CDS Superstores, owner of The Range, Wilko and Homebase, appoints Sam Davies as chief supply chain officer.Sam Davies, former Amazon director of operations, brings a decade of ecommerce experience.CDS aims to implement transformational plans to advance its business and customer offerings.Recent acquisition of Homebase reflects CDS’s growth ambitions and strategic expansion.The appointment aligns with CDS’s goal to enhance its supply chain and drive future growth.CDS Superstores, the umbrella company for well-known retailers such as The Range, Wilko, and Homebase, has announced a significant appointment within its executive team. Sam Davies, previously a director at Amazon, steps into the newly formed…
Author: Dave Antrobus
The financial manoeuvres of the Barclay family have come under scrutiny.In 2022, the family withdrew £107.7m from their holding company.Lloyds Banking Group sought repayment on £1.2bn of unpaid loans by 2023.Three significant payments were made, totalling over £100m.Questions remain about the potential sale and future of Very Group.The Barclay family, owners of the Very Group, made financial headlines by withdrawing £107.7 million from their holding company in 2022. This action took place as they faced mounting pressure from Lloyds Banking Group, which was pursuing repayment of £1.2 billion in unpaid loans expected to be settled by the following year. The…
Synectics, based in Sheffield, has captured four lucrative contracts totalling $2.7 million. These contracts are focused on surveillance solutions for casinos in the Philippines and the USA.The company’s Synergy software will be installed in two gaming resorts in the Philippines.In the USA, existing client PENN Entertainment has expanded its use of Synergy software to two new casino locations.Synectics’ innovative solutions have been praised for their comprehensive features and adaptability.These projects are scheduled for completion within the current financial year, ending 30 November 2025.Sheffield’s Synectics has successfully obtained four major contracts valued at $2.7 million to deliver its advanced surveillance software…
Asda has strategically borrowed £155m to manage its upcoming debt obligations, alleviating immediate financial pressure.The loan is an addition to an existing credit facility, maturing in 2031, aimed at addressing debts due in 2025 and 2026.This financial move reduces existing pressure, providing Asda with increased flexibility amidst high debt levels.With total debts around £6bn, Asda paid £441m in finance costs last year despite refinancing significant borrowings.Asda’s net debt decreased by £100m last quarter, and the company remains committed to reducing leverage.Asda has secured a £155m private loan to address its immediate financial commitments. This move is part of a strategy…
In a significant move aimed at tackling childhood obesity, the UK government will enforce a ban on junk food advertising before 9pm, commencing on 1 October 2025. This will see several popular food items, including porridge and granola, classified as unsuitable for early evening adverts.The new regulations will encompass a variety of food products that score high in factors considered unhealthy, such as energy, saturated fat, total sugar, and sodium. Besides porridge and granola, the ban extends to ready meals, stuffed pasta, oat-based cereals, confectionery, soft drinks, ice cream, and pizza. Additionally, savoury snacks like crisps, pitta bread-based snacks, rice…
Burberry has initiated legal proceedings against B&M regarding a trademark dispute.The luxury brand alleges that B&M falsely represented its goods as Burberry products.B&M has been selling pet accessories under the name ‘furberry,’ which Burberry claims infringes on its trademark.Products in question mimic Burberry’s signature check pattern, raising concerns of brand confusion.Neither Burberry nor B&M have commented publicly on the ongoing litigation.Burberry, the renowned luxury fashion house, has embarked on a legal journey by filing a lawsuit against B&M, a well-known discount retailer. The action, launched in the High Court, centres around allegations that B&M has been misrepresenting its products as…
The Bigger Boat announces strategic expansion and leadership changes.Three skilled professionals join to enhance design and digital marketing.Scriba PR’s integration adds depth to communication services.Leadership roles realigned to foster growth and service quality.New internal roles promote specialisation and client success.The Bigger Boat is steering into a new era with key appointments and the integration of the Scriba PR agency, enhancing its capabilities and widening its reach.Joining The Bigger Boat’s team are Karla Robbeson, Rodger Dumisani, and Max Singh. Robbeson, originally from Cape Town, brings nine years of experience in design, covering multiple industries like fintech and eCommerce. Dumisani, a University…
A roundtable with winners of the Prolific North Marketing Awards focused on key opportunities and challenges for 2025.The discussion addressed the impact of AI and automation across different marketing strategies.The leaders explored the expansion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within their agencies.Emerging social media platforms and shifts in strategies for 2025 were key topics of interest.Budget constraints and strategic planning for financial challenges were also highlighted.At a recent gathering in Manchester, leaders from the Prolific North Marketing Awards convened to exchange insights on the future of marketing in 2025. The roundtable, chaired by David Prior, took place at…
The Prolific North Champions Awards return in 2025, marking a celebration of the creative, digital, marketing, and tech sectors across Northern England and Scotland.There are 38 diverse categories, reflecting the dynamic growth and achievements within these industries.The event intends to recognise groundbreaking innovations, exceptional agencies, and outstanding tech-driven companies and initiatives.New categories have been introduced alongside returning favourites, offering opportunities for varied recognition.Early bird entries are open until Wednesday, 29 January 2025, encouraging timely submissions.The Prolific North Champions Awards is set to return in 2025, aiming to highlight the remarkable successes within the creative, digital, marketing, and tech sectors across…
Scare City 2024 at the abandoned Camelot Theme Park garnered significant success, drawing attention with its immersive experiences.The event sold 32,500 tickets, generating over £1,000,000 in revenue, and captivating audiences with innovative attractions.Influencer partnerships played a significant role, extending the event’s social media reach to millions.Scare City achieved viral attention with ten videos surpassing 50,000 views.With over 4.6 million views on Instagram and TikTok, the event’s social strategy proved highly effective.Scare City 2024 demonstrated remarkable success, captivating visitors with its unique experiences at the abandoned Camelot Theme Park. The event sold 32,500 tickets, surpassing the revenue mark of £1,000,000. This…