Hotter Shoes is set to significantly boost its UK manufacturing capabilities under new ownership. This move marks a stark reversal of previous plans to phase out UK production.New owner WoolOvers intends to increase UK-made shoes from 25% to 75% of Hotter’s total production.The decision stems from customer demand for comfort-fit, UK-manufactured shoes, contrasting with imported alternatives.Chief Executive Mike Lester highlights that production costs in the UK are only slightly higher than those in India.Boosting UK production supports local employment and improves profit margins by increasing factory volumes.Hotter Shoes has announced plans to radically enhance its domestic production capabilities, aiming to…
Author: Dave Antrobus
In a recent development, the election for the justice select committee, which monitors the Ministry of Justice’s operations, resulted in a significant representation of legal professionals, with seven out of nine members being lawyers.Andy Slaughter, a former Labour shadow justice minister, was elected as the committee’s chair. His selection was confirmed by the whole House last month. The remaining eight members, selected through party-specific elections, include six from the Labour party and two from the Conservatives, most of whom are new to Parliament this year.Among the newly elected members is Alex Barros-Curtis from Labour, Cardiff West. Barros-Curtis began his career…
Sukhwinder Singh Kang, 33, from Camberley, Surrey, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of providing unregulated immigration advice and services.The Southwark Crown Court sentenced Mr Kang to 16 months of imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, alongside 150 hours of unpaid community work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He is also mandated to pay a compensation order of £8,832 and a victim surcharge of £156, with no additional order for costs.Mr Kang’s case sheds light on the deceptive practices employed by those posing as regulated advisers. Over the period of June 2020 to June 2021,…
JoJo Maman Bébé has confirmed the appointment of Mark Wright as its interim CEO, effective at the end of October.Wright, formerly the COO at FatFace, succeeds Gwynn Milligan, who joined the company in 2017 and became CEO in 2022.Wright’s move follows his departure from FatFace, where he had planned a break after facilitating the transition to new ownership by Next.In a LinkedIn post, Wright expressed gratitude for his time at FatFace and indicated readiness to start his new role with JoJo Maman Bébé.The leadership transition comes during a period marked by numerous changes in retail industry executive positions.JoJo Maman Bébé…
The last quarter of the year, known as the golden quarter, is essential for retailers’ success.Experts predict a resurgence in retail due to pent-up consumer demand and moderating inflation.Key shopping events such as Black Friday and Christmas are expected to drive significant sales.Technological purchases and AI product launches contribute to optimistic forecasts.Economic challenges, including potential tax increases, pose threats to consumer confidence.The last three months of the year serve as a critical period for retailers, often dubbed as the golden quarter. Despite a persistent decline in retail spending this year, industry specialists remain optimistic due to expected consumer demand during…
A major new residential development named ‘Edition’ is set to transform Birmingham’s urban landscape.Located on Brindley Drive, the ‘Edition’ will boast 581 apartments across two impressive buildings.The project includes the demolition of an existing car park and promises to create 300 jobs during its construction.Residents will enjoy luxurious amenities such as a pool, skyline gym, and cinema room.Court Collaboration and Select Property are spearheading this ambitious project, estimated for completion in 2027.A significant residential development known as ‘Edition’ is poised to make a substantial impact on Birmingham’s cityscape. Positioned on Brindley Drive near The Library of Birmingham, the ‘Edition’ comprises…
The Very Group recently proposed a takeover bid for N Brown, preceding a family buyout.This approach by Very Group was a preliminary move reported by Sky News.The offer came before a 40p per share bid by N Brown’s non-executive Joshua Alliance.Market response saw N Brown’s shares surge by 40% following the £191 million offer acceptance.Frasers Group, holding a 20.3% stake in N Brown, supports the Alliance family acquisition.The Very Group’s attempt to acquire N Brown was a notable occurrence, as it took place just before the family-driven acquisition of the company. The preliminary takeover proposal was reported by Sky News…
A renewed call to action on World Menopause Day highlights the importance of inviting menopausal women back into the workforce.Recent data shows an 87% rise in menopause-related employment tribunals, spotlighting workplace challenges.One in ten women leave work due to menopause symptoms, revealing a significant gap in workplace support.The Revive & Thrive programme offers a pathway for menopausal women to re-enter the workforce successfully.Menopause Friendly Accreditation showcases workplaces committed to supporting menopausal employees, indicating a growing trend.A renewed focus on the potential of menopausal women returning to the workforce was spotlighted on World Menopause Day. Deborah Garlick, an authority on menopause…
The London Stock Exchange Group has taken decisive action by terminating a US-based employee following the release of a controversial video.This decision underscores the group’s strict adherence to its anti-discrimination policies.The employee was initially placed on suspension pending an investigation into the video’s content.Comments suggest the video involved inappropriate behaviour, although specifics remain unconfirmed.This incident highlights the company’s zero-tolerance stance on racism and discrimination.The London Stock Exchange Group has responded rapidly to a situation involving one of its US-based employees, who was featured in a video deemed ‘concerning’. This action reflects the organisation’s firm commitment to maintaining a workplace free…
Elise Seibold has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of Suntory Beverage & Food UK, effective from 1 November.Elise Seibold, who joined Suntory in 2004 as the Schweppes assistant brand manager, has been promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Suntory Beverage & Food UK. Her new role also includes joining the executive committee of the regional group, Suntory Beverage & Food Europe.Throughout her two-decade tenure at Suntory, Seibold has occupied diverse roles across brand marketing, commercial and innovation sectors. She has been instrumental in spearheading several strategic initiatives, particularly during her most recent post…