Author: Sam Allcock

Len Goodman, an impactful figure in the footwear industry, has died at the age of 93. His career spanned decades, beginning with the founding of London Lane Shoes in the 1960s.London Lane Shoes became known for its unique style and quality, selling to major retailers like the British Shoe Corporation.Goodman later sold his company to Clarks, but repurchased it after the division closed in 1972.He was a mentor to many, including his nephew Daniel Rubin, who praised his knowledge and integrity.Goodman’s legacy continues to inspire, despite the closure of his business in 1988 as manufacturing shifted overseas.Len Goodman, a luminary…

The 2024 Fashion Transparency Index results reveal a significant gap in UK brands’ performance compared to international competitors.German brand Puma leads the index with a top score of 75%, highlighting its commitment to transparency.UK’s highest-ranked brand, Superdry, scored 38%, trailing behind international leaders.Key issues for UK brands may include inadequate prioritisation of decarbonisation efforts.Fashion Revolution urges brands to allocate resources towards energy transition and transparency.The 2024 Fashion Transparency Index, published by Fashion Revolution, underscores a noteworthy gap between UK fashion brands and their international counterparts when it comes to transparency and sustainability. Among the 250 global fashion giants assessed, German…

The issue of rising retirement age is increasingly significant, affecting both developed and developing nations worldwide.As people live longer, countries are struggling to adapt their retirement systems, leading to proposals for raising retirement ages.In the UK, the state pension age may increase to 71 by 2050, posing challenges for individuals and businesses alike.Many retirees are forced back into work due to financial pressures, highlighting broader societal and economic impacts.Companies must support lifelong learning and mentorship to ensure older workers remain valuable and engaged in the workforce.The issue of rising retirement age is increasingly significant, affecting both developed and developing nations…

Next has announced an unexpected increase in profit guidance for the fiscal year. The company attributes this to robust full-price sales, exceeding prior estimates.In the 13 weeks up to 27 July, Next witnessed a 3.2% rise in full-price sales, surpassing their predictions by £42m.UK online and retail operations saw a modest increase in sales by 0.4% during the second quarter, while overseas online sales surged by 21.9%.The first half of the year saw total full-price sales grow by 4.4%, significantly surpassing the anticipated 2.5% increase.Acquisitions, specifically of FatFace and further shares in Reiss, contributed to an 8% growth in group…

Clarion has significantly enhanced its team with key appointments, demonstrating a strong commitment to strategic growth. This expansion involves the recruitment of experienced professionals across various sectors, reinforcing the firm’s capabilities and service excellence.Rachel Spencer Robb, a veteran in family law, joins Clarion, enhancing its already esteemed team in this domain.Dan Elsworth is appointed as a senior associate in the debt recovery team, bringing his vast experience to boost their operations.Three new paralegals join the banking and private wealth teams, augmenting Clarion’s legal expertise in these areas.Four operational roles are filled to maintain efficiency and support Clarion’s ambitious growth plans.Clarion…

UK employers are increasingly focusing on mental and physical wellbeing, yet may overlook key employee concerns.New research highlights a significant gap between employer wellbeing programmes and employee needs, especially financial support.While 72% of employers target mental wellbeing, only 24% give priority to financial wellbeing, a pressing employee concern.Two-fifths of employees face moderate issues in at least two wellbeing areas, leading to decreased work engagement.Employers plan to integrate wellbeing into strategic frameworks, but current efforts are perceived as inadequate by employees.UK employers are increasingly recognising the importance of supporting their employees’ wellbeing. However, recent research reveals a notable mismatch between the…

Join us for an enlightening webinar focused on preparing for the peak trading season in the retail industry. With contributions from industry leaders, we’ll explore essential strategies for success.The webinar will address critical challenges facing retailers during the peak season, providing actionable solutions.Physical stores remain a vital component of retail strategy, and this session will reinforce their significance.Experts from Mountain Warehouse and The White Company will share insights on enhancing operational efficiency.Key topics include streamlining communication, automating tasks, and empowering store associates.As the retail sector anticipates the forthcoming peak trading season, an informative webinar has been scheduled to assist businesses…

The burgeoning role of mediation in workplaces is being increasingly recognised as an essential tool for conflict resolution, providing new career opportunities for HR professionals.HR professionals possess inherent skills that align perfectly with mediation, such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving, making this transition a natural progression.The role of mediators is crucial as they serve to bridge gaps between conflicting parties, thereby enhancing workplace morale and productivity.Transitioning from HR to mediation entails upskilling and gaining practical experience, which can be achieved through formal training and participation in mediation services.Exploring career options in mediation offers HR professionals various paths, including in-house mediation…

The UK job market faces significant hurdles as annual job vacancies plummet by nearly one-fifth.New data reveals a slight monthly decline in vacancies, despite recent economic growth.The number of jobseekers per vacancy reaches a three-year high, highlighting hiring pressures.Salaries rise amid falling vacancies, yet salary transparency continues to decline.Certain sectors show signs of recovery, while others face ongoing challenges.The UK job market continues its challenging trajectory, with annual job vacancies falling by 19.49% to 852,703 compared to the same time last year. Recent data from the UK Job Market Report by Adzuna demonstrates a slight decline in vacancies by 0.18%…

The 2024 Olympics in Paris presents unique challenges for UK employees and employers as events run during work hours.Employees are curious about their rights regarding watching the Olympics during work. Legal permissions depend on the employer’s agreement.Negotiations or grievances may arise if employers refuse access to live streams, with options to address perceived unreasonable decisions.Activities such as calling in sick to watch events could lead to disciplinary outcomes, emphasising the importance of mutual trust.Employers can consider flexible work arrangements, ensuring no breach of contract while accommodating interest in significant events.As the 2024 Olympics commence in Paris, many UK employees are…