Author: Sam Allcock

Andrew Keith, the current CEO of Selfridges, will step down this autumn, ending his four-year leadership tenure at the luxury department store.Keith took over as managing director in 2020, transitioning to CEO in 2023, bringing years of retail experience from Lane Crawford Joyce.He will be replaced by André Maeder, who is currently the CEO of the parent company, Selfridges Group.Maeder has a managerial history with Germany’s KaDeWe Group, aligning with Selfridges’ parent company, Central Group.No official comments have been made by Selfridges regarding the leadership change.Andrew Keith’s departure from his role as CEO of Selfridges marks the end of a…

The Suspected Inflicted Head Injury Service (SIHIS) has sparked concerns within public law care proceedings.The service pilots are operational in Manchester, Sheffield, and Birmingham hospitals.Legal experts are worried about the impact on fair trial and family life rights.Limited information from the Department for Education raises transparency issues.Upcoming meetings provided little clarification or reassurance to stakeholders.The introduction of the Suspected Inflicted Head Injury Service (SIHIS) has generated significant concern among professionals involved in public law care proceedings. Currently being piloted in Manchester, Sheffield, and Birmingham, the SIHIS aims to streamline assessments for children with suspected non-accidental head injuries, intending to speed…

Employers increasingly embrace AI for crafting CVs, yet personalisation remains crucial.Certified CV expert Julia Gergelova provides insights on enhancing AI-generated CVs.AI can quickly create a CV, but human input retains the crucial personal touch.Critical details like achievements and personal experiences bring a CV to life.Collaboration between AI tools and personal customisation is key to a standout CV.The advent of AI technology in CV writing tools, such as those provided by Kickresume, allows individuals to produce a comprehensive CV in seconds. However, as highlighted by Julia Gergelova, a certified professional CV writer, it’s essential to personalise these documents to ensure accuracy…

In light of evolving work environments, a recent study highlights mental health as a primary concern for employers, surpassing other wellbeing aspects.A majority of employers, 57%, identify mental health as their top priority for employees.The shift to remote and hybrid working models has exacerbated mental health challenges.Support for mental health is increasingly seen as crucial in workplace policies.Strategies to address employee mental health are diverse and integral to business success.A recent study conducted by Towergate Health & Protection reveals that 57% of employers view mental health as the leading concern for their workforce. This concern outpaces other aspects such as…

AI and automation are gaining traction for use in background screening, according to a new report.Over 90% of businesses in EMEA express comfort with AI in screening processes.83% believe AI reduces human error, enhancing accuracy in screening reports.Speed of process and candidate experience see improvements with AI integration.’Human in the Loop’ systems balance AI with human oversight, promoting secure practices.AI and automation are increasingly accepted as tools in the background screening process. A recent report reveals that more than 90% of businesses in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region are comfortable with their use in researching or compiling…

The John Lewis Partnership has received approval for its ambitious rental housing project in Bromley, London, marking a significant step forward in its expansion plans.The development will feature 353 rental homes along with a modernised Waitrose store, aiming to enhance the local area.Initial consultations for this project began in June 2022, showcasing a long-term vision for urban development.Despite some local criticism regarding building heights and affordable housing levels, 10% of the units will be classified as affordable.The project’s approval reflects substantial support from Bromley residents and aligns with planning officials’ recommendations.The John Lewis Partnership’s ambitious initiative to develop 353 rental…

JD Sports Fashion has successfully completed its acquisition of US sports retailer Hibbett, marking a significant move in its North American expansion strategy. This $1.1bn deal was first announced in April and has now received all necessary approvals.Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Hibbett operates 1,169 stores across 36 states, offering a substantial footprint for JD Sports in the US market.In the fiscal year leading up to February 2024, Hibbett reported impressive financial figures, including net sales of $1.7bn and a profit before tax of $132m.The acquisition will see JD Sports’ North American revenues rise to approximately £4.7bn, enhancing its market share…

Boohoo has launched an ambitious online marketplace that brings together 200 brands from fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. L’Oréal Paris, Garnier, Ray-Ban, and Michael Kors are among the notable brands featured in this new venture.The marketplace aims to be a comprehensive destination for consumers, expanding weekly with new brands.Utilising Mirakl’s e-commerce software, Boohoo aims to replicate the success of its Debenhams marketplace acquisition.James Blacklock, Boohoo’s Chief Product Officer, emphasised the diverse and quality offerings available to UK consumers.Boohoo has recently launched an expansive online marketplace, bringing together a diverse selection of 200 brands, with notable names such as L’Oréal Paris,…

Rachel Roche highlights the necessity for the legal sector to embrace modern technology.The legal industry is perceived as resistant to change and reliant on outdated practices.Research indicates a significant technology adoption gap between small and large firms.Accessible technology and AI present cost-effective opportunities for legal practices.Roche emphasises the vital integration of digital tools while retaining personal client service.Rachel Roche, a prominent figure in the Yorkshire legal scene, is calling for a transformative approach in the legal profession towards technology. She stresses that this sector needs to adopt new technological tools to stay relevant and competitive.The legal field is often criticised…

New research sheds light on the significant financial impact of commuting on UK employees.The study shows that commuters work an average of 54 days annually to afford travel expenses.Employees using hybrid work models fare slightly better, working 32 days a year for commuting costs.Car commuters bear higher costs than train users, spending approximately £9,452 annually.The Birmingham to London commute is the most expensive, costing £75 daily and 28% of average salaries.A recent analysis by Rippl, a recognition platform, highlights the substantial financial burden faced by regular commuters across the UK. The research reveals that an average employee spends an equivalent…