EG Group reported increased profits for the third quarter, fuelled by robust growth in its grocery and merchandise sectors.Underlying EBITDA for EG Group witnessed an 8% rise reaching $300 million (£235.8 million).The grocery and merchandise division saw a notable 4% increase in gross profits, indicating strong market performance.Foodservice operations experienced similar growth, contributing significantly to the overall profit increase.The sale of remaining UK forecourt businesses marked a strategic step in EG Group’s financial planning.For the three months ending 30 September, EG Group reported an 8% rise in underlying EBITDA, reaching $300 million (£235.8 million). This was largely driven by a…
Author: Dave Antrobus
M&S has significantly broadened its Beauty Takeback Scheme, doubling its reach across the UK.The expansion makes the recycling service available in an additional 60 locations.More than 1.6 tonnes of beauty packaging have been recycled since the scheme’s launch.Customers can recycle any plastic or aluminium beauty packaging at participating stores.M&S aims to promote a circular economy as part of its Plan A roadmap to Net Zero.M&S has made significant strides in enhancing its environmental initiatives by expanding the Beauty Takeback Scheme to 100 stores across the UK. This noteworthy growth involves the addition of 60 new locations, thereby allowing more customers…
The Range owner CDS Superstores has acquired the Homebase brand and 70 UK stores, ensuring the continuation of the brand both online and offline.Up to 1,600 jobs are expected to be secured due to the acquisition, although the future of 60 other stores remains unclear.The transition will see Homebase stores eventually reopen as The Range, expanding their offerings in garden, showroom, and DIY categories.CDS Superstores is committed to investing in the Homebase brand, with plans for further initiatives and expansions.The acquisition reflects CDS’s strategy following their earlier purchase of Wilko, aiming to expand their market reach and customer base.CDS Superstores,…
This Christmas, Caritas Salford and Doodledo continue their collaboration with the release of a meaningful animation that raises awareness on pressing societal issues.The animation incorporates playful bee characters in spoof advertisements, highlighting serious themes surrounding poverty and homelessness.Patrick O’Dowd emphasises the stark reality many face during the festive season, including lack of basic necessities.Caritas Salford’s #BeeThere campaign encourages community support to restore the true spirit of Christmas.The initiative offers free resources and a virtual gift catalogue to assist individuals and families in need.Caritas Salford, a charity focused on addressing homelessness and poverty, has once more joined forces with Manchester’s creative…
A new report sheds light on the disparity in Scottish content production by UK public broadcasters.Two-thirds of top ‘Scottish’ producers are based in London, according to new findings.The BBC predominantly commissions ‘Scottish’ programmes from London-headquartered companies.Channel 4 favours Scottish-based companies, meeting their regional obligations more effectively.Screen Scotland voices concerns over economic impacts and creative opportunities.A recent report by Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates, commissioned by Screen Scotland, reveals that a significant portion of the BBC’s ‘Scottish’ content is produced by London-based companies. This study, covering 2014 to 2022, found that only five of the top 15 producers were based in Scotland,…
In a significant move aimed at supporting its workforce, Asda has launched a neonatal care leave policy that offers up to 12 weeks of paid leave for employees whose newborns require neonatal care for seven days or more.This new policy marks a progressive step in corporate support for employees dealing with the challenges of having a baby in neonatal care. From today, Asda employees can benefit from up to 12 weeks of paid leave, in addition to maternity, paternity, or adoption leave. This ensures that parents can fully focus on the wellbeing of their newborns without the added pressure of…
LOOKFANTASTIC has launched The White Company, making it the first beauty-only retailer to offer this luxury brand.The launch features The White Company’s stylish bath and body collections alongside home fragrances.An exclusive gift set is available for a limited time, enhancing the appeal for festive shoppers.LOOKFANTASTIC offers rapid delivery options, including automatic upgrades for faster service.Partnership praised by company directors who emphasise shared values of quality and seamless shopping experiences.In a significant development, LOOKFANTASTIC, an online beauty retailer, has launched The White Company on its platform, marking it as the first beauty-exclusive retailer to host the brand. The White Company is…
Garmin expands its UK footprint with a flagship store in Southampton, signalling a strategic investment in the region.The new store launched in Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre, enhancing accessibility to Garmin’s product portfolio.Garmin’s expansion aligns with its longstanding presence in the UK, having operated its European headquarters in Romsey for over 30 years.The Southampton store is designed with nature-inspired aesthetics, aiming to engage shoppers with a unique in-store experience.Garmin joins other brands, like Fanatics and Represent, in establishing standalone retail locations in the UK.Garmin, a leader in consumer electronics, has inaugurated its first retail store in the United Kingdom, located in…
BAFTA-nominated producer Nickie Sault embarks on a new venture with Class 5, aiming to transform the television and film landscape.Class 5 focuses on uniting both emerging and experienced talent, creating a collaborative and innovative environment.The company’s first project, ‘Rare Singles’, is a collaboration with Ben Myers and Warner Music Entertainment, highlighting unlikely friendships and soul music.Sault’s personal journey and commitment to inclusivity are central to Class 5’s mission, offering opportunities to underrepresented groups.2025 will witness the launch of Class 5 Crew, dedicated to nurturing new talent from disadvantaged backgrounds.BAFTA-nominated producer Nickie Sault has launched Class 5, a new production company…
M&S has significantly expanded its beauty takeback programme across the UK, doubling its presence.Initially launched in 40 locations in 2023, the scheme now includes an additional 60 stores.The initiative allows customers to recycle beauty packaging from any brand, demonstrating M&S’s commitment to sustainability.Over 1.6 tonnes of packaging have been recycled so far, equivalent to the weight of a small car.A recycled hair comb, made from 98% reclaimed materials, showcases the success of the programme.In a strategic move towards environmental responsibility, Marks & Spencer has doubled the reach of its innovative beauty takeback scheme, now operational in 100 stores across the…