Author: Dave Antrobus

Minster Law has announced the successful conclusion of a transformative three-year journey that enables the firm to handle low-value whiplash claims profitably.Yorkshire-based Minster Law, which has seen a notable transition from a £4.7m loss in 2022/23 to a £503,000 pre-tax profit in 2023/24, credits this financial turnaround to a strategic overhaul. The firm’s turnover also increased by 15% to nearly £37m.Minster Law operates not on a direct-to-consumer basis but rather collaborates closely with insurers. The firm’s portfolio broadened after acquiring Irwin Mitchell’s fast-track book in 2021, which channels personal injury work that Irwin Mitchell opts not to manage.The reforms to…

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The United Kingdom government has announced a landmark decision to inject an additional £20 million into civil legal aid funding, marking the first significant boost in nearly three decades.In a move aimed at addressing long-standing funding issues, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is set to consult on raising legal aid fees for professionals handling housing, debt, immigration, and asylum cases. The proposed adjustments include increasing fees to approximately £65 per hour outside London and £69 per hour within the city, or offering a 10% uplift, whichever is greater. Fixed fees are also expected to rise in proportion to these changes.…

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The year 2024 sees a spectacular display of creativity as fashion retailers compete in a Christmas window display competition.The competition, aimed at UK and Irish independent retailers, invites participants to showcase their visual skills through stunning displays.The Dressing Room in St Albans is the first to participate, featuring oversized baubles and fairy lights.This year’s winner will be featured in a major fashion publication, following the success of last year’s imaginative displays.Multiple entries reveal a mix of fantasy and classic themes, capturing the festive spirit.The year 2024 has inspired independent fashion retailers across the UK and Ireland to participate in a…

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Waitrose has unveiled its first new convenience store in six years, located in Hampton Hill, South West London. This marks the upmarket retailer’s 47th convenience store and is part of an ambitious plan to open 100 more over the next five years with a £1 billion investment programme.The Hampton Hill store stands out with its dedicated sections for ‘dinner for tonight’ and selections of beer and wine, aligning with Waitrose’s strategy to tailor stores to local preferences. Waitrose executive director, James Bailey, previously commented on this approach, emphasising that new stores are designed with customer shopping habits in mind.In addition…

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Historic tea brand Typhoo Tea is currently in administration due to severe financial difficulties.Typhoo Tea, marking its 120th anniversary, has experienced declining sales and profits.The company’s revenue recently fell to £25.33m from £33.67m the previous year, with significant operating losses.Administrators are exploring options to sell the business, with Supreme Imports plc as a potential buyer.The brand’s operations were further impacted by a factory closure, vandalism, and supply chain issues.Typhoo Tea, a well-established name in the tea industry, is confronting substantial financial difficulties leading to its decision to enter administration. Experts have been appointed to oversee the process and seek a…

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In a significant move just ahead of the festive season, Amazon Fresh has unveiled a new store in West Hampstead, marking its first opening in a year after shutting down several locations in 2023.The new Amazon Fresh store presents a wide array of products, encompassing fresh meat, poultry, fish, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, the store features bakery items, household brands, Amazon’s own label food brand ‘byAmazon,’ and a premium grocery selection branded ‘Our Selection.’ In terms of convenience offerings, customers can choose from hot or iced drinks, meal deals, hot foods, and an assortment of on-the-go meals catering to…

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Victoria Leeds has debuted its ‘Catch the Magic’ Christmas campaign, crafted by Manchester’s BGN agency, blending creativity and customer focus.The campaign draws its creative inspiration from a snow globe, centralising around a semi-abstract orb ornament to captivate audiences.The initiative aims to create a connection between in-person events and a lively digital experience, enhancing customer engagement.Interactive elements such as a cyclone machine and extensive social media presence are integral to the campaign.BGN’s continuous collaboration with Victoria Leeds has strengthened its customer understanding, resulting in a sophisticated premium representation.Victoria Leeds has introduced its latest seasonal campaign named ‘Catch the Magic’, conceived and…

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The University of Salford and HighFive have collaborated to create the Spyglass Profiler, an AI-driven tool for insurance.This innovative project aims to enhance the processing speed and accuracy of insurance claims.HighFive, a technology segment of HF legal group, is spearheading this transformative initiative.David Scott from HighFive and Professor Sunil Vadera from the University emphasize the importance of such partnerships.This collaboration reflects the successful marriage of academic insight with industry expertise.The University of Salford has joined forces with HighFive to innovate in the realm of insurance claims processing with the introduction of the Spyglass Profiler. This tool aims to revolutionise the…

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Waitrose has launched a new convenience store, marking a pivotal moment for the company.The new store is located in Hampton Hill, southwest London, and is the 47th of its kind.This development signifies Waitrose’s ambitious expansion plans, including partnerships with Welcome Break and Shell.Waitrose is addressing modern consumer needs by enhancing delivery options through collaboration with platforms like Deliveroo.The retailer aims to redefine convenience shopping with high-quality products and services.Waitrose has embarked on a significant expansion with the opening of its newest convenience store in Hampton Hill, southwest London. This store represents the brand’s first new venture in this format in…

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Lyle’s Golden Syrup has unveiled a major campaign to mark the nationwide introduction of its flapjack range.In a bold move valued at over half a million pounds, the ‘Make Snack Time Golden’ campaign is set to reach 40% of UK adults through diverse platforms including out-of-home advertising, social media, YouTube, and eCommerce channels. The effort promises over 110 million cross-channel impressions, solidifying its extensive reach.Simultaneously, in-store sampling will occur at 125 Tesco locations nationwide, alongside workplace sampling and collaborations with influencers, enhancing consumer engagement. This initiative marks Lyle’s entry earlier this year into the ambient snack market with its flapjack…

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