A major supermarket has announced a significant initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of loneliness among the senior population during the Christmas season. The chain has committed nearly £1 million to fund this endeavour, demonstrating its dedication to community well-being.The initiative, aptly named ‘Chatty Cafés’, seeks to transform the in-store café experience for the over 60s, encouraging social interaction and the formation of new friendships. The initiative had its first launch at a superstore located in Heron Retail Park, Basildon, feature attended by a notable television personality, Larry Lamb.In conjunction with this initiative, the supermarket continues its ‘Winter Warmer’…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Context Public Relations in Macclesfield has been assigned the SHARP Consumer PR account, strengthening SHARP’s market presence in the UK.Context will manage media relations and reviews to boost SHARP’s brand visibility, working alongside RTFM from Germany.SHARP Consumer is recognised for its innovative and affordable electronics, aiming to enhance everyday life through technology.Context has a history of successful campaigns for major tech brands, leveraging their experience in B2C communications.SHARP’s European Marketing Director, Kai Thielen, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership aiming to strengthen brand communication.Context Public Relations, based in Macclesfield, has been appointed to handle the UK public relations for SHARP…
The UK’s labour market is experiencing a mixed outlook as unemployment rises and wage growth slows.Unemployment has increased to 4.3%, up from 4.0%, revealing a shifting employment landscape.Wage growth excluding bonuses dropped to its lowest rate in two years, averaging 4.8%.Analysts predict that the Bank of England may hold interest rates steady due to persistent inflation concerns.Market reactions show caution, with the pound falling against the dollar and bond yields rising.The latest data presents a complex picture for the UK labour market. Unemployment has risen to 4.3%, a sign of potential challenges ahead for job seekers. The economic inactivity rate,…
Arla is significantly enhancing its yoghurt offerings with the introduction of three innovative products for the UK market this month.Arla is diversifying its yoghurt range by launching three distinct products aimed at catering to varied consumer demands within the UK. The first product is a high protein ‘LactoFREE’ natural yoghurt, available in a 400g pack. This yoghurt is crafted to mimic the flavour profile of traditional dairy but is free from lactose, making it a suitable option for lactose-intolerant individuals. It additionally has vitamin D, aligning with growing consumer interest in fortified food products.Another addition to Arla’s range is the…
After stalled sponsorship negotiations, Liverpool Feds secured a new deal thanks to Creative Players.The Liverpool-based agency provided crucial funding for the Women’s National League club.Creative Players has been a long-standing partner, supporting the club since 2022.The sponsorship ensures the club’s stability and development for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.This collaboration is key to the growth of women’s grassroots football.Liverpool Feds Women’s National League club recently found itself in a difficult position as talks with a potential private investor came to a halt. In a decisive move, Liverpool-based sports marketing agency, Creative Players, stepped in, offering essential financial support for…
Coggles’ Alderley Edge store closure marks a significant change as it is rebranded under Flannels.Originally opened in 2017, the store was Coggles’ sole physical location before being replaced by Flannels.The transition follows Frasers Group’s acquisition of Coggles from THG, as part of a broader strategy.Concerns arise over Coggles’ future independence amid Frasers Group’s expanding influence in the luxury market.Flannels’ expansion reinforces its presence with new stores in Leeds and Milton Keynes, totalling over 80 locations.The renowned Coggles store in Alderley Edge, established as its flagship and only physical site since 2017, has now been transformed into a Flannels outlet. This…
Middlesbrough-based Salesfire has secured £2.75 million in funding to advance its AI technology.The investment comes from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, a part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.Salesfire is set to create over ten new jobs within the next two years with this financial boost.The firm’s AI-driven technology personalises the online shopping experience, enhancing conversion rates for retailers.The latest AI developments will allow deeper insights into customer behaviour, crucial as traditional tracking tools phase out.In a promising development for Middlesbrough’s tech scene, Salesfire, a well-known name in ecommerce solutions, has managed to raise £2.75 million from NPIF…
Trace Neuroscience, co-founded by professors from UCL and Stanford, has closed a significant £79m Series A funding round to develop therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).The company focuses on restoring UNC13A protein production, vital for neuron communication, which is lost in most ALS cases.Pietro Fratta, a founding professor, highlighted the cutting-edge nature of this approach and its potential to transform ALS treatment.The Series A round was led by several prominent investors, showing confidence in the therapeutic potential of UNC13A.The collaboration was made possible through an exclusive intellectual property licensing with UCL, underscoring the importance of academic partnerships.Trace Neuroscience, a biotechnology…
Majestic Wine continues its expansion, opening a new wine emporium in Plymouth.The Plymouth store is situated within The Range’s headquarters, covering 4,400 sq ft.This is the sixth store Majestic has launched this financial year, part of a broader growth strategy.The emporium features over 1,200 wines alongside beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic options.Majestic’s organic wine sales have almost doubled, reflecting increased demand.Majestic Wine is making notable strides in its expansion efforts with the opening of a new wine emporium in Plymouth. This latest location is integrated within The Range’s headquarters, utilising an underutilised space to house a 4,400 sq ft store. The…
Majestic Wine has unveiled its latest store in Plymouth, marking a new chapter in its expansion strategy. Situated within The Range’s head office, this opening is a significant addition to the retailer’s growing footprint.The Plymouth store is the sixth location Majestic Wine has introduced this financial year. This development aligns with the company’s broader plan to extend its presence across various regions. In parallel, a new branch measuring 3,450 square feet has been launched in Solihull alongside recent openings in East Dulwich and Brentwood, Essex.John Colley, CEO of Majestic Wine, expressed his enthusiasm about the Plymouth opening: “Plymouth is a…