Author: Sam Allcock

Footasylum has secured a £35m loan from HSBC to support its UK expansion and sustainability goals.The loan includes a Sustainability Improvement Loan, which lowers interest rates based on Footasylum’s ESG performance.Footasylum plans to open new stores across the UK by the year’s end.Investment in omnichannel technology will enhance digital customer experiences.The company aims for carbon net-zero emissions by 2030 and 2040 for different scopes.Footasylum has successfully obtained a £35 million funding package from HSBC to back its UK expansion and green initiatives. This strategic move is set to position Footasylum as a leading retailer in sustainability and growth. The funding…

Jo Whitfield, CEO of Matalan, has resigned after 18 months, pursuing a portfolio career.Whitfield joined Matalan in March 2023, spearheading a transformation programme.Her achievements include forming a new leadership team and stabilising the business.Matalan has commenced the search for a new CEO, with Karl-Heinz Holland serving as interim executive chair.The company showed significant financial recovery under Whitfield’s leadership.Jo Whitfield has made the decision to step down from her role as CEO of Matalan, a position she held for 18 months, to focus on building a portfolio career. Her appointment in March 2023 marked the beginning of a transformative period for…

Losing a spouse is one of the most challenging life experiences, and for many older adults, the emotional toll can be accompanied by severe physical health risks. Known as the “widowhood effect,” this phenomenon has been linked to a higher mortality risk for the surviving spouse, especially within the first three months of bereavement. Experts now explore why this effect occurs and what steps can be taken to mitigate it. What Is the Widowhood Effect? The widowhood effect refers to the increased likelihood of death following the loss of a spouse, particularly in older adults. According to Dr. Dawn Carr,…

Ian Wilcock, formerly of Oxford Instruments, joins Oxford Metrics’ board, strengthening their strategic vision.Wilcock’s expertise from over eight years at Oxford Instruments will be pivotal for Oxford Metrics’ growth.Taking over from retiring director David Quantrell, Wilcock aims to drive both organic and acquisitive expansion.Oxford Metrics recently reported a 50% revenue increase, highlighting its market influence.Known for ABBA’s holographic tour tech, Oxford Metrics continues to innovate in motion capture.Ian Wilcock has officially joined the board of directors at Oxford Metrics, a firm renowned for its motion capture technology. Having spent more than eight years at Oxford Instruments, Wilcock brings with him…

Since 2020, the UK has seen a decline of 500,000 small businesses, highlighting a challenging economic environment.The private sector shrank by 56,000 businesses in 2024, totalling 5.5 million, from a peak of six million in early 2020.Self-employment and one-person businesses faced the harshest impact, with a significant 11% drop over five years.Large businesses saw growth despite the downturn affecting smaller entities, creating a mixed economic picture.Calls for economic reform intensify as experts express concern over lost entrepreneurial opportunities.The UK has experienced a significant decline in the number of small businesses since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. A total…

In today’s competitive marketplace, building a thriving business involves more than delivering a good product or service. For small and midsize businesses (SMBs), success also hinges on creating a positive workplace culture that fosters employee well-being and attracts top talent. According to Insperity’s 2024 Business Outlook Report, 60% of SMB owners are optimistic about the future, but there is a crucial factor that will determine their ability to grow: their company culture. More than ever, culture is becoming a driving force behind growth. A company that places employees at the center of its operations is better equipped to solve talent…

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, HR transcends traditional roles, focusing instead on strategic planning and data-driven decisions.HR planning and analytics software is crucial for aligning business goals with workforce needs.Effective software solutions prevent common staffing challenges, such as overstaffing or understaffing.Key functions include workforce forecasting, succession planning, and resource allocation.Successful integration of HR software enhances decision-making and operational efficiency.In a rapidly evolving business landscape, human resources (HR) extends beyond traditional recruitment and management functions. HR planning and analytics software has become indispensable for businesses aiming to stay competitive, offering tools that facilitate workforce planning and data-driven decision-making.These software solutions…

As winter approaches, rising burnout rates are leading to increased sick leaves.British employees have reported a 34% rise in sick leaves since 2019.Timetastic and Dr. Claire Merrifield highlight critical sick leave patterns.Employers need data-driven strategies for efficient absence management.Addressing workplace satisfaction is crucial in managing employee health.The onset of winter has coincided with a noticeable rise in employee burnout, resulting in more frequent sick leaves. Reports indicate that British employees are now taking 34% more sick leave days than they did in 2019. This trend raises concerns for both employees and employers.In collaboration with Dr. Claire Merrifield, Timetastic identifies concerning…

The influence of technology on young people’s career readiness is increasingly significant.A recent event highlighted the role of early tech exposure in career planning for primary pupils.Tech skills developed in school act as a foundation, aiding students through educational transitions.Students showcased tech-based ideas addressing school challenges, indicating a digital native generation.Bridging the tech skills gap requires demystifying roles and encouraging diverse participation.In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, the role of technology in preparing young people for their careers has never been more crucial. At a recent careers event involving primary school pupils, it was evident that introducing discussions about future…

Sainsbury’s is set to bolster its workforce with 20,000 new seasonal roles nationwide in anticipation of increased demand during the festive period.These temporary positions will span across the company’s stores, warehouses, and online fulfilment centres.A significant portion of the new workforce, 18,000 recruits, will join Sainsbury’s, while 2,000 will support Argos.Employment contracts for these roles range from three to 12 weeks, offering flexibility.In addition to competitive pay, Sainsbury’s will provide free meals during shifts and offer staff discounts.Sainsbury’s has announced its plan to hire 20,000 temporary workers across the nation to manage the expected rise in demand during the Christmas…