Author: Sam Allcock

Paul Verrico triumphs in a 10-marathon challenge to support cancer research.Over 10 months and 10 countries, Verrico ran 265.4 miles, raising significant funds.The challenge honours Anna Verrico, contributing over £1.3m through Team Verrico.Funds raised will support a University of Sheffield study on breast cancer.Verrico’s efforts focus on aiding families and advancing medical research.Widowed lawyer Paul Verrico has successfully concluded a formidable marathon challenge aimed at financing a pioneering cancer research project at the University of Sheffield. Over a span of 10 months, Verrico covered three continents and 10 countries, clocking a total of 265.4 miles. This physical feat was not…

Victorian Plumbing is set to close Victoria Plum following financial difficulties.The closure follows a £2 million loss since acquiring Victoria Plum in May.Operations at Victoria Plum will cease by the end of December.Victorian Plumbing anticipates strong financial performance despite the incurred losses.A new distribution centre is expected to enhance operational efficiency.Victorian Plumbing has announced its decision to shutter Victoria Plum, the competitor it acquired earlier this year, due to substantial financial losses approximating £2 million. This decision, which comes into effect following a comprehensive consultation with the workforce, will see operations cease by 31 December. Mark Radcliffe, CEO of Victorian…

Footasylum has taken strategic steps to bolster its leadership team for future growth.Former Under Armour executive, Will Van Rensburg, joins as Chief Commercial Officer.Glen Wilkinson, ex-Reebok product chief, is appointed Senior Buying Director.These appointees bring extensive experience from leading global companies.Footasylum aims to enhance its market position in fashion streetwear and sportswear.Footasylum’s recent executive appointments mark a significant move in enhancing its leadership team, aiming for accelerated growth in the fashion industry. The hiring of seasoned leaders is intended to steer the company’s strategic direction towards sustainable expansion.Will Van Rensburg, previously a global commercial director at Under Armour, takes on…

Wilko has announced a partnership with Deliveroo to offer rapid delivery services, marking a significant step in expanding customer accessibility.The service will initially launch in cities like Edinburgh, Bristol, and Nottingham, with plans to extend to 50 more locations by year-end.This collaboration signifies Wilko’s inaugural endeavour into immediate delivery, catering to the demand for quick access to home and garden products.Deliveroo has been actively expanding its non-food offerings, bringing high street convenience to the customer’s doorstep.Wilko aims to enhance its reach while continuing to open new stores, providing a blend of traditional and modern retail experiences.Wilko is embarking on a…

The future of Stellantis-owned Vauxhall’s UK factories is under scrutiny, driven by ongoing debates over net zero policies.Stellantis might close its Ellesmere Port and Luton plants unless the UK government reconsider EV sales mandates.The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate compels automakers to sell 22% electric vehicles, increasing yearly until 2030.Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares argues current regulations impose excess EV supply on markets, necessitating price cuts.Private EV purchases grew modestly by 3.7% amidst a general rise, underscoring the need for consumer incentives.In an escalating dispute over net zero policies, Stellantis, the parent company of Vauxhall, is poised to decide on the…

The future of Vauxhall’s UK plants hangs in the balance as Stellantis, the parent company, evaluates ongoing EV policy challenges.Stellantis has issued warnings since June about potential factory closures if UK ministers don’t reassess electric vehicle sales mandates.The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate pressures manufacturers by requiring 22% of car sales to be electric, with significant penalties for non-compliance.CEO Carlos Tavares underscores the disparity between EV production demands and consumer interest, calling for enhanced government action.Despite a rise in electric vehicle sales, driven largely by fleet demand, private consumer sales lag, necessitating further incentives.The future of Vauxhall’s manufacturing sites in…

The High Court has compelled a prominent City litigation firm to disclose the origin of a report suspected to be forged, part of an arbitration involving Russian oligarchs.In an uncommon legal manoeuvre, Mr Justice Calver has ordered the City law firm, Quinn Emanuel (QE), to reveal the name of the business intelligence consultancy responsible for providing the contentious Glavstroy report. This decision constitutes a Norwich Pharmacal order, aimed at extracting crucial information from an uninvolved party in a legal dispute. The order surfaced as Mr Justice Calver adjudicated on a claim linked to a discontinued arbitration under section 68 of…

Lidl has introduced a pioneering degree apprenticeship in Retail Leadership with an academic partnership with Kingston University.This four-year programme merges academic learning with practical retail experience for aspiring leaders.It attracted over 5,000 applicants, but only 51 school leavers were selected for this unique opportunity.The programme promises competitive salaries, starting at nearly £26,000 and rising to £46,000 by the fourth year.Kingston University collaborates to impart vital skills for future managers, blending academia with industry insights.Lidl has set a new precedent in retail education by launching its inaugural Retail Leadership degree apprenticeship scheme in cooperation with Kingston University. This innovative four-year programme…

Poundstretcher strengthens its leadership team with strategic inclusions from Morrisons, marking a significant step in its expansion journey. The company has announced several senior appointments aimed at enhancing its commercial and operational efficiency, a move attributed to its new private equity ownership.Miles Foster, a seasoned professional with 35 years at Morrisons, joins as the Group Operations Director overseeing 300 stores.Liz Harris, also from Morrisons, takes charge of retail operations after a near two-decade tenure with the retailer.The commercial domain sees Tony Fearon as the new Group Commercial Director, supported by former Poundland executive Kyle Storey, and ex-Morrisons exec Connor Black.Additional…

Succorfish transitions from maritime to oil and gas sectors, adapting technology for deeper waters.The North Tyneside-based company spent six months on R&D to ensure its device functions hundreds of metres under the sea.Partnerships with Eastern Seals and IKM facilitated the successful adaptation of MyGearTag for subsea operations.Founder Chad Hooper highlights the versatility and cost-effectiveness of their device compared to existing technologies.MyGearTag is crafted from recycled materials, supporting environmental sustainability while providing innovative solutions.Succorfish, a technology firm from North Tyneside, is extending its expertise beyond maritime applications by venturing into the oil and gas industry. After conducting a six-month research and…