Author: Sam Allcock

Despite increasing concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI), shareholders at top US tech firms are not heeding pension savers’ calls for action.Shareholders of major tech giants—part of the Magnificent Seven—have dismissed resolutions aimed at addressing AI risks.Research indicates 10% of UK-defined contribution pension funds are vested in these tech companies, highlighting savers’ exposure to AI impacts.A PensionBee survey reveals nearly 72% of pension savers believe shareholders should use their power to influence AI use.Despite significant support from pension savers, resolutions at Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet failed to pass with low voting percentages.Despite growing concerns over AI, shareholders of three major US…

New data reveals alarming financial vulnerability for UK working parents facing child illness.22% of working parents could only manage a week without pay if taking time off for a sick child.Self-employed parents estimate over three months of financial self-sufficiency, contrasting starkly with employed parents.A significant portion of parents lack emergency childcare support from family or friends.Financial protection plans like ChildShield aim to alleviate income loss concerns for parents.New research highlights the precarious financial situation of working parents in the UK when taking unpaid leave due to a child’s illness or injury. According to the study by MetLife UK, 22% of…

Axel Arigato has named Jens Werner as their new creative director, marking a significant shift in the brand’s leadership.Werner takes over from Max Svärdh, co-founder of Axel Arigato, who will continue as a board member.Werner’s previous roles include creative director at J. Lindeberg and design director of Tory Burch’s sportswear division.The brand is experiencing a period of rapid growth and transformation.A new store is set to open in Covent Garden, London this July.In a notable change in leadership, Jens Werner has been appointed as the new creative director of Axel Arigato, a Swedish fashion brand known for its footwear and…

Flannels has officially partnered with Sellier to provide permanent luxury resale concessions across select UK stores, marking a major retail evolution.Sellier previously tested its luxury concession model with pop-ups at Flannels stores in Glasgow and Liverpool, which achieved impressive sales figures.Buoyed by this success, Flannels is now expanding these concessions to include a new permanent location in Belfast.The concessions offer a curated selection of luxury pre-loved handbags and accessories from iconic brands like Chanel and Hermès.This strategic move aims to make high-end fashion more accessible to regional shoppers, reflecting both brands’ commitment to luxury inclusivity.In a significant move for luxury…

Russell & Bromley, a heritage British footwear brand, has announced the appointment of Daniel Beardsworth-Shaw as their new creative director. This move is significant as it marks the first time the company has appointed someone to this role, underscoring a shift towards innovation.Daniel Beardsworth-Shaw will now lead the brand and product direction at Russell & Bromley, working directly with CEO Andrew Bromley.Beardsworth-Shaw’s illustrious career includes pivotal roles at Accessorize, Sweaty Betty, and Hunter Boots, spotlighting his diverse design expertise.His appointment signals a strategic step in Russell & Bromley’s transformation plans to enhance its global presence and define its visual brand…

Starting a family is increasingly seen as a significant financial priority for young employees.A global study reveals men are more focused than women on funding fertility treatments and adoption.In the UK, a greater percentage of young men than women aim to financially prepare for starting a family.US trends mirror those in the UK, with men prioritising family planning expenses.Despite financial confidence differences, a need for better financial education among employees is evident.A recent global report highlights that starting a family has become an essential financial goal for younger employees. This is especially true for men, who are placing increased emphasis…

London Fashion Week spring/summer 2025 is set for an earlier slot to maximise audience exposure, steering clear of overlaps with Milan and New York shows.The event is scheduled from 12th to 17th September 2025, starting at 5pm on the first day and concluding by mid-day on the last.This scheduling, agreed upon by major fashion councils, is aimed at avoiding clashes with Milan Fashion Week, which commences on 17th September in the afternoon.The new calendar was reached unanimously by the British, Italian, French, and American fashion councils, ensuring a smooth flow of fashion events globally.Maintaining such a schedule promises significant exposure…

In anticipation of a Labour government, businesses should brace for significant employment law changes.Labour proposes restricting ‘fire and rehire’ practices to save businesses as a last resort.Changes in collective bargaining laws may increase costs and slow decision-making.Introducing a new ‘worker’ status could alter employment rights and taxation.Strengthened discrimination protections aim to create fairer workplaces but may increase litigation.The Labour Party has outlined a series of proposed reforms to employment law that could significantly impact businesses if they come into power. One of the most notable proposals is to restrict ‘fire and rehire’ practices, allowing them only as a last resort…

Hush announces significant changes in its leadership team, including the departure of Chief Financial Officer Don Davis after more than three years. This change is part of a broader leadership restructuring within the company.The departure of Don Davis was officially filed on Companies House last week, marking an end to his tenure since March 2021.Davis brought to Hush extensive experience from previous roles at Asos and Homebase, enhancing the company’s financial direction.Rebecca Scott has been appointed as the new chief trading officer, bringing her expertise from her previous role at Sephora UK.Scott’s appointment is seen as a strategic move, as…

In a strategic shift, Yoox Net-A-Porter (YNAP) is retreating from the Chinese market to concentrate on more profitable areas, reflecting broader challenges in the luxury sector.The Net-A-Porter platform, introduced in China in 2013, departs amidst a strategic pivot by its parent company, Richemont, aiming for regions with higher returns.The termination of the strategic partnership with Alibaba further signifies YNAP’s shift, as confirmed by Fengmao’s CEO, Yating Wu, last week.The exit decision is influenced by declining demand from Chinese consumers, mirroring challenges faced by major luxury brands like Gucci and Burberry.Richemont’s move occurs as it seeks new ownership for YNAP following…