A significant rise in national insurance contributions could weigh heavily on UK businesses.Primark’s CEO anticipates an increase in costs by tens of millions due to new NI thresholds.The changes proposed in the Autumn Budget target high street businesses, affecting their financial dynamics.The lowered NI threshold is expected to challenge urban retailers more than others.Primark’s recent financial success underscores its unique challenges amid these changes.The Chancellor’s decision to raise national insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15% represents a notable shift in cost structure for businesses across the UK. George Weston, CEO of Associated British Foods, has expressed concern over the increased…
Author: Dave Antrobus
As year-end reviews approach, handling tough workplace conversations effectively becomes pivotal for team morale.Dr. Ryne Sherman from Hogan Assessments shares strategies to deliver tough feedback constructively.Active listening is essential for trust-building and understanding during performance reviews.Avoiding conversational derailments helps keep difficult discussions on track.Providing a clear path forward ensures employees are guided towards improvement and empowerment.With the end of the year on the horizon, managers are gearing up for pivotal performance reviews. These conversations, while tough, are crucial for maintaining team morale. Dr. Ryne Sherman, Chief Science Officer at Hogan Assessments, offers insights on handling such discussions with a blend…
Boots unveils ‘The Christmas Makeover’ campaign featuring Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh.The ad highlights the magic of beauty with Andoh as Mrs Claus, leading a team of beauty elves.Set to a lively tune, the campaign showcases the preparation of the season’s trending beauty gifts.The campaign anticipates a significant trading period with promotions throughout November.Boots’ chief marketing officer expresses excitement over the new beauty offerings and gifts.Boots has launched its festive campaign, ‘The Christmas Makeover’, featuring Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh. The campaign aims to celebrate the magic of beauty, positioning Boots as a key player this holiday season. Andoh, portraying Mrs Claus,…
Boots launches a festive campaign starring Adjoa Andoh, known for her role in ‘Bridgerton’.The campaign, titled ‘The Christmas Makeover’, celebrates the magic of beauty with Mrs Claus in the lead.Adjoa Andoh, portraying Mrs Claus, transforms festive gifting while Santa relaxes.Beauty elves in the ad prepare gifts using popular brands, showing diverse beauty styles.Boots anticipates a successful Black Friday with numerous promotions and new beauty offerings.Boots has unveiled its latest festive campaign, ‘The Christmas Makeover’, featuring Adjoa Andoh, an actress renowned for her role in the popular series ‘Bridgerton’. This campaign aims to highlight the enchantment of beauty during the holiday…
Asda has issued a directive requiring office staff to return to the workplace for at least three days a week, coupled with significant job cuts.The changes will affect over 5,000 staff members across Asda’s office sites in Leeds and Leicester, effective from January.Lord Rose, addressing staff, highlighted the necessity of these measures to strengthen Asda’s market position for 2025.The move aligns Asda’s work policies with broader industry practices and addresses internal operational needs.The announcement follows comments by former executives on Asda’s performance post its 2021 acquisition by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers.Asda has communicated to its staff that, starting…
Asda is making significant changes to its work structure. Employees are now required to return to the office at least three days a week.Over 5,000 office staff in Leeds and Leicester are impacted by this change.Asda is also reducing head office roles to streamline operations.The move aligns Asda’s policies with market competition, aiming to foster collaboration.The company’s past struggles under new ownership have prompted these strategic decisions.In a recent announcement, Asda has required its employees to commence a three-day office attendance policy starting January 2025. The company has communicated this change via an internal email, highlighting the commitment to reinforcing…
Morleys department stores makes a significant leadership change, welcoming Allan Winstanley as the new CEO.Winstanley brings a wealth of international experience, having worked with major retailers globally.He steps in as CEO following Nigel Blow’s eight-year tenure.Blow departs amid controversies involving a previous employer, Harrods.Winstanley has a robust background in merchandise and apparel management.Morleys department stores, a prominent name in retail, has appointed Allan Winstanley as its new CEO. Winstanley, who is set to assume his new role in January, brings extensive experience from his previous positions with leading department stores. His arrival marks a new chapter for Morleys, as they…
Morleys Stores has named Allan Winstanley as its new CEO, effective January 2025, following Nigel Blow’s exit.Allan Winstanley returns to the UK after a successful tenure with Myer in Australia, bringing extensive experience from Sears, De Bijenkorf, and House of Fraser.Nigel Blow, prior to Winstanley, resigned in July after eight years, initially lined up for a role at Fenwick, only for the offer to be unexpectedly withdrawn.Winstanley’s career began at Marks & Spencer, and includes roles with the British Fashion Council, showcasing deep roots in the retail sector.Morleys, established in 1880, operates eight department stores primarily in Greater London, positioning…
Marks & Spencer reports a robust financial performance for the first half of 2024.The retailer achieved a 17.2% rise in profit before tax, totalling £407.8m.Clothing and home sales contributed significantly with a 4.7% increase.Food sales surged by 8.1%, supporting profitability.Online sales of clothing and home recorded double-digit growth.Marks & Spencer reported a strong start to 2024, highlighting a 17.2% increase in profit before tax and adjusting items, reaching £407.8 million. These results underscore the retailer’s effective strategies in a competitive market.The company’s group sales climbed to £6.5 billion, reflecting a 5.8% rise compared to previous figures. With clothing and home…
The Deskless Report 2024 reveals evolving challenges in frontline sectors, examining optimism amidst ongoing issues.Although burnout has decreased, challenges like understaffing remain prevalent in frontline jobs.Career growth is not the singular answer to employee satisfaction; stability and immediate support are crucial.Managers need more support and training as they navigate daily hurdles while balancing employee and company needs.Effective communication and a sense of community are vital for enhancing frontline work experiences.The Deskless Report 2024 investigates changes within key industries, providing insights from retail, grocery, foodservice, hospitality, and logistics. This comprehensive study engaged nearly 800 participants, including executives, managers, and employees, focusing…