Tell Studio has introduced a pioneering motion capture studio, Goblin Academy, to elevate local skills and innovation.The £50,000 Innovate UK grant has facilitated the establishment of this cutting-edge training and production hub.Goblin Academy aims to train new talent and enhance the capabilities of game development and VFX teams in the North.Equipped with Vicon’s leading technology, the studio sets the stage for advanced projects.Initial workshops are set for January, with an ‘alpha stage’ operational until February 2025.In an effort to boost local innovation and provide skill development opportunities, Tell Studio, a social impact documentary company based in Leeds, has launched an…
Author: Dave Antrobus
M&S seeks to revitalise its image by engaging actress Gillian Anderson, aiming to captivate a younger audience.The partnership with Anderson aligns with the retailer’s strategy of using high-profile celebrities.Previous collaborations featured stars like Hannah Waddingham and Sienna Miller.The move supports M&S’s robust financial performance, marked by a notable profit surge.Gillian Anderson’s chic persona is viewed as pivotal in evolving M&S’s brand image.M&S is strategically engaging Gillian Anderson to appear in its new advertising campaign, a move aimed at attracting younger demographics. By leveraging Anderson’s high-profile status, M&S continues its trend of featuring prominent personalities to keep its brand relatable and…
The Prolific North Tech Awards 2024 event is fast approaching; tickets are still available.This prestigious event will take place at the Radisson Edwardian Manchester on 28 November.The awards celebrate leading tech companies and individuals across the North.Participants will have a chance to network with industry leaders and innovators.Tickets are on sale until November 14, offering a last-minute opportunity to join.The Prolific North Tech Awards 2024 is set to take place at the Radisson Edwardian Manchester on 28 November. This anticipated event serves as a platform to honour the outstanding contributions of tech companies and individuals shaping the industry in the…
Aquis Exchange, a London-based challenger stock exchange, is set to be acquired by Switzerland’s Six Group in a significant move for the financial markets.The acquisition agreement involves a cash offer valuing Aquis Exchange at £207 million, significantly boosting shareholder returns.Aquis shares saw a sharp increase in value, reaching 700p at the opening of the London markets, up from 340p on Friday.The deal combines Aquis’ innovative platform with Six’s traditional exchange operations, promising enhanced growth and development.Aquis will continue operating under its current brand, subject to shareholder approval in April 2025.Aquis Exchange, founded in London in 2012, has reached an agreement…
In a bold move to challenge Coca-Cola’s festive dominance, Lidl has unveiled its own holiday truck journeying across the UK.Lidl has introduced a 20-metre, 15-tonne festive truck, adorned with its Freeway cola branding, which will embark on a national tour. This initiative presents a playful twist on Coca-Cola’s renowned Christmas truck. Over the span from 14 November to 1 December, the truck will make stops in nine cities, including Dundee, Harrogate, and Nottingham, offering communities a unique festive experience.During its tour, Lidl’s truck will distribute over 2,000 present boxes, filled with items from its diverse ‘middle aisle’ selection. These giveaways…
Asda announces potential job cuts, marking another wave following recent head office redundancies.Recent redundancies saw nearly 500 Asda head office employees made redundant without a consultation period.Asda’s planned job cuts are reportedly aimed at staff involved in its IT overhaul, completing early next year.Chairman Lord Rose insists no employment laws were broken during the abrupt redundancies.The company aims to remove duplication and simplify structures with these changes.Asda has put forth plans for additional job losses, closely following the recent redundancy of almost 500 head office employees. These dismissals were conducted without a consultation period, which is typically required by government…
Boohoo Group faces backlash as it excludes Frasers Group from upcoming shareholder meetings.New CEO Dan Finley plans to engage with top investors this week.Frasers Group, owning 27% of Boohoo, is notably absent from the meeting invite.The exclusion is seen as part of a public dispute with Frasers’ Mike Ashley.Boohoo maintains it is open to transparent dialogue with all shareholders.Boohoo Group has stirred controversy by excluding its largest shareholder, Frasers Group, from an imminent series of shareholder meetings. This decision comes as newly appointed CEO Dan Finley organises discussions with key investors, reportedly excluding the owner of Sports Direct, Frasers Group.Frasers…
In a significant ruling, a Manchester tribunal has granted £41,000 in damages to a paralegal dismissed unfairly by a law firm due to her disability.Employment Judge Ficklin found Oldham-based Inaaya Solicitors culpable for discriminating against Saima Kauser. They targeted her through a redundancy process, justified by her inability to work full-time due to chronic pain. This decision highlights a critical stance against discriminatory practices in employment.The tribunal was sceptical about the credibility of evidence presented by the firm’s management, including Managing Director Taher Shad. They failed to elucidate who deleted Ms Kauser’s HR records, a breach that raised serious concerns…
Despite a decrease in sales, Inter Ikea reports a profit increase for 2024.Operating profit climbed by 4%, reaching £1.9bn as of 31 August 2024.Sales fell by 9% to £21.9bn amid significant price cuts across products.Average price reduction of 15% set by Inter Ikea, with a 10% drop observed at retailers.Further price cuts are anticipated, driven by the aim to enhance affordability.Inter Ikea, the parent entity of the iconic furniture brand, announced a noteworthy rise in profit for the fiscal year 2024, despite experiencing a decline in overall sales. Operating profit increased by 4%, moving from £1.8bn to £1.9bn, as revealed…
Chun Ong has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer at BR-DGE, taking on a pivotal role as the company experiences rapid expansion.With a strong background in managing payment systems, Ong is set to lead BR-DGE through its growth phase, enhancing the firm’s operational capabilities.BR-DGE processes millions of transactions monthly for key industries, and Ong’s leadership is expected to optimise this process further.The firm is on a hyper-growth path, striving to maintain its core values and customer commitments amidst rapid expansion.Thomas Gillan, CEO of BR-DGE, emphasises the importance of a top-tier leadership team in sustaining the company’s growth and…