Author: Dave Antrobus

A recent investigation by the Food Foundation has unveiled a notable trend among UK supermarkets, where multibuy promotions disproportionately favour meat and processed meat products.The Food Foundation’s study highlights that 18% of multibuy offers in major supermarkets focus on meat and dairy, with 11% specifically targeting processed meats such as sausages, ham, and bacon. This contrasts sharply with the mere 5% of promotions that include fruit and vegetables, according to the analysis conducted in March across supermarkets including Aldi, Iceland, Morrisons, Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s. The findings suggest that these stores are ‘actively incentivising citizens to buy more of those…

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A transformative move sees Datawrkz acquiring a significant stake in Space & Time, marking a pivotal turn in the agency’s growth ambitions.The deal will leverage Space & Time’s positioning as a leading growth marketing agency in the UK and Europe.This partnership will enhance technological capabilities and broaden market outreach across North America and Europe.Leadership changes are on the horizon as Peter Jones and Sandy Gil exit after the acquisition.Datawrkz’s CEO, Senthil Govindan, emphasises a shared commitment to client-centric values.The acquisition of a significant stake in Space & Time by Datawrkz, a global advertising technology company, signals a decisive moment for…

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented her first budget amidst challenges faced by public services and infrastructure.Over £20 billion earmarked for technology and life sciences aims to future-proof industries.A promising £25 million investment is set for the Sunderland CrownWorks Studio, potentially generating significant employment opportunities.Mayors in Greater Manchester and West Midlands to gain increased financial independence.Tax adjustments include an increase in NI contributions and support for employers.The first budget introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves comes during a period of significant challenges for public services, including a struggling NHS and outdated infrastructure. This context influenced the focus and allocation within the budget.The budget…

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In a strategic move to enhance its value proposition, Sainsbury’s has announced it will match Aldi’s prices in its convenience stores, marking a first in the UK grocery scene.Sainsbury’s has taken a significant step by extending its Aldi Price Match initiative to include its Local convenience stores. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to invest nearly £1 billion into providing better value over the past four years. The price match will be implemented across a range of everyday essentials such as milk, bread, butter, and pasta, which are commonly purchased by households.The initiative aims to simplify Sainsbury’s pricing…

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Kevin the Carrot embarks on a daring mission in the 2024 Christmas advertisement, aiming to restore the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ to a darkened village.The festive spirit takes a thrilling turn as the well-loved character, Kevin the Carrot, returns in a daring Christmas mission, captivating audiences with an action-packed storyline. The advertisement begins with a picturesque snowy village that unexpectedly falls into darkness as a group of humbug characters extinguish the ‘Spirit of Christmas’. This sets the stage for an engaging narrative where Santa enlists Kevin to infiltrate the complex defences of Humbug Headquarters.Amidst a blend of humour and danger, Kevin…

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In a captivating return, the beloved character Kevin the Carrot takes centre stage in an unexpected mission to rescue the festive season.The new Christmas advert unfolds in a quaint, snow-covered village where mischief is afoot. As Christmas Eve sets in, nefarious characters known as the humbugs capture the ‘Spirit of Christmas’, plunging the village into darkness. The scene takes a turn as Kevin is awakened by none other than Santa himself, who entrusts Kevin with the daring task of infiltrating the Humbug Headquarters.Equipped with wit and determination, Kevin teams up with his wife Katie, as they navigate a labyrinth of…

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Usdaw, the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, has commenced a strike ballot at KP Snacks’ Ashby-de-la-Zouch site in Leicestershire due to an ongoing pay dispute. The ballot, which will conclude on 25 November, follows a previous consultative ballot reflecting member dissatisfaction.In the ongoing negotiations for the 2024/25 pay terms, KP Snacks offered a 6.5% wage increase. However, this did not satisfy Usdaw’s members as it barely addresses the shrinking disparity between the National Living Wage and the pay rates at the site. Usdaw area organiser Ed Leach criticised the company’s offer, stating that it fails to deliver a…

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Liverpool-based digital company has crafted a travel app for Hays Travel.The app offers customers a hub for travel documents and payments.Additional features include holiday extras, countdowns, and games.Staff trials and feedback phases were successfully implemented.Launch aligns with Hays’ tech transformation ambitions.A Liverpool-based travel technology company, digitaltravel.io, has developed a bespoke application for the UK’s largest independent travel agent, Hays Travel. This development aims to enhance customer service and engagement through an innovative digital solution. The app allows users to securely store and access their travel documents, manage payments, and engage with additional services such as airport parking and car rentals.…

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Cathedral City has announced the relaunch of its 200g price-marked packs (PMPs) in the Mature and Extra Mature varieties, targeting the convenience channel. This move aligns with the increasing consumer demand for value-conscious purchasing.Cathedral City has reintroduced its price-marked packs, priced at £2.59, into the wholesale and convenience sector. This decision aims to meet the growing demand for affordable yet premium products amidst the current economic climate. Recent consumer insights reveal that 78% of individuals are prioritising value, while 66% are actively seeking ways to reduce costs in their shopping habits.Abi Armson, a senior brand manager at Cathedral City, emphasised…

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Jack Day joins The Insights Family as the new Global Strategic Account Director, bringing a wealth of experience in kids’ media and family entertainment.Day’s appointment aims to bolster The Insights Family’s commercial operations, particularly in London.Drawing on his background at WildBrain, Day is expected to drive impactful partnerships across the industry.CEO Tom Williams highlights Day’s strategic acumen as crucial for advancing the global client portfolio.Day sees access to real-time insights as vital in the dynamic consumer landscape, especially among young people.Jack Day has been appointed as the Global Strategic Account Director at The Insights Family, a leading company in market…

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