UK supermarkets experience a significant slowdown in sales, the lowest since January.Total Till sales growth dropped to 7.2% in the period leading up to mid-August.Primary factors include reduced inflation and unpredictable summer weather affecting shopping habits.Retailers increase promotional spend by 23% to boost consumer spending amidst economic challenges.Discounter retailers continue to gain popularity, with Tesco, M&S, Aldi, and Lidl expanding market share.In the four weeks leading up to 12 August, UK supermarkets experienced a notable reduction in sales growth, recording a 7.2% increase—the lowest since January. This slowdown is linked to factors such as easing inflation rates and unseasonably unsettled…
Author: Dave Antrobus
A robotics start-up heavily funded by Ocado has been sold for £350,000.Karakuri, founded in 2018, developed innovative kitchen automation technology.The start-up had raised £13m but collapsed in June due to funding issues.RSM was consulted as potential administrators when recapitalisation efforts failed.Founders and stakeholders expressed disappointment over economic challenges.Karakuri, a pioneering robotics start-up established in 2018 by Barney Wragg, has been sold for a mere £350,000 despite attracting millions in investment from major players including Ocado and the taxpayer-supported Future Fund. Initially promising revolution in kitchen automation through its robotic chef for noodles and an automatic fryer, the company’s potential seemed…
A government recycling initiative could impose a significant financial burden on retailers.The British Retail Consortium estimates the annual cost at £1.8bn, a figure considerably higher than initial government projections.The scheme intends to reduce plastic waste through a refundable deposit on drink containers.Concerns arise that costs could be passed onto consumers, exacerbating already high prices.Industry leaders are calling for a delay and re-evaluation of the scheme’s complexity and cost.The government’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is poised to introduce a substantial financial load on UK retailers, estimated at £1.8 billion annually by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). This figure starkly contrasts with…
Morrisons partners with the NHS to promote cancer awareness via underwear labels.The initiative aims to encourage early detection of breast and testicular cancer.Underwear will feature NHS advice alongside standard information, starting with boxer shorts.A QR code on the packaging provides access to detailed NHS cancer information.Morrisons committed £10,000 to NHS Charities Together and £2m for paramedic training.Morrisons has taken an innovative step by partnering with the NHS to enhance cancer awareness. The collaboration involves placing NHS advice on underwear labels, specifically targeting the early detection of breast and testicular cancer. This initiative is aimed at encouraging individuals to be more…
The Co-op is broadening its anti-theft measures by extending the trial use of ‘dummy display packaging’.This initiative aims to combat the escalating issue of theft driven by organised criminal activities.The strategy involves using empty packaging for high-value items like coffee and laundry products.The retailer previously saw success with this approach in select locations and plans further implementation.Concerns over the rise in shoplifting have prompted significant investment to enhance store and staff safety.In a bid to tackle the increasing incidents of theft, the Co-op is extending its trial of dummy display packaging. This initiative focuses on high-value items that are typically…
Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, certain FMCG companies continue their operations in Russia, drawing international scrutiny.Unilever’s decision to maintain its business presence in Russia has sparked controversy, despite being named an ‘international sponsor of war’ by Ukraine.P&G maintains significant operations in Russia, focusing on health and hygiene products, despite earlier claims of reducing its market footprint.Nestlé confronts ethical challenges as its extensive workforce in Russia remains at risk of conscription, despite reducing its product range.Bacardi faces accusations of complicity in Russia’s war efforts, having continued sales in the country despite announcing suspensions.In light of the ongoing conflict between Russia and…
In a significant move, Tesco has allocated £10 million to support the recovering UK egg industry, following severe challenges faced over the past year.Buying restrictions on eggs, implemented in November 2022 due to supply chain strains, have now been lifted.The investment follows a prior £27.5 million backing by Tesco to source eggs from the UK and ensure high welfare standards.From August 2023 until March 2024, £6 million will be allocated to cover increased costs in egg handling, processing, and production.Tesco’s commitment includes maintaining their leading poultry feed model, offering financial protection against fluctuating feed prices.Tesco has announced the provision of…
Tesco plans to introduce Creams café concessions across its UK stores, expanding its dessert offerings.The initiative follows a successful trial of a Creams café at a Tesco in Streatham last November.The first new in-store cafés will open in Gateshead and Maryhill in early August, with more to follow this year.Customers will enjoy 24 different gelato flavours alongside waffles, sundaes, and milkshakes.Tesco is innovating its café operations with new digital ordering systems and automated kitchen solutions.Tesco is embarking on an innovative partnership with Creams café to launch concessions in its UK stores. This strategic move builds on the successful trial of…
Virtual Data Rooms (VDRs) are revolutionising the way businesses manage secure data sharing.Entrepreneurs demand VDRs for optimising business processes and ensuring data safety.Key performance metrics, like IOPS, are crucial for VDR efficiency.Advanced features including AI and blockchain enhance VDR functionality.VDRs provide unparalleled security with military-grade encryption.Virtual Data Rooms are becoming indispensable in modern business environments for secure and efficient data management. Entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to VDRs to create secure work atmospheres, crucial for today’s digital-dependent operations. These platforms automate and optimise business processes, offering a transparent environment to collaborate safely with colleagues.Performance metrics such as Input/Output Operations Per Second…
The UK public is calling for the extension of free school meals due to rising food poverty.A YouGov poll reports 80% support for extending free school meals to Universal Credit households.Food insecurity has doubled over a year, affecting 21.6% of UK households with children.Support for policy changes is high in key political areas at risk for the Conservative Party.Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are already ahead in offering universal free school meals.Faced with an increase in food poverty, the UK public is urging the government to extend free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit. A YouGov…