Author: Sam Allcock

Sam Allcock is a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate storyteller with a keen eye for emerging trends and viral phenomena. With over a decade of experience in the business world, Sam has successfully launched several startups that blend innovation with creativity. At 88com.net, he brings his expertise in curating compelling content that captures the zeitgeist of our digital age. When he's not exploring the latest trends, Sam enjoys connecting with his audience and sharing insights that inspire and inform. Join him on a journey through the stories that are shaping our world today!

Greggs will debut a new Champagne bar at Fenwick in Newcastle, dubbed “the UK’s most premium Greggs”.The bar is set to open on 24 October 2024, located in Fenwick’s food hall and operating on a reservation-only basis.Chef Mark Reid has collaborated with Greggs to craft a special menu featuring classic items with modern twists.Champagne enthusiasts can enjoy handpicked selections, including high-end brands like Bollinger Rosé and Laurent Perrier.The pop-up follows last year’s successful Bistro Greggs and promises a unique in-store experience.Greggs is set to elevate its brand image by launching a Champagne bar at Fenwick department store in Newcastle, portraying…

Read More

Greggs is launching a Champagne bar at Fenwick, Newcastle, offering a unique dining experience.Opening on 24 October, the bar is reservation-only, situated in Fenwick’s food hall until 31 December.The menu, crafted with executive chef Mark Reid, features Greggs’ classics with innovative condiments.Champagne options include prestigious labels like Louis Roederer Cristal, priced at £75 per glass.Signature cocktails inspired by Greggs’ sweet treats add to the indulgent offering.Greggs is embarking on an innovative venture by opening a Champagne bar at Fenwick department store in Newcastle, aiming to deliver a unique and premium customer experience. Slated to open on 24 October, this exclusive…

Read More

An influencer’s Instagram post featuring Sainsbury’s infant formula has been prohibited by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for breaching national advertising rules.In a recent development, an Instagram story by influencer Kayleigh Johnson has been barred from circulation due to its promotion of infant formula, which is against UK regulations. The post included an affiliate link directing users to Sainsbury’s website to purchase the infant formula product. It also contained a question about whether users were planning to breastfeed, followed by a link labelled ‘Formula we use’.The ASA has made it clear that under the UK Advertising Code, the marketing…

Read More

ProCook reports a notable 8.8% rise in sales for its second quarter, hitting £17 million.The kitchenware retailer is set to launch several new stores before the Christmas season.Retail and online channels have shown substantial growth, with a 7.1% and 12.2% increase respectively.Chief Executive Lee Tappenden highlights improved brand awareness with these strategic expansions.ProCook aims to cement a stronger market position through enhanced customer focus and profitability.ProCook has announced an 8.8% increase in sales for its second quarter, reaching a total of £17 million. This growth is attributed to the strong performance of both its retail and online channels.In response to…

Read More

Procook has reported its fifth consecutive quarter of growth, achieving an 8.8 per cent increase in revenue to £17m for the quarter ending March 27.The growth has been primarily driven by strong performance in Ecommerce, with a 12 per cent increase in sales.Retail sales also saw a significant boost, with a 7.1 per cent increase from the previous year.Analysts have noted effective staff training and strategic location choices as key factors in this success.Despite stock fluctuations, the brand continues to expand its store network and introduce high-quality products.Procook, a leading name in kitchenware, has demonstrated consistent growth, marking its fifth…

Read More

The UK’s wine industry is facing potential upheaval as the government prepares to implement substantial changes to alcohol duty from 1 February 2025. This overhaul will introduce over 30 distinct tax bands, complicating the existing framework significantly.Steve Finlan, CEO of the Wine Society, has voiced concerns that these new tax regulations will lead to price hikes for consumers, possibly resulting in some wines being removed from UK shelves. The Wine Society, representing 180,000 members, is among several industry groups expressing criticism towards the government’s approach.Other influential figures in the wine sector, including Majestic Wine and Laithwaites, have echoed these concerns.…

Read More

UK inflation has decreased to 1.7%, its lowest level since 2021, setting the stage for potential interest rate cuts.The latest ONS data reports a decrease from 2.2% in August, surpassing predictions from analysts and the Bank of England.Lower airfares and fuel prices have contributed to the inflation drop, despite rising food and beverage costs.Financial markets are responding, with currency values shifting and bond yields dropping amid rate cut expectations.This inflation change could impact fiscal planning and benefit payments, influencing future economic strategies.The latest data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that the annual inflation rate in the United Kingdom…

Read More

Just Eat Takeaway reports a 6% global decline in orders, affecting all markets.Despite a fall in orders, Gross Transaction Value (GTV) has seen slight growth in key areas.New partnerships in grocery, pharmacy, and wellness sectors are being explored to foster growth.Cost reductions and operational efficiencies have been implemented to maintain financial guidance.Shares have dropped 3% amid these developments, continuing a year-long downward trend.In a recent trading update, Just Eat Takeaway disclosed a significant 6% decline in orders globally, affecting all its markets including the UK and Ireland, North America, northern Europe, and most sharply in southern Europe and Australia and…

Read More

Mohsin Issa, the former co-owner of Asda, has ventured into a new business domain by investing £10 million in a sports supplement company. This marks his first significant financial move since stepping down from his role at the supermarket giant.Issa’s investment has been channelled through Boulder Investco Limited into Applied Nutrition, a company known for its protein supplements. This investment aligns Issa with a consortium of four successful entrepreneurs from the North West, preparing for the company’s listing on the London stock market.Applied Nutrition is based in Liverpool and currently lists Andy Bell, founder of AJ Bell, as its chairman.…

Read More

The UK hospitality industry is grappling with significant stress issues, intensified by a recent government policy reversal.A report highlights that 65% of hospitality workers experience stress, more than any other sector.A sharp increase in off-duty work-related rumination affects 95% of employees in this industry.The government dropped plans for a legal ‘right to switch off’, urging firms to self-regulate instead.WhatsApp dominates work communication, heightening concerns over blurred work-life boundaries.The UK hospitality sector is encountering unprecedented levels of stress among its workforce. According to recent findings, 65% of employees in this industry report experiencing considerable stress, a higher percentage than in other…

Read More