David Brayshaw steps down after an impactful eight-year tenure as a non-executive director at Frasers Group.Appointed in 2016, Brayshaw brought extensive banking experience to the role, influencing key decisions.His departure marks the end of a career that included a significant stint at Barclays Bank before joining Frasers.David Daly, the Chair, acknowledges Brayshaw’s substantial contributions to the company’s growth and success.The current board continues with strong leadership, ensuring stability post-Brayshaw’s exit.David Brayshaw, who joined Frasers Group as a non-executive director in December 2016, has officially stepped down from his position. His departure on 12 August concludes nearly eight years of dedicated…
Author: Dave Antrobus
British Steel is close to securing a substantial £600 million government bailout. The funding aims to shift steel production from traditional blast furnaces to electric arc furnace technology, lowering emissions.Concerns about job losses persist, with potential cuts to 2,000 positions due to new technology.Labour’s commitment to resolving issues with British Steel’s owner brings renewed urgency to negotiations.Unions insist on maintaining blast furnace operations, complicating bailout terms.British Steel is on the verge of obtaining a £600 million bailout from the UK government. This significant financial assistance is meant to aid the transition from traditional blast furnace operations to electric arc furnace…
Independent retailers express dismay over the sudden launch of Fynch-Hatton’s UK website, which was not communicated to them beforehand.The new UK platform was developed by Fynch-Hatton and its UK agent, Sardine Agencies, causing a stir among retailers when it was launched without prior notice.Retailers were surprised by the lack of information, as the website was not mentioned during recent buying meetings or when placing orders for Spring Summer 2025 collections.There are concerns over the website not listing the names of UK stockists, impacting the expected market dynamics.There is a plan to expand the UK website’s offerings, currently including only menswear,…
Amid rising car insurance costs, a new analysis reveals how certain job roles may affect premiums.Accurate job title listings can significantly impact insurance rates according to experts.Care workers, delivery drivers, and nurses face high insurance costs relative to salaries.Graphic designers and LGV drivers enjoy lower insurance premiums.Strategies to reduce insurance costs include adjusting voluntary excess and avoiding unnecessary add-ons.With car insurance rate hikes of 18% and a surge in queries about expensive premiums, UK drivers are seeking ways to reduce costs. Expert analysis from Independent Advisor Car Insurance sheds light on an often-overlooked factor that can inflate premiums: the accuracy…
Under Armour is navigating significant financial downturns amidst restructuring efforts, triggering a substantial operating loss.The company reported a 10% year-on-year revenue drop, amounting to $1.2 billion, with significant declines in North American sales.Wholesale and direct-to-consumer revenues also suffered setbacks, reflecting the broader challenges faced by the brand.Founder Kevin Plank returned as CEO, expressing optimism about the brand’s strategic reorientation and future prospects.Despite the challenges, Under Armour is committed to maintaining its premium brand positioning and improving operational efficiencies.Under Armour has faced a challenging financial quarter, reporting an operating loss of $300m (£235m) for its first fiscal quarter ending 30 June…
This month, pivotal changes and insightful developments continue to shape the fashion industry. From Mytheresa’s strategic successes to innovative store designs, the spring/summer 2025 season unveils exciting trends.The fashion world observes Mytheresa thriving amidst challenging times, driven by savvy data use and luxurious events that captivate affluent consumers.Significant investment in retail spaces highlights progressive store designs for 2024, pointing towards a vibrant future in physical retail stores.Fashion retailers assess the early impacts of Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government on the industry, noting both advancements and areas needing progress.The spring/summer 2025 buying guide spotlights essential collections at trade events, delivering a…
George at Asda experiences unprecedented success in back-to-school sales.Sales of schoolwear have jumped by 88% compared to the previous year.The introduction of a four-day early bird promotion significantly influenced sales.Investment in store staff training proved beneficial for customer assistance.Despite slight overall decline, online sales for George continue to rise.George, Asda’s in-house clothing and homeware brand, has witnessed a remarkable increase in its back-to-school sales, marking a record beginning to the season. The brand’s sales figures almost doubled compared to the same time frame last year, reflecting an 88% increase in just two weeks.This significant boost is largely attributed to George’s…
Employers are urged to address the prevalent issue of employee loneliness, with 20% of the global workforce affected.Provision of health and wellbeing support is crucial in mitigating loneliness and its associated impacts.Gallup’s recent report highlights the regional disparity in employee loneliness, with South Asia exhibiting the highest rates.Engagement levels among employees significantly influence their experience of loneliness, emphasising the need for cultural awareness.Employers are encouraged to implement tailored support systems, including Global Employee Assistance Programmes, to foster better mental health.Employers worldwide are increasingly called upon to address the issue of employee loneliness, which affects one in five employees globally. This…
Castore, a renowned sportswear brand, is set to enhance its presence with a new store in Derby’s Derbion shopping centre.The store will officially open its doors on 22 August, strategically positioned next to Footlocker.This expansion is part of Castore’s wider international strategy, having recently opened in locations like Dubai and Dublin.Peter Alecock, the newly appointed commercial director, expresses excitement about tapping into the East Midlands market.Derbion’s appeal with its collection of big-name brands ensures a stream of shoppers from the region.On 22 August, Castore will enrich the retail landscape of Derby by launching a new store in the Derbion shopping…
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in businesses across the UK is accelerating, presenting both opportunities and challenges.Aidan Cramer from AIApply highlights a 66% rise in AI usage since September 2023, indicating rapid adoption.While AI boosts productivity and efficiency, unauthorised use poses significant risks such as data security breaches and bias.Businesses must differentiate between authorised and unauthorised AI use to leverage its benefits safely and effectively.Implementing training and clear AI policies can mitigate risks and maximise AI’s potential in the workplace.Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a crucial component in the business landscape of the UK, marked by a significant…