Author: Sam Allcock

A recent report by the House of Lords paints a challenging picture for the UK’s high streets. The findings highlight a lack of coordination in previous government strategies, resulting in significant store closures and a shift away from traditional retail dominance. There is an urgent need for collaboration between local authorities, communities, and businesses to innovate and revitalise these crucial spaces.The report reveals that over 10,000 high street outlets closed in 2023, affecting local department stores, pharmacies, and more.There is growing demand for diverse offerings on the high street, including restaurants, leisure activities, and essential services like health centres.Improving safety,…

Simon Broadbent is set to invigorate Entyce Creative as the new Creative Director.Broadbent brings over 25 years of industry experience to Entyce Creative.He will lead the design team and craft the agency’s creative direction.Joining comes after notable growth for Entyce in 2024 with new clients.Entyce Co-director Jane Entwistle anticipates continued success with Broadbent’s leadership.Simon Broadbent has been appointed as the new Creative Director of Entyce Creative. With an extensive background in creative arts, including his recent role as head of art at Stein IAS, Broadbent is expected to enhance Entyce’s creative output. He has a rich history of working with…

BBC releases documentary and podcast about Sir Alex Ferguson’s legacy.The documentary includes personal stories from players like Wayne Rooney.The podcast dives deeper into Ferguson’s life with insights from Kelly Cates.Viewers can watch the documentary on BBC iPlayer starting Boxing Day.The podcast will be available on BBC Sounds on December 26, with a bonus episode.BBC is set to release a highly-anticipated two-part documentary and six-part podcast series honouring Sir Alex Ferguson, a prominent figure in British football. The documentary, crafted by BBC Sport and BBC Scotland, will premiere on BBC iPlayer on Boxing Day.This engaging series delves into Ferguson’s storied career,…

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed the authenticity of savings offered by supermarket loyalty schemes, dispelling widespread consumer scepticism.The CMA undertook a thorough investigation into the pricing strategies of loyalty schemes across five major supermarkets. This included an analysis of approximately 50,000 grocery products offered under loyalty price promotions. The findings revealed that 92% of these items represented genuine savings, contradicting the belief held by 55% of consumers that supermarkets inflate usual prices to enhance the appeal of loyalty discounts.Across supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Co-op, and Morrisons, consumers can anticipate average savings of 17% to 25% when…

A coalition of 60 businesses, including major retailers, is urging the UK government to embrace a digital solution for the forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).The call for a digital adaptation of the Deposit Return Scheme comes as prominent names in the business world, such as Ocado and Co-op, have united to propose a modern approach to recycling drinks containers. This digital alternative would allow consumers to recycle from home, using digital scanning technology, while still receiving their deposits back. This system would operate alongside traditional in-store recycling schemes.The proposal has garnered attention following the successful trial conducted by Ocado in…

Arla Foods has embarked on a significant initiative with prominent UK supermarkets, including Morrisons, Tesco, and Aldi, to trial a feed additive aimed at mitigating methane emissions from cattle.This innovative trial focuses on a feed additive known as Bovaer, which has demonstrated the capacity to lower methane emissions produced by cows by an average of 27%. As part of the FarmAhead customer partnership initiative, Arla works closely with these retail giants to explore how such additives can be assimilated into standard feeding practices. The project involves 30 farmers from the dairy cooperative, aiming to garner insights into how these feed…

Analysts highlight potential economic repercussions from proposed US tariffs, urging strategic responses from the UK. ⬇️Proposed tariffs by President-elect Trump could critically impact the UK’s GDP, with analysts predicting a potential £20 billion loss.A report suggests that a 60% tariff on Chinese goods may reduce UK GDP by 0.9%, highlighting economic vulnerabilities.Securing a free-trade deal with the US appears unlikely, necessitating alternative strategies such as advancing green technology.Economists see potential opportunities amidst challenges, suggesting the UK could still thrive if strategic actions are taken.The President-elect’s plan to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese goods, along with a 20% tariff on…

M&S Food has made significant strides in product development, driven by a commitment to innovation that has seen an impressive 8.1% rise in food sales during the first half of 2024.Marie Ford, the product development manager at M&S Food, is at the forefront of this innovation wave. Her team is responsible for the development of convenience meals, including global and traditional dishes, as well as pizzas, snacks, and soups. Through collaboration with suppliers, they seek to identify trends and create products that satisfy customer needs. The essence of M&S Food is innovation, constantly pushing to create ‘the next big thing.’Ford…

Dock10 has introduced a pioneering lighting system for live production.This system combines physical and virtual lighting controls in real-time.It utilises a single industry-standard lighting console for enhanced efficiency.The innovation expands creative opportunities for lighting directors.The solution is geared towards improving production standards with budget efficiencies.MediaCityUK’s Dock10 has made a substantial leap in live production technology by unveiling what it claims to be the first real-time system allowing simultaneous control of both physical and virtual lighting using a single industry-standard lighting console.This technological advancement enables productions to fully integrate virtual lighting into their setups during live shoots, considerably broadening the creative…

Analysts have raised concerns about the potential economic impact of President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs on the UK economy, estimating a significant financial hit if no mitigating actions are taken.Trump’s plan to introduce a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and 20% on other imports could reduce the UK’s GDP by 0.9%, approximately £20 billion.The National Institute of Economic and Social Research forecasts a 0.7 percentage point decline in UK economic growth with even a 10% tariff.Securing a free-trade agreement with the US appears unlikely due to food standard issues, prompting calls for the UK to enhance its green technology sector.Economists highlight…