Author: Sam Allcock

In a move to enhance customer experience, Waitrose has introduced Caffè Nero outlets within select stores across the UK, signalling a strengthened collaboration between the John Lewis Partnership and the coffee brand.Last week, five Waitrose stores in Billericay, Godalming, Keynsham, Locks Heath, and Stroud began offering Caffè Nero’s coffee, coupled with the upmarket retailer’s food menu. This development highlights the evolving landscape of retail, where such collaborations aim to enrich the shopping experience.Additionally, a Caffè Nero outlet was launched at the John Lewis store in White City, West London. This collaboration, which started in 2021, initially focused on providing free…

Procter & Gamble (P&G), known for iconic brands like Pampers, is expanding its Manchester site, creating new job opportunities.This expansion aligns with P&G’s commitment to growth and innovation in Manchester, where it has operated for 90 years.The Manchester plant is set to receive significant investment, including upgrades to facilities and automation technology.P&G is hiring for 20 new roles, covering various levels of experience in power, control, and operations.The expansion highlights P&G’s focus on nurturing talent and providing long-term career paths.Procter & Gamble, a multinational leader in consumer goods, is enhancing its Manchester operations, marking a significant step in its decade-spanning…

In the aftermath of recent Budget announcements, Richard Walker, the executive chairman of a leading food retailer, has called on businesses to eschew negativity and focus on solutions.Richard Walker, a prominent figure in the frozen food industry, has expressed concerns over the premature warnings of job losses and cost increases from some retailers. He emphasised that such outcomes have not yet materialised, suggesting that caution is needed in spreading unfounded fears. According to Walker, the response from businesses should be constructive rather than defeatist, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.Walker pointed to the proactive measures his company has taken as…

Pixel Kicks, a Manchester-based digital agency, has been selected to build a new website for Northern Lights Gaming after a competitive pitch.Northern Lights Gaming is known for its contribution to popular desktop and mobile games, with distribution through major operators.The new website aims to enhance the company’s profile, supporting game launches and recruitment, while showcasing their portfolio.Pixel Kicks brings experience from similar projects with other gaming companies, reinforcing their expertise in the sector.The expected launch is in the first half of 2025, marking a significant step for both companies in the gaming industry.Pixel Kicks, an established digital agency in Manchester,…

The shortlist for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024 has been unveiled, recognising six outstanding athletes for their remarkable achievements during a thrilling year of sports.Among the contenders is Jude Bellingham, who has made significant strides in football, becoming a key player for his team.Athlete Keely Hodgkinson is also nominated for her remarkable performances on the track, earning accolades throughout the year.Luke Littler’s skills in darts have been highlighted, making him a strong candidate for the award.Joe Root, a pillar in cricket, continues to demonstrate his exceptional capabilities, earning him a spot on the shortlist.The BBC has…

IP Group, a prominent tech investor, recently sold shares in its portfolio, amounting to £15m.The sale involved nine of its portfolio companies, contributing to a larger £45m share buyback programme.Shares were sold at a slight premium to previous valuations, representing less than 10% of IP Group’s holdings in each firm.IP Group shares saw a 3.7% increase in early trading following the announcement.CEO Greg Smith emphasised the transaction’s role in strengthening investor relations and maintaining portfolio quality.IP Group, a leading player in the tech investment arena, has strategically sold shares from its portfolio, generating a substantial £15m. This move is part…

Bitcoin is at a critical juncture, poised between potential breakout and correction. Currently stabilising at $98,636, it has intrigued analysts with its unpredictable movement. A vital question looms: will it surpass the $102K mark or pull back? The coming days are crucial as traders keenly observe these dynamics.The recent dip, countered by weekly gains, showcases Bitcoin’s volatility. Bitcoin’s intricate dance with market forces has once again placed it in the spotlight. As it edges closely to significant resistance levels, the broader implications for the cryptocurrency landscape are unfolding. Understanding these factors is essential for stakeholders.Potential Bearish Divergence Raises ConcernsMichaël van…

XRP has been making headlines as one of the most talked-about cryptocurrencies recently. The Ripple-backed token saw remarkable growth, reaching heights not seen in seven years. This surge has positioned XRP as the third-largest cryptocurrency, just behind Bitcoin and Ethereum. Even with recent price fluctuations, the market remains optimistic, with many predicting another significant rally.Over the last month, XRP climbed from a modest $0.5 to a stunning high of $2.9, marking an impressive increase of over 400%. Despite a correction that brought it down to $2.2 last week, the bullish sentiment prevails in the market. Analysts and traders continue to…

Iceland’s initiative to support its customers during the festive season returns in the form of an interest-free microloans scheme, which will continue into 2025.The latest phase of the frozen food retailer’s ‘Food Club’ scheme enables customers to borrow up to £100 without interest through a preloaded card, as reported by The Grocer. This card can be utilised at Iceland stores or The Food Warehouse. Repayments are structured at £10 per week, although customers have the option to repay more, offering flexibility in managing their finances.From 16 December, existing customers will have the opportunity to top up their cards in preparation…

XRP, a major cryptocurrency, has recently experienced a notable pullback after a dramatic rise. Its value peaked at $2.71 before falling back to $2.45. This decline reflects a 4.19% drop in the past 24 hours. Yet, the weekly numbers show a 0.72% increase. Such price fluctuations drive speculation about future trends.The question arises whether this dip is merely a result of profit-taking or if it signals deeper bearish sentiment within the market. With XRP’s value having quadrupled since November, many traders have been compelled to book profits. Additionally, historical patterns suggest potential for further price corrections in the wake of…