Asda has strategically recruited new leaders to bolster its 2025 growth plans.Lauren Lepley, an experienced figure from Morrisons, will join Asda in December.Mark Henry, former M&S executive, is set to enhance Asda’s southern operations from January.Both leaders will report to Matt Heslop, Asda’s new Chief Operations Officer.Lord Rose highlights the newcomers’ significant retail expertise as pivotal to Asda’s future.Asda, in a strategic move to meet its ambitious growth objectives for 2025, has announced the recruitment of two seasoned professionals to its leadership team. By strengthening its managerial capabilities, the company aims to reinforce its market position.Lauren Lepley, a former Morrisons…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Despite economic challenges, Newcastle Racecourse has seen a remarkable surge in profits, attributed to increased spectator numbers.The racecourse, operated by High Gosforth Park Ltd, recorded a significant rise in turnover from £20.3m to £22.2m in 2023.Operating profit for the venue leaped from £478,069 to £1.97m, as reported in the latest accounts.Staff numbers have increased from 30 to 37 permanent employees, highlighting growth amidst resumed racing post-pandemic.Directors remain optimistic yet cautious, acknowledging reliance on factors like disposable income and weather conditions.Newcastle Racecourse has witnessed an extraordinary quadrupling of its profits, a feat achieved despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The venue saw a…
The Retail Trust has conducted a survey highlighting safety concerns among retail workers.Nearly half of the retail workers fear for their safety due to increasing abuse and violence.A significant portion of employees feel unsupported by their employers in dealing with these challenges.The data shows a worrying trend with widespread incidents of verbal abuse and violence.Efforts are underway to provide training and support to affected workers.The Retail Trust has carried out a survey that reveals nearly half of the retail workers feel unsafe in their workplace. This alarming statistic underscores the increasing concerns for personal safety among those employed in the…
An international hotel chain is planning a new development in Middlesbrough, poised to boost the local economy significantly.Fairfield by Marriott intends to establish a 200-bedroom hotel as part of the Gresham project, with construction potentially commencing by next summer.The Middlesbrough Development Corporation Board will soon decide on approving Cycas as the hotel operator and Wates as the construction contractor.The project forms part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate Middlesbrough, aiming to attract talent and create up to 4,000 jobs.Local and regional leaders have expressed strong support for the project, viewing it as a key step in regional development.An international hotel…
AtkinsRéalis launches an innovative recruitment campaign at the 2025 Digital Skills Festival in Manchester.Five permanent job positions are available for winners of the ‘industry-first’ hackathon event.The ‘HackaFuture’ programme aims to identify top talent using cutting-edge technology without requiring specific qualifications.Participation is open to a diverse range of skill sets, challenging traditional recruitment processes.The event underscores Manchester’s growing role as a tech hub with a focus on innovation and education.The 2025 Digital Skills Festival in Manchester will witness an intriguing recruitment campaign by AtkinsRéalis, a pioneering engineering services and nuclear company. This event features an unprecedented ‘industry-first’ hackathon named ‘HackaFuture’, where…
Amidst challenging weather conditions, British supermarkets are alerting customers to an unusual phenomenon this Halloween season: green-tinged pumpkins. This warning comes as the sector grapples with what is recognised as the second-worst harvest on record.This year’s adverse weather, coupled with a significant slug problem, has impacted the production and appearance of pumpkins across the United Kingdom. Asda, a prominent supermarket chain, has taken proactive measures by placing signs reassuring customers that these green pumpkins will ripen to the familiar orange hue once at home. Despite the colour differences, Asda has confirmed that its supply remains unaffected, projecting the sale of…
From 30 October, Aldi will implement new labels on fresh chicken packaging, elevating its commitment to poultry welfare by increasing space for chickens beyond industry standards.To further its dedication to animal welfare, Aldi has announced the introduction of new packaging that highlights changes in stocking density for fresh chickens. These changes entail a notable 20% increase in space compared to current industry norms, a move that aligns with Aldi’s ongoing efforts to prioritise humane treatment of animals. This initiative echoes earlier steps taken by the supermarket, such as the discontinuation of caged hen eggs in August, achieving a cage-free status…
Research by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) reveals that a mere 2.3% of animal welfare breaches in the UK result in prosecution, highlighting significant shortcomings in enforcement. This finding raises concerns about the efficacy of the current system tasked with upholding the UK’s animal welfare standards.Approximately one-third of farming inspections uncover breaches of animal welfare standards, yet only a small fraction of these result in prosecution. Regular issues identified include the routine tail docking in pigs and lameness in dairy cows, underscoring gaps in enforcement.The dichotomy in enforcement responsibilities sees local authorities and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)…
Ride Shotgun has unveiled new PR and social media services, capitalising on strategic hires.Tom Hemingway joins as Senior PR Strategist, bringing over 12 years of experience, enhancing Ride Shotgun’s expertise.Megan Clarke steps in as Social Strategist, excelling in growing social media presence significantly at her previous role.Under Stephen Kenwright, the new team aims to integrate comprehensive brand, digital, and performance strategies.These expansions accompany Ride Shotgun’s recent US acquisitions, indicating a robust growth trajectory.Ride Shotgun has introduced an integrated PR and social media service, driven by the appointment of two strategic hires. This move signifies a significant enhancement in the agency’s…
In the competitive landscape of UK supermarkets, member pricing schemes play a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers. This article examines five major retailers—Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Lidl, and Co-op—and their distinctive approaches to member pricing, highlighting both the strengths and limitations of each scheme.Tesco’s Clubcard stands out for its extensive reach, offering member prices on over 6,000 products. Phil McMahon notes, “Value is subjective, but with savings ranging from small discounts on confectionery to significant cuts on higher-priced items like electric toothbrushes, there’s something for everyone.” The ease of use across various customer age groups is another commendable aspect,…