Author: Sam Allcock

Zinc Media Group has sold its non-core publishing business for £100,000 in a strategic move to enhance its core operations.The transaction involves Zinc Communicate Publishing, a Macclesfield-based unit, sold to Specialist Business Media Ltd.This sale enables Zinc Media to focus on its television and brand content production activities.Zinc Communicate, with revenues of £2.2m in FY23, has been loss-making and demanding significant resources.The divestment allows the business to continue within a more specialist publisher, maintaining its industry contributions.Zinc Media Group has strategically offloaded its non-core publishing unit, Zinc Communicate Publishing, for a sum of £100,000. This move is intended to allow…

Amid a challenging year for pumpkin cultivation, supermarkets are cautioning consumers about the likelihood of encountering green-tinged pumpkins due to one of the most difficult harvests on record.Persistent wet weather this spring, compounded by slug infestations, significantly affected pumpkin farms across the country. While pumpkins are expected to ripen to the festive orange hue at home, the early season adversities have led to many still carrying a distinct green tinge at purchase.Supermarkets like Asda are already advising customers not to be alarmed by the pumpkins’ unusual appearance. A representative confirmed that despite these challenges, the supermarket chain expects no shortage…

A significant investment has been made in Leeds University’s foodtech spinout, MicroLub, marking an essential development in food technology.Northern Gritstone, along with co-investors, has provided a £3.5m seed fund to bolster MicroLub’s innovative solutions.MicroLub addresses global health challenges by offering low-calorie alternatives without compromising taste or texture.The technology aims to contribute to sustainability in the food industry, specifically in plant-based foods.Strong market interest and existing traction highlight the commercial potential of MicroLub’s groundbreaking innovations.A significant stride in the landscape of food technology has been made with Northern Gritstone’s announcement of a £3.5 million seed investment into MicroLub, a spinout from…

Rumours suggest that ASAP Rocky is involved in a bid for Tranmere Rovers Football Club, with a potential Disney+ documentary to capture the process.ASAP Rocky, alongside celebrity lawyer Joe Tacopina, is part of a group aiming to purchase Tranmere Rovers Football Club.The prospective takeover could feature an accompanying documentary series, akin to the Welcome to Wrexham project.The involvement of renowned personalities like ASAP Rocky is seen as a strategy to increase the club’s profile and market value.ASAP Rocky highlighted the importance of support from his partner, Rihanna, in managing their demanding schedules.ASAP Rocky, known for his influential role in the…

The UK property market witnesses a shift as mortgage rates decline, attracting more buyers and stabilising house prices.Data from Rightmove shows estate agents in Britain are marketing an average of 63 homes, a notable increase compared to previous years.The increased housing stock is reducing price pressures, allowing buyers more negotiating power.Mortgages have become more affordable, with the average five-year fixed rate dropping from its peak, encouraging market activity.Optimism for future market recovery is growing, with expectations of further improvements in affordability.Data reveals a significant improvement in housing availability across the UK, with estate agents now listing an average of 63…

In a notable leadership transition, JDE Peet’s, the company behind renowned tea and coffee brands, has appointed Rafael Oliveira, a former executive at Kraft Heinz, as its new Chief Executive Officer.Rafael Oliveira is set to commence his role at JDE Peet’s on the 1st of November, assuming the position after former CEO Fabien Simon was compelled to resign in March due to declining profits and sales. This appointment follows a period of interim leadership for the company, which had been endeavouring to stabilise its operations.JDE Peet’s, which boasts a diverse portfolio including well-known grocery brands such as Kenco, L’Or, and…

The UK hospitality industry is at a critical juncture as business rates could quadruple by spring 2024.Without government intervention, relief from business rates will end, costing the sector £914 million.170 industry leaders, including major pub chains and high street venues, call for Chancellor action.UKHospitality warns of potential closures and a surge in vacancy rates across high streets.Reform is needed to prevent harming the government’s growth agenda and local community investment.The UK hospitality sector is bracing for a significant financial challenge as business rates are set to increase fourfold in spring 2024. Industry leaders are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to act…

In a strategic move aimed at revitalising its operations, JDE Peet’s, the owner of renowned coffee brands such as Kenco, L’Or, and Tassimo, has appointed Rafael Oliveira, a veteran executive from Kraft Heinz, as its new Chief Executive Officer.Oliveira is set to commence his role on 1 November, succeeding Fabien Simon, who exited the company in March after a notable decline in financial performance. Over the interim period, the company has been led by two temporary CEOs, awaiting a more permanent strategic direction.Under Oliveira’s leadership, JDE Peet’s aims to enter ‘a new and exciting phase’, as articulated by its chairman,…

Aldi is implementing new labels on chicken products to improve transparency about stocking density.The initiative underscores Aldi’s commitment to animal welfare by increasing chicken space by 20% over industry standards.Aldi’s decision follows its earlier move to cease selling eggs from caged hens, achieving cage-free targets ahead of schedule.The changes align with Lidl’s similar commitment to enhancing chicken welfare, setting new industry benchmarks.Julie Ashfield of Aldi emphasises the importance of animal welfare in these developments.Aldi is introducing updated packaging for its fresh chicken products, signalling its commitment to improved animal welfare. From 30th October, consumers will notice new labels that provide…

The UK hospitality industry is on the verge of a significant financial challenge, as business rates are expected to increase fourfold in spring 2024.Industry leaders warn of a £914 million burden on the sector if government relief ends as planned.A coalition of 170 business leaders has urged the Chancellor to implement a permanent reduction in business rates.Without intervention, the impending tax hike could lead to widespread closures and economic downturn.UKHospitality and other organisations stress the urgent need for government action to avoid negative impacts on local economies.The UK hospitality sector is poised to face a severe financial challenge, with business…