Author: Sam Allcock

Puma’s financial performance in the first half of 2024 reveals challenges amidst a volatile global environment.The sportswear brand witnessed a 2.1% decrease in sales, bringing the total to €4.2 billion.Net income dropped significantly by 25%, amounting to €129.3 million.Despite currency challenges, the company maintains optimistic projections for the latter half of the year.Puma continues to focus on strategic growth in the US and China, aiming for brand and product excellence.Puma’s first half of 2024 marked a challenging period as sales declined by 2.1%, reaching €4.2 billion. This reduction led to a revision of its yearly financial outlook.The company’s profit margins…

Lord Rose has been appointed as the first patron of the Fashion Retail Academy, enhancing its industry connections as it opens a new campus.Having begun his career at M&S, Lord Rose’s journey led him through significant leadership roles, culminating in a return as CEO.His contributions to the retail industry have earned him recognition, including a knighthood and a seat in the House of Lords.Rose’s appointment is expected to bolster opportunities for academy students, bridging education and industry expertise.The Fashion Retail Academy has a proven track record, training over 13,000 individuals with a high employment success rate post-graduation.Lord Rose, a distinguished…

Following their recent electoral victory, the Labour Party is poised to implement sweeping changes to UK employment law.The introduction of the Employment Rights Bill and Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill signals a new era for employment policies in the UK.Proposed reforms include enhanced rights for employees from day one, stringent measures against unfair dismissal, and mandatory pay gap reporting.The Labour Party is determined to revise employment status frameworks and tribunal proceedings to ensure fairness and efficiency.These changes aim to protect worker rights, foster equality, and promote fair pay within the workforce.The Labour Party, with a recent landslide victory, has…

Boohoo Group is considering selling its Soho office, acquired for £72m in 2021. Discussions with potential buyers indicate a sale and leaseback arrangement is possible. The building accommodates around 400-500 employees. Debenhams has recently opened a showroom there. Boohoo is addressing refinancing opportunities.Boohoo Group is reportedly evaluating the sale of its office situated at 10 Great Pulteney Street, Soho, a property it purchased for £72 million in 2021. The firm has commenced discussions with possible buyers, and a sale and leaseback agreement is under consideration, aligning with the company’s intent to continue operations from the premises.The Soho office spans 43,963…

Boots has unveiled a new line of unisex babywear aimed at offering style and comfort for children up to two years old.This exclusive line, known as Maybe Baby, is available in 180 Boots stores and online.The range features watercolour prints and soft fabrics, designed for easy wear for both babies and parents.Mollie King, a well-known broadcaster, leads the marketing campaign as the collection’s ambassador.Poeticgem, a notable supplier, collaborates with Boots in crafting this innovative collection.In a bid to redefine babywear, Boots has collaborated with Poeticgem to introduce the Maybe Baby collection, featuring unisex designs for infants up to two years…

In the first month of the new government’s tenure, swift actions have been taken, with notable achievements and some missed opportunities according to industry leaders.Labour has quickly addressed several pressing issues in the country, impressing many in the fashion retail sector.A leading CEO comments on the mixed results, citing both accomplishments and opportunities the government has overlooked.The fashion industry is particularly focused on the government’s impact on sustainable practices and regulations.Social media has seen varied reactions to Labour’s initial steps, reflecting a spectrum of opinions.In the wake of taking office, Labour’s government has moved swiftly to tackle several of the…

Switalskis Solicitors strengthens its clinical negligence team with a strategic hire.Helen Richardson, with over 25 years in civil litigation, becomes the new operations lead.Her role is to enhance efficiency, client service, and strategic planning at Switalskis.Richardson is a qualified solicitor and barrister, enhancing Switalskis’ service capability.Her appointment underlines Switalskis’ commitment to client service and operational excellence.Switalskis Solicitors has made a significant move to bolster its clinical negligence team by appointing Helen Richardson as the new operations lead. This move is seen as a strategic effort to enhance the firm’s operational efficiency and client service in a rapidly expanding area of…

Navigating the journey of entrepreneurship while raising a family is a significant challenge. Recent research highlights cities in the UK that excel in supporting business owners with family commitments.London emerges as the leading city for business-minded families, despite higher living costs.Belfast is praised for its abundant green spaces and strong safety profile.Leeds is recognised for its excellent educational infrastructure and nature accessibility.Cost-effective living and safety position Liverpool and Newcastle upon Tyne favourably.Establishing and running a small business in the UK presents numerous challenges, particularly for those balancing family life. A recent study reveals that certain UK cities excel in offering…

Amid a 6% rise in UK childcare costs, parents face challenges balancing work with school holidays.Annual leave in the UK typically covers 5.6 weeks, creating a gap against 13 school holiday weeks.Flexible working arrangements can help parents manage work and childcare during holidays.Exploring various childcare options is essential to manage costs effectively.Effective communication with employers can unlock creative solutions for working parents.With UK childcare costs rising by 6% in the past year, many parents are struggling to balance their professional responsibilities with the demands of school holidays. The typical UK worker’s annual leave entitlement of 5.6 weeks starkly contrasts with…

Ted Baker Design Group, managed by PDS Group, is planning considerable job cuts, threatening around a third of its workforce.Approximately 30 roles are expected to be affected at the Cleveland Street headquarters in London.These layoffs are a response to decreased demand in product design and sourcing, separate from earlier administrative actions.The restructuring aims to adjust the operational needs of the company, following its establishment in April 2023.PDS and Authentic Brands Group, the controlling entities, have declined to comment on the situation.The Ted Baker Design Group, under the management of PDS Group, is preparing to downsize its team by about a…