Author: Sam Allcock

A recent study highlights ongoing challenges for remote and flexible workers.27% of flexible workers feel they miss promotions.Millennials and older Gen Z are most affected by this issue.Employers are not aligning with employees’ flexibility desires.Cultural change is needed within organisations to retain talent.A recent study indicates that 27% of office workers who work flexibly believe they have missed out on promotions or job opportunities. This sentiment is notably high among millennials and older Gen Z workers, with 37% of those aged 25-34 and 42% of those aged 35-44 feeling overlooked. The research, involving 1,000 office workers from the UK and…

Hawksmoor, a renowned steakhouse chain, is set for a £100m valuation following substantial growth.The company reported a notable increase in turnover, reaching £89.7m for 2023, up from £73.9m in 2022.Pre-tax profits have seen a significant rise from £282,000 to £1.49m in the same period.Expansion efforts include new locations in Liverpool, Dublin, and an entry into the Chicago market.Private equity firm Graphite Capital, holding majority ownership, has put Hawksmoor up for sale.Hawksmoor, the steakhouse chain headquartered in London, is experiencing significant financial success. The company has announced a turnover of £89.7m for 2023, which marks a significant increase from £73.9m in…

Oxa, supported by Google, debuts its self-driving tech in Ford E-transits on UK and US roads.The Oxford-based company aims to speed up the broader use of autonomous vehicles.Ford E-Transits become self-driving through Oxa’s Reference Autonomy Designs.Oxa’s technology supports both logistics and passenger services, integrating seamlessly into existing fleets.The move marks a significant step in Oxa’s plan to reshape transportation and logistics.Oxa, a company with backing from Google, has launched its self-driving technology in Ford E-Transit vans, now operational on roads in both Britain and America. This development is part of Oxa’s strategy to quicken the adoption of autonomous vehicles worldwide.The…

Avon is set to increase its franchise store presence across the UK while strengthening its partnership with Superdrug.The beauty company plans to introduce more standalone shops operated by sales representatives through a franchise model.Avon products will soon be available in 650 Superdrug stores, a significant rise from an initial 100 store trial.By the end of 2024, Avon’s global retail footprint aims to reach 2,300 physical locations.This strategy shift follows adjustments made during the Covid-19 pandemic when traditional selling methods were disrupted.Avon, a prominent name in the beauty industry, is taking ambitious steps to bolster its retail presence across the United…

Avon is set to expand its franchise model and deepen its partnership with Superdrug by the end of 2024.The global cosmetics company eyes increasing its standalone shops across the UK run by sales representatives.A strategy reshuffle will also see Avon products in 650 Superdrug stores out of 830 by year-end.Avon anticipates having its beauty brand available in 2,300 physical stores worldwide, up from trials in 100 stores.The move to physical stores comes after a reassessment of strategies due to changes brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.Avon is exploring the expansion of its franchise model across the United Kingdom, with the aim…

VF Corporation, known for brands such as Vans and The North Face, reported a 6% drop in quarterly revenue.Sales for The North Face and Timberland saw a decrease of 3%, while Vans experienced a significant 11% decline.Revenue in the Asia Pacific region increased by 6%, showcasing contrasting performance across markets.Gross margins improved, signaling some financial stability amid declining sales.VF Corporation remains committed to its strategic goals, including a $300 million savings target.VF Corporation, the owner of brands like Vans, The North Face, and Timberland, saw a 6% decline in its second-quarter revenue compared to the previous year, totalling $2.8 billion…

Jollyes, the pet retailer, has reinforced its executive team for future growth.Key appointments include former executives from Tesco, Card Factory, and Hobbycraft.Adam Dury joins as the inaugural Chief Operating Officer, effective from January.Katherine Paterson takes on the newly created Chief Marketing Officer role.Anne Galloway and Matt Johnston are other strategic hires enhancing Jollyes’ leadership.Jollyes has strategically strengthened its executive team, signalling a robust strategy for expansion. The recent appointments bring a wealth of experience from leading UK retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Card Factory, and Hobbycraft, ensuring a comprehensive approach to its growth initiatives.Adam Dury, previously the Chief Commercial Officer…

A significant move in the legal market has occurred as a private equity firm, Horizon Capital, steps forward with a substantial £30 million investment. Their first acquisition under the newly established Adeptio Law Group is the Midlands-based FBC Manby Bowdler.Horizon Capital, known for its ‘buy and build’ strategy, is aiming to create a leading national legal services group through regional law firm acquisitions. FBC Manby Bowdler, a well-established full-service law firm, becomes the cornerstone of this ambitious venture. Based in Wolverhampton, FBC operates across the West Midlands, Shropshire, and Worcestershire, employing over 200 staff.In the recent financial year ending 31…

Conveyancers are reportedly spending nearly half of their workday in pursuit of other stakeholders or being pursued by them, according to a recent study.The study, conducted by Landmark Information Group, engaged 100 residential conveyancers across England, Wales, and Scotland. Findings revealed that the time spent by conveyancers in ‘chasing stakeholders’ rose by four percentage points to 43%, highlighting a significant aspect of their daily routine.The most significant frustration for conveyancers, having increased from fifth position last year to the top spot, is the duration required to complete transactions. This concern was expressed by 53% of the respondents. The next issues…

FatFace has reported a notable loss following its acquisition by Next, reflecting significant financial changes within the company.FatFace reported a pre-tax loss of £3.2 million for 35 weeks, shifting to align with new owner Next’s reporting period.The company faced £7.9 million in exceptional costs, largely due to the acquisition by Next.Despite a revenue drop from £205.4 million to £191.6 million, trading profit slightly increased to £19.5 million.CEO Will Crumbie highlighted a focus on full-price sales improving margins and pre-tax profits.In a significant development, FatFace reported a pre-tax loss of £3.2 million for the 35 weeks leading up to 27 January,…