The Prolific North Champions Awards are inviting entries for 2025, celebrating excellence in creative, digital, marketing, and tech sectors.This prestigious event remains a highlight in the industry calendar, recognising pioneering work and remarkable figures in the North.Early bird entries are available until 29th January 2025, offering participants an opportunity for discounted submissions.A wide array of categories are open for agencies, campaigns, and tech innovations, including free-to-enter ones for individual leaders and rising stars.Participants can submit entries through a straightforward online portal, with a requirement to upload supporting documents.The Prolific North Champions Awards have opened their doors for entries for the…
Author: Dave Antrobus
The UK government is reviewing social media’s impact on children, amid growing concerns about their wellbeing.A possible social media ban for under-16s is under consideration if platforms ignore their responsibilities.Pressure mounts on governments worldwide to restrict children’s social media access due to mental health issues.The Online Safety Act empowers Ofcom to enforce tighter regulations on social media and protect young users.Research aims to influence the regulation of digital spaces, focusing on children’s online safety.The UK government has initiated an investigation into the effects of social media on children’s wellbeing, signalling potential regulatory shifts. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted that a…
Deliveroo and Hurr have introduced a groundbreaking service, delivering luxury dresses in 20 minutes.The service launches just in time for the festive season, enhancing the accessibility of high-end fashion.Customers can browse a collection of over 50 designer dresses through the Deliveroo app.The partnership offers a significant reduction from Hurr’s previous 24-hour delivery service to just 20 minutes.This initiative marks Deliveroo’s first foray into the fashion market, with potential for future collaborations.Deliveroo and Hurr have unveiled an innovative partnership, making luxury dress rentals accessible straight to your door in just 20 minutes. This collaboration caters ideally to the festive season, allowing…
Leading homeware retailer Dunelm has acquired Home Focus, an Irish soft furnishings company.This acquisition marks Dunelm’s entry into the €1 billion Irish homewares market.Home Focus operates 13 stores across Ireland and offers online shopping.Dunelm plans to enhance product variety in Home Focus stores, reflecting its UK model.The move includes bolstering Home Focus’s online presence and potential store expansion.Home furnishings giant Dunelm has taken a significant step by acquiring Home Focus, an Irish retailer specialising in soft furnishings. This strategic acquisition marks Dunelm’s entry into the Irish homewares market, which exceeds €1 billion in value.Home Focus operates from 13 stores within…
In an effort to capture the essence of bustling kitchens, Kit Studio partners with Square, leveraging their ‘Big in Restaurants’ campaign.The campaign is known for its real-life photography showcasing the dynamic energy of restaurants.Images from the campaign incorporate social proof, spotlighting London and Manchester sellers.Urban environments are enhanced by bold typographic designs aligning with the campaign’s theme.Chris Bounds and Neil MacLean highlight the value of showcasing the ‘unsung heroes’ of the restaurant industry.Kit Studio has partnered with Square, aiming to authentically portray the vibrant life of restaurants through outdoor advertising. By building upon the momentum of the established ‘Big in…
In a move to tackle ongoing financial difficulties, Ann Summers is cutting jobs and securing additional funding.The company has recorded a £3.9m loss for the year ending July 2023, despite a slight increase in turnover.The Gold family, owners of Ann Summers, have injected millions to support the business’s continuity.Approximately 20 to 30 roles have been made redundant as part of cost-cutting measures.Leadership changes include the departures of CMO Natalie Amosu and Channels Director Joseph Wright.Ann Summers, the well-known lingerie and sex toy retailer, is taking decisive action in response to financial pressures by implementing job cuts and enhancing funding. The…
The Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey, supports retailers’ warnings to the government about potential job cuts due to new tax hikes.Retail leaders have written to the government, stating job losses and higher prices are inevitable with the current financial policies.The Treasury has justified its tax decisions citing a fiscal need to stabilise the economy after inheriting significant debt.Despite backlash, government figures defend the tax hikes as necessary for public services and economic stability.Prime Minister’s office denies any discouragement efforts towards retailers against voicing concerns.Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has openly supported the concerns raised by retailers who have…
Sweaty Betty, a renowned London-based activewear brand, is making significant strides by reopening its presence in the US market.The company has unveiled two new stores in Washington DC and Chicago, marking a return to physical retail in the United States.Simultaneously, Sweaty Betty has expanded its reach within the UK, opening new locations in Cardiff and Westfield London.These strategic openings highlight the brand’s commitment to connecting with new communities and supporting active lifestyles.Founded in 1998 by Tamara Hill-Norton, the brand now proudly operates 85 stores throughout the UK.Sweaty Betty has strategically chosen to open new stores in two major US cities,…
A significant change has occurred in the UK fashion industry as Four Marketing acquires A Cold Wall for the second time this year.The acquisition follows Tomorrow Limited’s short possession of the brand, having bought it just months earlier from founder Samuel Ross.Four Marketing’s takeover is backed by Frasers Group, increasing its dynamic portfolio of over 20 brands.The purchase aligns with Four Marketing’s strategic growth plans and offers robust supply chain support for A Cold Wall.This move aims to expand A Cold Wall’s market presence, with a flagship store recently opened in Shanghai.In a notable industry move, Four Marketing has completed…
Retailers express cautious optimism for Christmas 2024 amid changing consumer habits and economic pressures.M&S and Tesco leaders are confident about sales, noting increased consumer willingness to spend.Department stores like John Lewis and Fortnum & Mason see early shopping trends with positive sales growth.Budget-conscious shopping behaviour persists, with Black Friday deals and economic caution influencing sales.Fashion, beauty, and grocery sectors anticipate varied spending patterns, focusing on value and quality.The upcoming Christmas season is marked by a blend of optimism and cautious consumer behaviour among major retailers. The easing of inflation has bolstered shopper confidence, prompting M&S CEO Stuart Machin to express…