Author: Sam Allcock

The UK wine industry faces impending challenges as significant changes to alcohol duty are planned.The new duty regime, effective from 1 February 2025, will introduce over 30 tax bands, greatly complicating the current system.Key industry players, including The Wine Society and Majestic Wine, warn these changes could lead to increased prices and reduced wine availability.Wines with alcohol content between 11.5% and 14.5% ABV, comprising 80% of the market, will be most affected.Wine retailers are actively lobbying against the change to prevent potential negative impacts on high streets and consumer choice.The introduction of more than 30 different tax bands for alcohol…

The fast fashion giant Shein is making significant strides toward a prospective IPO in London, appointing additional banks to support the process.Barclays and UBS have been enlisted as new bookrunners to manage Shein’s anticipated listing on the London Stock Exchange.Previously collaborating with major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Morgan Stanley, Shein is intensifying its preparations.A potential valuation of around £50 billion has been indicated, sparking both interest and concern within industry circles.Criticism is brewing over Shein’s labour practices and use of tax loopholes, with scrutiny from government officials anticipated.The fast fashion retailer, Shein, is actively advancing its plans…

Prolific North’s ‘Growth to Gold’ event on 13 November is set to offer vital insights for agency leaders.Hosted at KPMG’s Leeds office, this event targets senior figures in digital and tech sectors aiming for strategic growth.Ten experienced speakers will share their knowledge on scaling, acquisitions, and investments, enriching the dialogue with their diverse backgrounds.Key sessions will include strategies for employee retention, mergers and acquisitions, and future-proofing businesses against market risks.Participants will benefit from a concluding panel session with interactive Q&A, promising actionable takeaways for business advancement.In anticipation of Prolific North’s upcoming event, ‘Growth to Gold,’ which will convene at KPMG’s…

A new proposal suggests transforming the Kingsway Hotel in Widnes into nine residential apartments, highlighting a shift in local property usage.The plans have been submitted to Halton Borough Council by Qadria Properties, looking to convert the existing premises.The transformation would entail changing the current hotel and pub set-up into predominantly single-bedroom apartments.The development plan ensures that the building’s external facade will remain unchanged, preserving the local architectural aesthetic.A decision on these plans is yet to be determined, as per current reports.Plans have been put forth to redevelop the Kingsway Hotel and pub in Widnes into a residential block of nine…

John West, a renowned name in the tinned fish market, has encountered its first financial loss in over a decade despite an increase in sales.John West, a major player in the tinned fish industry, has reported a £6.7 million pre-tax loss for the financial year ending 31 December 2023. This marks the brand’s first loss in more than ten years, signalling turbulent times despite a 4.9% rise in sales to £134.5 million. The company’s strategic decision to uphold competitive pricing amidst global commodity price surges played a crucial role in this outcome.The company deliberately chose not to pass the full…

Two major professional services firms are moving into a new office in central Bristol.Law firm Shakespeare Martineau and consultancy Marrons, both under the Ampa group, are relocating.The move is from Queen Square to One Temple Quay, offering modern facilities.This office features collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and an auditorium.Shakespeare Martineau and Marrons cite growth and collaboration as key reasons for the move.A significant relocation is happening in Bristol’s professional services sector as law firm Shakespeare Martineau and planning, design, and development consultancy Marrons move to a new office hub. These firms, both part of the Ampa group, are set to operate…

Adidas has improved its profit predictions for the third time this year, driven by robust brand momentum.The company’s third-quarter performance exceeded expectations, significantly boosting operating profits.Samba and Gazelle trainers have played a central role in this financial success.Currency-neutral sales are now expected to rise by approximately 10%.Adidas is effectively navigating the challenges posed by its recent separation from Ye.Adidas has once again revised its profit expectations, marking the third occasion this year that the company has done so. This adjustment reflects the brand’s considerable momentum, particularly in the third quarter, which outperformed initial forecasts.Operating profits saw a remarkable rise, climbing…

Secerna LLP, based in York, bolsters its chemistry and pharmaceutical team.Melvyn Ansell, a leading patent attorney, joins the firm.Ansell holds a PhD and master’s in chemistry from the University of Sussex.His expertise includes patent drafting, prosecution, and litigation.Ansell’s addition is expected to elevate client services significantly.Secerna LLP, a prestigious intellectual property firm located in York, has taken a significant step towards strengthening its capabilities in the chemistry and pharmaceutical sectors by recruiting Melvyn Ansell, an experienced UK and European patent attorney. The firm is known for offering a comprehensive array of intellectual property services, enhanced by a dedicated team of…

Developers have resubmitted plans for a major office building in Birmingham city centre.5 Centenary Square has faced prior planning processes in 2019 and 2021.The modified 10-storey design includes advanced facilities and a cycle hub.Developers aim to revive the expired consent for the project.No specific end user has been identified for the speculative build.Developers have once again submitted plans for a notable new office building in the heart of Birmingham. The £81 million project, known as 5 Centenary Square, marks a significant addition to the Arena Central site, situated opposite the Library of Birmingham.Initially, the proposals for the Centenary Square development…

Asda has announced a significant partnership with Decathlon to enhance its online platform, George.com.The collaboration aims to introduce over 480 brands to customers through George.com, thanks to the support of Virtualstock.This agreement builds on the existing relationship between Asda and Decathlon, which already includes 22 in-store concessions.Michael Rowles, Asda’s online trading senior director, emphasised the importance of this expansion for their product range.Asda continues its growth strategy by also expanding its premium-grocery ‘Exceptional by Asda’ range with over 400 new products.Asda, a leading UK supermarket, has made a strategic move by partnering with Decathlon, a renowned sportswear retailer. This collaboration…