Author: Sam Allcock

The Sidemen, renowned YouTube personalities, have inaugurated a new store in Birmingham, marking their second physical retail endeavour.This new outlet is located in the prominent Bullring & Grand Central shopping centre, enhancing the retail landscape with its innovative offerings.Hammerson, the centre’s operator, emphasises the store’s role in diversifying their retail mix by introducing youthful and dynamic concepts.The 4,500 square foot store offers a range of unisex streetwear and exclusive merchandise, including a unique SDMN x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collection.This expansion follows the success of their first store at Bluewater, demonstrating the Sidemen’s growing influence in the fashion sector.The Sidemen,…

Motorpoint announces a return to profitability following last year’s losses, predicting approximately £2m pretax profit for the first half of the fiscal year.The company attributes its financial recovery to an easing of macroeconomic pressures and a resurgence in consumer demand.Retail volume sees a notable increase of 17 per cent year over year, showcasing strong momentum for the company.Interest rate cuts in August are perceived as a contributing factor to improved market conditions and profitability.Despite ongoing supply challenges, Motorpoint’s strategic business adjustments yield positive financial outcomes.Motorpoint has reported a significant financial turnaround, forecasting a pretax profit of around £2m for the…

Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone beer has secured a major listing with Waitrose, marking its first national grocery presence.The beer, launched in 2021, will now be available in over 300 Waitrose stores across the UK.Hawkstone is renowned for its commitment to British farming, using local ingredients in its production.This expansion follows Hawkstone’s recognition as one of the fastest-growing brands in the UK.The beer’s premium offerings have received prestigious awards, highlighting its quality and popularity.Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone brand has achieved a significant milestone by partnering with Waitrose, securing its first national grocery listing. As a result, both the beer and cider will be…

TikTok is revolutionising how supermarkets connect with Gen Z shoppers.Supermarkets are increasingly leveraging TikTok to tap into viral food trends.Innovative food content on TikTok is becoming a strategic norm for retailers.Notable supermarkets are seeing tangible sales boosts from TikTok-engaged audiences.The influence of TikTok is reshaping shopping experiences and food culture in the UK.TikTok has long been a hub for discovering food trends. Platforms like this have propelled items such as mochi ice cream and whipped coffee into mainstream popularity. Supermarkets have recognised TikTok’s potential, with 49% of users reportedly taking action after viewing grocery content on the app.Sonia Gleeson, TikTok…

Frasers Group has made significant investments in UK retail properties, acquiring three major shopping centres to expand its portfolio.The acquisitions include Princesshay Shopping Centre in Exeter, purchased from Nuveen and the Crown Estate.Kent’s Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre will feature both a 70,000 square foot Frasers flagship and a 5,000 square foot Flannels store.Gloucester’s Olympus Centre retail park has also been added to Frasers’ property collection.These strategic investments signal Frasers Group’s commitment to enhancing physical retail presence across the UK.Frasers Group has undertaken a strategic expansion of its property portfolio by acquiring three significant shopping centres across the United Kingdom. This…

The UK government has launched the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) to accelerate technology approvals and reduce bureaucratic obstacles.RIO aims to collaborate with existing regulators to adapt rules for new technologies, enhancing the speed of approval processes.Science Minister Patrick Vallance highlighted the current complexity businesses face with multiple regulators.The RIO will model its approach on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s agile pandemic response.Key areas of focus include engineering biology, space technology, AI in healthcare, and autonomous vehicles.The UK government has unveiled the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) to streamline the approval process for new technologies, addressing long-standing bureaucratic challenges. This…

Abingdon Health has recorded significant revenue growth alongside narrowed losses in its latest financial results, indicating strategic progress.The company, based in York, achieved a 50% increase in revenue, reaching £6.1 million by the end of June.Operating losses were reduced to £1.3 million, showcasing effective financial management.Three new products moved into manufacturing, aided by partnerships with prominent retail chains.Strategic acquisitions and fundraising have bolstered the company’s capacity for future investment.Abingdon Health, a company specialising in lateral flow technology and publicly listed on the AIM stock market, has reported impressive financial strides. Its revenue surged by over 50%, reaching £6.1 million by…

Scottish law firm Gilson Gray has made a significant move into the English legal market by acquiring the City of London-based PCM Solicitors.Gilson Gray’s acquisition of PCM Solicitors marks a strategic expansion within England, with future plans to extend into additional markets. The inclusion of PCM allows Gilson Gray to broaden its capabilities in family and property law, absorbing all five of PCM’s staff members into its team.The Edinburgh-headquartered firm has outlined ambitious plans for growth in London, focusing on recruiting a head of operations to oversee the broadening of their services. Gilson Gray aims to establish a comprehensive range…

In a significant ruling, Jennifer Hallam, a solicitor with a tumultuous history, has been permitted to return to practising law after her striking off in 2002.The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) recognised Jennifer Hallam’s perseverance and dedication despite the challenging circumstances surrounding her case. Hallam, now 73, was originally removed from the roll after issues related to a loan from a client arose amidst a backdrop of severe domestic abuse. There was no finding of dishonesty; the tribunal cited a lack of probity instead, acknowledging her difficult personal situation at the time.The SDT highlighted that the incidents leading to her striking…

The Law Society has issued guidance urging criminal legal aid firms to conduct ‘viability reviews’ due to ongoing governmental inaction on necessary reforms.The Law Society has called upon criminal legal aid firms to undertake ‘viability reviews’ to evaluate their capacity to continue offering services. This advice, issued amidst frustrations over a lack of sufficient governmental response, aims to determine whether firms should scale back or entirely withdraw services unless significant reforms are introduced. Richard Atkinson, poised to assume the role of society president, emphasised that the longstanding dedication of criminal legal aid lawyers has masked deeper systemic issues, allowing governments…