Author: Dave Antrobus

This week has seen significant developments for major industry players with Dame Sharon White announcing her departure from John Lewis and fast fashion giants Shein facing legal challenges.Dame Sharon White has confirmed she will step down as chair of John Lewis Partnership in September, paving the way for Jason Tarry’s succession.John Lewis is set to undergo substantial store refurbishments and expand its convenience sector, investing nearly £1bn over the coming years.Shein, the online retail giant, is embroiled in another lawsuit, this time with competitor Oh Polly, claiming copyright infringement.The British Fashion Council has expressed concerns over Shein’s forthcoming IPO amid…

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HR teams worldwide are facing increasing pressure to balance wellbeing and work-life challenges amidst rising demands.A Culture Amp study reveals less than half of global HR professionals feel equipped to manage organisational needs.In the UK, only 36% of HR practitioners feel able to meet their organisations’ demands.Despite a global rise in perceived resilience, it fell to 45% in 2024, highlighting ongoing pressures.UK HR professionals show a growth in resilience, contrasting with global trends, according to the research.HR teams around the world are navigating significant challenges as they endeavour to manage wellbeing and work-life balance amid mounting expectations. A comprehensive study…

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Ramsdens Solicitors has recently made pivotal changes to its team, strengthening key legal sectors.Ian Miles has been appointed Senior Associate within Ramsdens’ Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury team.Kirsty Dunn has been promoted to Associate in the Private Client practice, focusing on wills and estates.Ian Miles brings 20 years of litigation experience, including handling complex injury claims.Kirsty Dunn is recognised for her expertise in advising on property and estate matters.Ramsdens Solicitors has strategically enhanced its legal team by promoting key members within the firm. This development signifies Ramsdens’ commitment to strengthening their practice areas by recognising and elevating internal talent.Ian Miles,…

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HR data is vital for ensuring employee satisfaction and organisational success.By collecting and analysing data, employers gain insights into workforce needs.Employers can identify and address concerns through regular surveys and feedback.HR data aids in managing talent and promoting workplace diversity.Effective use of HR data supports employee work-life balance and organisational growth.HR data plays a crucial role in meeting employee needs and enhancing organisational success. By systematically collecting and analysing data on employee demographics, performance, engagement, and satisfaction, companies can gain valuable insights into their workforce dynamics. This empowers management to make informed decisions that can substantially improve the employee experience.Regular…

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The financial landscape is increasingly impacting retirement prospects for full-time workers in the UK.Nearly 40% of employees now believe they may never afford retirement, up from 33% last year.The 35-44 age group is particularly worried, with almost half fearing lifelong work.Rising living costs have led 32% to consider delaying retirement.81% worry about inadequate retirement savings, and many lack workplace financial support.The issue of retirement affordability is becoming a significant concern among UK employees. With the rising cost of living, almost 40% of full-time workers now fear they will never be able to retire, an increase from 33% just a year…

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The GFK Consumer Confidence Index reveals a modest improvement in June, but overall sentiment remains negative.Consumer optimism about the UK economy has increased, contributing to the rise in confidence.Three of the index’s five measures rose in June compared to the previous month.Personal financial outlooks are mixed, with some indicators rising and others falling.The cost of living crisis continues to impact household budgets, maintaining a negative headline score.The GFK Consumer Confidence Index recorded a slight rise in June, with the overall score increasing by three points to -14. Despite this improvement, the index remains in negative territory, indicating ongoing consumer wariness.…

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Football icon Harry Kane collaborates with US brand to launch a stylish clothing line.The launch features a capsule collection with three key items: shorts, a quarter-zip top, and a Henley T-shirt.Items are priced between £40 and £50, available in selected stores across Europe, UK, and US.The collection, branded ‘comfort that performs’, proudly displays a unique Harry Kane logo.Kane continues his partnership with the brand, having been their ambassador since the launch of SKX01 football boots.Harry Kane, renowned football superstar, has teamed up with a US-based brand to debut a new clothing line. This collaboration unveils a carefully curated capsule collection…

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Clarks shares its transformative digital journey to enhance its e-commerce platform, impacting business operations and customer engagement.Simon Clarke, Clarks’ CIO, and Rushi Lala of AbsoluteLabs provided insights into Clarks’ 18-month digital replatform.The strategy focused on upgrading technology to improve user experience and streamline operational efficiency.Collaboration with AbsoluteLabs played a crucial role in executing this digital transformation.The transformation aims to leverage digital capabilities to strengthen Clarks’ market position.Clarks has embarked on a significant transformation of its digital landscape with the objective of elevating its e-commerce platform. Simon Clarke, Clarks’ chief information officer, in collaboration with Rushi Lala, managing partner of AbsoluteLabs,…

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Leading UK fashion industry experts reveal four pivotal technologies poised to transform fashion retail.Panellists from Asos, N Brown Group, Schuh, and EXL highlighted crucial technological shifts.Discussions centred on future-proofing retail through innovative solutions.The conference outlined essential digital activations for the retail space.Key technological strategies are vital for the evolving fashion landscape.At the Drapers Future of Fashion conference, representatives from major fashion retail companies shared their insights on the technological shifts necessary to secure the future of fashion retail. Esteemed panellists from Asos, N Brown Group, Schuh, and EXL, a global analytics and digital solutions provider, highlighted four central technologies that…

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Engaging in team sports during school years has a profound impact on later professional life.A significant majority believe sports enhance skills like teamwork and resilience.Sports activities in youth also promote long-term health and fitness habits.Challenges such as inadequate sportswear deter many girls from participating.Efforts from Maiden aim to redefine girls’ sports involvement and empowerment.Engaging in team sports during one’s school years provides essential skills beneficial in professional settings. New research underscores the connection between youth participation in competitive sports and success in the modern workplace. When surveyed, 69% of people affirmed that sports made them a better team player, with…

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