s sales.The company has big plans for expansion, especially in the US and UK regions.Pret A Manger has reported a remarkable increase in sales, culminating in £1.1 billion for the year 2023. This represents a 22% surge compared to previous figures. The first half of 2024 has continued this trend with a 10% rise in…
In today’s demanding work environment, the concept of ‘pretend productivity’ is gaining attention.Over one-third of UK workers admit to engaging in pretend productivity due to unrealistic expectations.The pressure to always be available is a driving force behind this trend, affecting well-being.Strict time-tracking systems may unintentionally promote rather than reduce pretend productivity.Building a high-trust culture with meaningful recognition is key to reducing fake activity.The modern work landscape is increasingly characterised by an ‘always-on’ culture, putting significant pressure on employees to appear constantly productive. This has sparked a worrying trend of ‘pretend productivity,’ where over 36% of UK workers admit to faking…
Mohsin Issa steps back from Asda leadership to focus on EG Group.Lord Rose and Rob Hattrell to lead Asda during this transition period.Mohsin Issa remains an influential figure as a co-owner and board member.The loyalty app and IT infrastructure initiatives are credited to Issa’s leadership.Asda is on the lookout for new leadership to spearhead future growth.Mohsin Issa, co-owner of Asda, has decided to step back from his executive leadership role, shifting his focus to his role as the sole Chief Executive Officer of EG Group. This strategic decision marks a significant change in the leadership structure of the supermarket giant.…
A recent report highlights concerning trends in enterprise Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, suggesting they may be superficial.The study by AND Digital shows many large businesses have inadequate action plans, particularly affecting women in leadership.Only 46% of women in enterprises with over 10,000 employees feel they have equal leadership opportunities.There is a significant call for more internal promotions and development opportunities for women.Female leaders indicate corporate culture must change to better support parenting and career advancement.In a recent exploration of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives among enterprises, a report by AND Digital has uncovered troubling indicators that such…