Sainsbury’s has reported an increase in profits amid a surge in larger customer purchases, particularly in its premium range.In the first half of the year, Sainsbury’s retail underlying profit rose by 3.7%, reaching £503 million. This growth was driven by a 5% increase in grocery sales, marking significant market share gains for the supermarket. The period up to 14 September saw nearly two-thirds of large baskets containing items from the premium ‘Taste the Difference’ range, with this segment’s sales climbing 18%.Sainsbury’s attributes this success to a strategic shift in its value perception, having invested £1 billion in enhancing its value…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Lisa Buckley, formerly Wagamama’s operations director, is taking on the role of chief retail officer at Brewdog, succeeding a recent leadership transition.Lisa Buckley has been appointed as the new chief retail officer at Brewdog, marking a significant leadership change for the company. Her appointment follows the recent departure of James Brown, Brewdog’s former chief executive, who left the company to pursue a new role at Prezzo, an Italian restaurant chain.Buckley brings a wealth of experience to Brewdog, having previously served as CEO of Leisure TV Rights, an immersive TV programme company. Her impressive career portfolio includes senior roles at various…
Ofcom has sanctioned GB News with a substantial fine.The issue revolves around the People’s Forum with Rishi Sunak.The programme breached impartiality rules, especially during election times.GB News is contesting the decision, seeking a judicial review.The controversy highlights tensions between regulation and broadcasting freedom.Ofcom, the regulatory authority for the broadcasting sector, has taken decisive action against GB News by imposing a £100,000 fine for failing to adhere to due impartiality rules. This penalty comes after an in-depth investigation into the programme titled, People’s Forum: The Prime Minister.The programme aired in February as a live, hour-long current affairs segment, during which Rishi…
Sainsbury’s has unveiled a new selection of ‘Taste the Difference’ ready meals in its latest effort to provide customers with convenient yet high-quality dining options.The newly launched range, priced at £5 per meal, offers a variety of dishes designed to cater to modern tastes and busy lifestyles. Among the offerings are Smoky Aubergine Tikka Masala, Gochujang Roasted Cauliflower, and Mexican Style Chimichurri Chicken. These meals aim to combine ease with richness in flavour, accommodating those with demanding schedules who still seek quality.Each meal within this collection has been crafted with premium ingredients, highlighting modern culinary trends. Claire Hughes, Sainsbury’s director…
E4 is set to unveil an hour-long reality pilot, ‘It’s a Scouse Life’, offering an intimate portrayal of life in Liverpool. The programme captures the dynamics of a close group of friends as they navigate their personal and professional lives. Filmed over the summer, it promises a vivid illustration of Liverpool’s lifestyle. The production by Optomen Television aims to present an authentic view of young lives in the city. Executives express excitement about sharing Liverpool’s modern essence with viewers via Channel 4.E4 is preparing to premiere the reality pilot, ‘It’s a Scouse Life’, which is an engaging exploration of life…
Morrisons, a key player in the supermarket sector, has announced a substantial investment of £1.4 billion aimed at bolstering British agriculture in 2025. This initiative is being introduced ahead of schedule with a supplementary 5% discount for farmers, applicable both in stores and online.The 5% discount offer targets Morrisons’ livestock suppliers, covering lamb, beef, and pork producers, alongside egg farmers, fruit and vegetable growers, and those involved in the dairy sector with existing Morrisons contracts. This gesture forms part of a broader commitment from the supermarket giant, which already provides various business support measures, such as long-term agreements and financial…
Morrisons has pledged a substantial £1.4 billion investment to bolster British farming in 2025, advancing support initially slated for December with a 5% discount initiative for farmers.This substantial financial commitment is aimed at fostering sustainable practices among the agriculture sector, specifically benefiting livestock suppliers of lamb, beef, and pork, egg farmers, fruit and vegetable growers supplying directly, and dairy farmers with existing Morrisons contracts.The 5% discount is a strategic element of a broader support package Morrisons is rolling out for UK farmers. This package also features extended contracts and cash flow assistance schemes, underscoring the supermarket’s dedication to supporting local…
Wrexham AFC co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds expand their investment in Wrexham.The Hollywood duo have acquired a stake in Wrexham Lager Beer Co, the oldest lager brewery in the UK.Their involvement aims to enhance both the brand’s historical value and its international reach.CEO James Wright to spearhead the brewery’s further growth into markets like Australia, Japan, and Scandinavia.Launch of distribution in the US and Canada will occur in the coming months.Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, well-known co-owners of Wrexham AFC, have taken their investment in the city of Wrexham a step further by acquiring a stake in the Wrexham…
Mamas & Papas has experienced significant growth, reporting record sales of £154.3 million for the past year.A 7.1% increase in sales was driven by new and expectant parents visiting UK and overseas stores.Sales from UK concessions with Marks & Spencer and Next rose by 48% after expanding to more locations.The company plans to focus on international growth, digital development, and UK market share.For Christmas 2024, Mamas & Papas will expand their product range to include gifts and toys.Mamas & Papas, a well-known nursery and childrenswear retailer, reported record sales of £154.3 million for the year ending 31 March 2024. This…
UK advertising spend surged unexpectedly, driven by digital growth and past weaker performance.Ad expenditure reached £10 billion in the second quarter, marking a 13.4% increase.Digital formats dominated, with four out of every five pounds spent in this sector.The industry forecast for 2024 estimates spending will exceed £40 billion.Significant growth was seen in online display, search, and out-of-home advertising.The UK advertising sector experienced a remarkable growth in the second quarter of 2024, with total ad spend reaching £10 billion, marking a 13.4% rise from previous levels. This unexpected surge is attributed in part to stronger than anticipated growth within digital formats,…