The retail sector experienced a decline in sales volumes in October, attributed to consumer uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Budget announcement. According to the Office for National Statistics, sales volumes dropped by 0.7% in contrast to a slight increase in September.The data reveals a broader picture with a 0.8% increase in sales volumes for the three months leading to October compared to the preceding three months ending in July 2024. However, specific sectors like food stores saw a significant reduction, with volume sales decreasing by 0.6%. Despite this slump, the decline is an improvement over the 1.9% drop recorded in September.The…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Retail sales figures for October have shown a decline, with analysts attributing the dip to consumer caution and uncertainty surrounding the forthcoming Budget announcement.According to data released by the Office for National Statistics, retail sales volumes experienced a decrease of 0.7% in October. This followed a slight rise of 0.1% in September, highlighting the impact of ongoing economic concerns on consumer behaviour. Despite this monthly decline, over a broader period of three months leading up to October, sales volumes have actually increased by 0.8% when compared to the three months prior.Food stores also saw a downturn in October, with volume…
McCain has selected McCann Content Studios as its social agency of record after a highly competitive pitch process.Luke Taylor, the head of McCann Content Studios, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, highlighting McCain as a beloved brand.Mark Hodge of McCain was impressed by McCann’s energy and creativity during the pitch.The partnership aims to enhance McCain’s engagement across social media platforms.Ingenuity served as consultants throughout the pitch process.In a significant development within the marketing industry, McCann Content Studios has been appointed as McCain’s social agency of record for the United Kingdom and Ireland. This decision followed a competitive pitch process that saw…
The recent election of Donald Trump has caused waves in the crypto market.Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have seen significant valuation increases.Listed Bitcoin instruments in London are experiencing a surge in interest.Regulatory changes under Trump may shake existing financial frameworks.Institutions like Starling Bank have already taken steps due to fraud concerns.In an unexpected turn of events, the cryptocurrency market has experienced substantial growth following the election of Donald Trump. Bitcoin, in particular, has hit an all-time high, surpassing the $95,000 mark. This surge is largely attributed to the anticipated pro-crypto stance of Trump and his ally, Elon Musk, who has assumed…
Major supermarket chains in the UK are making strides to minimise excessive packaging, with one notable chain initiating a trial of 12 new loose fruit and vegetable lines across select stores in northern England.The initiative allows customers to purchase items such as parsnips, carrots, broccoli, and various types of onions, ginger, pears, salad tomatoes, limes, lemons, oranges, and garlic without the usual packaging. These products will be available in stores within County Durham, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear starting this month.If successful, the trial has the potential to eliminate approximately 445 tonnes of unnecessary packaging…
Understanding the significance of client feedback is vital for law firms to stand out and build trust.Many law firms avoid collecting client reviews due to persistent myths and misconceptions.Automating review collection can streamline the process without requiring extensive effort.Legal-specific platforms ensure credible and accurate client feedback, enhancing trust.Negative reviews can actually benefit a firm’s credibility when handled professionally.Collecting client feedback is essential for a law firm’s reputation but misconceptions often deter this practice. Contrary to belief, obtaining reviews is not an arduous process. By automating review requests through case management systems, firms can seamlessly integrate this task into their workflow.…
Superdry has appointed Kim Zaheer, a veteran in financial leadership, as its new interim Chief Financial Officer.Zaheer takes over from Giles David, following a transformative period within the company.Superdry’s recent financial report reveals a 22% drop in group revenue, highlighting challenges in wholesale and retail sectors.The company’s cost reduction efforts have resulted in over £40m savings, aiming for a sustainable future.Superdry is optimistic about the upcoming season, with an expected revenue target of £350m to £400m for the next fiscal year.Superdry has welcomed Kim Zaheer as the interim Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Giles David, who served in the position since…
Major fashion retailers are aggressively expanding their physical store presence worldwide, driven by strategic growth opportunities.AllSaints leads the wave with new stores across the UK, US, Europe, and Asia, enhancing its global reach.JD Sports plans to open between 250-350 stores annually, aiming to dominate in underpenetrated markets.Primark continues its European and US expansion with small format stores, targeting significant market gaps.Mango, Sosandar, Lounge Underwear, Charles Tyrwhitt, Castore, and Mountain Warehouse also announce ambitious store openings.In a bold move to broaden its global footprint, AllSaints is opening a series of new outlets in key markets such as the UK, US, Europe,…
Chris Ballance, CEO of Oxford Ionics, emphasises tackling unknown risks in startups.The company pioneers a trapped-ion approach to quantum computing.Founders should strengthen both understood and unforeseen challenges.Building a senior leadership team is crucial from the outset.Early academic interests can shape entrepreneurial journeys.Chris Ballance, co-founder and CEO of Oxford Ionics, highlights the significance of addressing risks that founders do not yet understand. His startup adopts a state-of-the-art trapped-ion method to advance quantum computing, a field where navigating uncharted territories is essential.Ballance advises that while it is important to focus on challenges that are already familiar, equal attention should be given to…
Upcoming summits in Bradford and Gateshead to explore creative investments.Events to feature live business pitches and discussions on inclusive growth.Focus on scaling investment models in 12 English regions.The Creative Growth Programme supports 700 businesses annually.Cultural contribution of the creative industries reaches £125bn GVA.Creativity takes centre stage as regional summits set to take place in Bradford and Gateshead, aiming to explore and leverage the potential of creative investments. These events, scheduled for the early part of the next year, promise to bring bold dialogues around investment to the fore.Attendees at these summits will have the unique opportunity to witness live pitching…