Lidl’s chief executive Ryan McDonnell has committed to preserving competitive pricing despite facing increased financial pressures due to changes in National Insurance contributions.The recent announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves regarding an increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions has sent ripples through the retail industry. Effective from April 2025, this rise will see contributions climb from 13.8% to 15% for earnings over £175 per week. Lidl, a leading discount retailer, anticipates these changes will add ‘tens of millions of pounds’ to their operational costs.Ryan McDonnell, the head of Lidl GB, has expressed the challenges this poses for the company. In a…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Publishing companies are increasingly turning to AI for new revenue sources.The Daily Mail’s owner has taken a significant stake in a generative AI start-up, ProRata.ai.ProRata.ai aims to pay publishers for content used in AI-generated answers.Major media players like the Guardian and Sky News have signed licensing deals with ProRata.Legal battles highlight concerns over AI’s use of potentially copyrighted content.Numerous publishing groups are recognising the potential of artificial intelligence as an innovative revenue source. In a strategic move, the proprietor of the Daily Mail has acquired a considerable stake in the generative AI start-up, ProRata.ai. This investment reflects a broader industry…
Britvic’s financial year culminated in remarkable success, as seen in the significant rise in profits and sales.Over the past year, Britvic, known for its popular beverage brands, has experienced a substantial increase in both profits and sales figures. For the 12 months ending in September, the company reported an EBIT rise of 14.9%, reaching £250.9 million. This impressive growth was accompanied by an 8.6% increase in sales, taking the total to £1.8 billion. The driving force behind these numbers was a combination of price enhancements and increased volume.Britvic’s volume saw a 3.1% increase, bolstered by both organic growth and strategic…
WHSmith is taking a bold step in its food-to-go strategy by introducing its first own-brand Christmas sandwich selection, now available across 300 travel stores.This innovative move reflects WHSmith’s commitment to expanding its presence in the food sector. The introduction of the festive sandwiches is part of the Smith’s Family Kitchen line, comprising eight different varieties. Travellers can now enjoy choices like the Ultimate Christmas Dinner featuring turkey with sage and onion stuffing, or opt for the Merry Miso Chicken in a brioche bun. For those seeking plant-based options, the Vegan Spiced Parsnip sandwich offers a delightful alternative.WHSmith’s UK travel managing…
Co-op is pioneering improved welfare standards for chicken, setting a new precedent in the UK convenience retail sector.In a significant move, Co-op has established itself as the first UK convenience retailer to apply enhanced chicken welfare standards across its entire British Breaded and Ready-To-Eat range. This initiative comprises 21 product lines, including British Breaded Chicken Goujons and British Garlic Kiev, all now featured under the Space to Thrive range.These chickens are subject to welfare conditions surpassing the standard UK requirements, featuring reduced stocking density and 20% additional space. Moreover, they are reared in naturally lit barns and have access to…
ByRuby, a premium ready meal brand, has initiated a freezer concessions trial within Sainsbury’s stores, offering 18 diverse meal options.ByRuby has begun rolling out its high-quality ready meals in Sainsbury’s, placing 18 different options in around 10 of the retailer’s locations. This initiative features meals such as Grass Fed Beef Bourguignon, British Chicken, Leek and Bacon Pie, and Three Cheese Macaroni Cheese, according to recent reports.These vertical branded freezers are strategically placed alongside ambient and fresh products rather than in the frozen aisle. The success of this trial could see ByRuby expand its presence across more stores in the future.…
Research from Manchester University reveals significant disparities in UK broadband access.Rural areas in England, Scotland, and Wales trail behind Northern Ireland in broadband provision.Government funding biases exacerbate the urban-rural divide.Local authorities may play a crucial role in infrastructure improvement.Northern Ireland sets an example of successful broadband expansion.Research conducted by Manchester University highlights a significant disparity in broadband access across the UK, particularly between urban and rural areas. This divide suggests that rural locations in England, Scotland, and Wales fall short compared to Northern Ireland in terms of broadband provision.The Ofcom’s 2023 Connected Nations report indicates that while 97% of UK…
British deaf athletes are striving to raise £500,000 for the Tokyo Deaflympics, seeking public donations to enable their participation.The appeal, launched in London, highlights the lack of government and lottery funding for deaf athletes unlike their Olympic and Paralympic peers.Ocean Outdoor has donated advertising space in major UK cities to amplify the fundraising efforts for 115 athletes.Key figures in the campaign stress the significant personal sacrifices made by athletes without financial support.The fundraising drive aims to address the inequalities faced by deaf athletes, who are advocating for equal treatment and resources.With one year remaining before the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, British…
ByRuby, a well-regarded name in the ready meal sector, embarks on a significant trial by introducing 18 of its premium meal lines in select Sainsbury’s stores.This initiative marks an exciting chapter as ByRuby offers its gourmet dishes including Grass Fed Beef Bourguignon and British Chicken, Leek, and Bacon Pie to a broader audience through approximately 10 Sainsbury’s locations starting this month. The trial phase will include strategic placement of branded vertical freezers within the stores, potentially setting the stage for expanded distribution, contingent on trial success.The assortment also features a Three Cheese Macaroni Cheese, adding to the diversity of options…
Britvic has reported a significant upturn in its financial performance for the fiscal year ending 30 September, with notable growth across multiple markets and brands.Britvic, a leading name in the beverage industry, has demonstrated a substantial increase in profits and sales, driven by strategic price adjustments and volume growth. The company’s earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) rose by 14.9% to £250.9 million, while sales increased by 8.6% to reach £1.8 billion. This financial boost is attributed to both organic expansion and recent acquisitions, including Extra Power and Jimmy’s Iced Coffee.The UK market has been particularly strong for Britvic, with…