Author: Sam Allcock

Boots has appointed Anthony Hemmerdinger as the new Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, effective 4 November.Hemmerdinger, with over 30 years in the UK’s retail sector, has played a pivotal role in transforming Boots.Previously at Asda and M&S, Hemmerdinger has extensive experience in operations and strategy.Seb James, the outgoing Managing Director, was instrumental in expanding Boots’ beauty and healthcare services.The leadership transition follows Walgreens shelving plans for a multibillion-pound sale.Anthony Hemmerdinger has been named as the new Managing Director for Boots UK and Ireland, stepping into the position on 4 November. He replaces Seb James, who announced his departure…

The NEAR Protocol has captured the spotlight with a notable 7.33% price rise in the last 24 hours.Experts forecast a potential rally, driving prices up by over 275% if critical supports are maintained.Market Momentum and Price DynamicsThe NEAR Protocol’s recent price activities highlight a promising trajectory, showcasing an impressive upward trend. Over the past 24 hours, NEAR’s price surged by 7.33%, further bolstered by a 10.46% increase within the last week. Trading at $4.19, its market capitalisation reaches $4.64 billion, which reflects the positive investor sentiment fostered by these trends.Beyond mere price appreciation, social metrics paint a vivid picture of…

The Supreme Court ruled against Tesco in a significant legal case concerning employee rights.Tesco’s attempt to alter employment contracts to remove ‘retained pay’ was judged unlawful.This decision concludes a major legal battle between Tesco and the Usdaw union.The ruling emphasises the protection of workers’ contractual rights in the UK.Tesco has acknowledged the decision while asserting its fairness towards employees.The UK Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling against Tesco, deciding that the company cannot unilaterally alter employment contracts to eliminate ‘retained pay’ benefits. This decision reinforces the legal protection afforded to workers’ contractual rights, marking a pivotal moment in employment…

Waitrose has recorded a significant increase in profit and customer growth for the first half of the year, marking a notable period of success for the supermarket.The grocer’s adjusted operating profit rose by £75 million, reflecting a successful performance for the 26 weeks ending 27 July.Sales at Waitrose increased by 5%, with a 2% rise in both volume and average item price.Customer numbers grew by 300,000, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of growth and contributing to a record availability rate of 96.5%.Chief Executive Officer Nish Kankiwala attributed the impressive results to their ongoing transformation plan, which is showing positive signs…

The cryptocurrency market is witnessing a revival as major tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum rally, sparking renewed interest.Today’s momentum signifies an optimistic shift after a downward trend, with a broader market valuation exceeding $2 trillion.Current Market OverviewThe cryptocurrency market is experiencing a renewed surge, departing from the recent downtrend that had investors cautious. This resurgence is signalling a potential shift in market sentiment, with a significant market valuation exceeding $2 trillion, reflecting a 2.27% rise to $2.04 trillion. Despite the crypto fear and greed index indicating ‘fear’, the rally may allay investor anxiety.A comprehensive heat map illustrates a pervasive green…

Waterstones is set to make a notable comeback to the iconic Oxford Street through a significant partnership with John Lewis. This collaboration marks a new chapter for both retailers in one of the UK’s busiest shopping districts.The new Waterstones bookshop will open within John Lewis’ flagship store, enhancing the store’s literary offerings.Scheduled to open on 8 October, the bookshop will feature an extensive selection of nearly 20,000 books across various genres.Waterstones had previously exited Oxford Street in 2016, having once operated four stores along the renowned retail destination.Both companies expressed excitement about the potential of this venture to provide enhanced…

Apprenticeships offer valuable pathways for HR professionals aiming to keep pace with significant legal changes and career advancement.Angela Kaine of Realise advocates for apprenticeships as a key method for staying informed about substantial employment law transformations.Employment law is undergoing notable changes with the upcoming Government’s Employment Rights Bill impacting HR procedures.Apprenticeships offer practical experiences, critical thinking development, and adaptability to legal shifts in HR roles.Realise offers Level 5 and Level 3 HR apprenticeships to facilitate career progression and practical knowledge acquisition.Apprenticeships have emerged as a pivotal route for HR professionals to remain abreast of momentous legal changes while progressing in…

UK companies are struggling with technology skills shortages amidst efforts to enhance digital transformation.72% of firms report technology skills gaps, primarily in AI, data analytics, and security.Manual tasks are undermining productivity, costing £275 million annually in lost output.Many organisations employ ‘quiet hiring’ and AI tools like Chat GPT to bridge the skills gap passively.Despite increased AI investments, companies are cautious due to AI-related risks.British firms are investing heavily in digital transformation, yet many face significant challenges in productivity and digital maturity. According to a recent report by Docusign, a substantial 72% of UK firms acknowledge technology skills gaps in areas…

Ancora Law’s recent move to a refurbished historic building signals its growth and ambition in the legal sector.The relocation to Minster House in Beverley marks a significant expansion for Ancora Law, growing from its previous smaller office space.This move is part of Ancora Law’s strategy to accommodate its increasing team and client base, reflecting its consistent year-on-year growth.The new location at Minster House offers enhanced amenities and accessibility, benefiting both clients and staff alike.Wykeland Group’s support has been instrumental in providing a modern workspace that aligns with Ancora Law’s vision for the future.Ancora Law, a leading commercial and residential property…

In a challenging scenario for the retail industry, almost 40 stores have permanently closed each day in 2024, highlighting an increasing trend of high street decline.New data from PwC indicates a sharp increase in store closures, totalling 6,945 for the year, surpassing the previous year’s daily closure rate.While new store openings have seen a modest increase, they still fall short, with only 25 openings a day, underscoring a net loss of retail spaces.Value retailers and convenience stores are witnessing positive growth, with more than one store opening weekly, providing some relief to the sector.Despite a stabilising rate of net closures,…