Author: Sam Allcock

Nigel Blow, ex-Harrods executive, alleges Fenwick abruptly stopped his CEO appointment shortly before commencement.Reports suggest Blow withdrew from the role amid controversies linked to former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed.Blow was appointed by Fenwick on 30 July, aiming to revitalise the financially struggling department store.Allegations against Al Fayed were revealed in a BBC documentary, shocking Blow despite no personal connections to the claims.Fenwick’s decision came just two weeks before Blow’s intended start, raising questions about internal protocols and decision-making.Former Harrods executive Nigel Blow has claimed that department store chain Fenwick blocked his appointment as chief executive merely two weeks before…

Nigel Blow, a former Harrods executive, alleged Fenwick rescinded their CEO job offer.Fenwick retracted the offer following harassment allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed.Blow was set to start as CEO on 17 October but was informed of the withdrawal two weeks prior.He was surprised by this decision, having engaged extensively with Fenwick’s team.The allegations against Al Fayed were met with horror by many, including Blow.Nigel Blow, previously an executive at Harrods, has asserted that Fenwick withdrew their offer for him to step in as their new CEO. This action came just two weeks before his planned start date of 17 October.…

In 2023, the UK arm of Booking.com experienced a notable financial transformation.Salaries and bonuses increased significantly, raising the wage bill by more than £10 million.The company’s revenue saw a substantial rise, with turnover increasing by £50 million.There was an expansion in staff numbers, contributing to the financial shifts.Despite revenue growth, the firm’s pre-tax profits saw a slight decline.In 2023, the UK division of Booking.com underwent a significant financial transformation, as salaries and bonuses were substantially increased, raising the total wage bill from £20.7 million to £32.2 million. This increase marked a strategic investment in the company’s workforce, reflecting a commitment…

One Stop is transitioning to Tesco’s Core Own Brand products across all stores.The shift will commence on 21 October and continue into the next year.This change aims to expand and improve product offerings for customers.Tesco’s own-brand will be available on major delivery platforms.Managing director Stephanie Wood highlights the benefits for franchise partners.One Stop is set to undergo a significant transformation as it begins phasing in Tesco’s Core Own Brand products across all of its stores. This initiative, which will start on 21 October, is expected to extend into the following year, gradually replacing the existing Own Label products. The primary…

Following a prolonged drought, the olive oil market anticipates relief as weather conditions improve.The recent drought in Spain led to a significant decrease in olive oil production by 60%.Favourable weather conditions are expected to boost olive oil harvests in Spain.A stabilisation of production costs is anticipated, potentially reducing olive oil prices.The citrus industry faces its own challenges, impacting orange juice prices.Following a prolonged drought that severely impacted one of the world’s largest olive oil producers, market conditions are beginning to shift towards relief. The past two years saw significant challenges as Spain endured consecutive summers of drought, resulting in a…

BWH Hotels is expanding its presence in the north of England following a record-breaking year.The group added 12 new hotels, expanding with 832 rooms from Eastbourne to Sunderland.BWH Hotels celebrated a strategic partnership with Liverpool Dockside Aparthotel.The company aims to capitalise on northern city opportunities with its ambitious growth strategy.BWH Hotels is recognised for its diverse hotel offerings across more than 15 brands.In an impressive display of corporate growth, BWH Hotels has announced plans to expand its footprint in the north of England following an exceptionally successful year. The organisation, which already boasts a portfolio of over 270 hotels, intends…

AllSaints introduces an innovative rental service, the first of its kind in the UK.The service offers unlimited clothing rentals for men and women at £79 per month.Members can return one or two garments at a time with free shipping.Customers can purchase rented items at 60% off their retail price.The initiative includes eco-friendly cleaning practices and additional customisation features.AllSaints has launched an innovative clothing rental service, marking a pioneering step in the UK’s fashion industry. This service allows subscribers to access an unlimited selection of men’s and women’s clothing for a monthly fee of £79. The offering is designed to provide…

The Frasers Group has announced its participation in a £40m fund aimed at advancing AI and data startups.Iona Star, the London and Belfast-based VC firm, has initiated the fund, raising £22m in its first close.Frasers Group has invested £10m, highlighting the strategic importance of AI in its operations.Gerry Buggy, a co-founder of Iona Star and Ocula Technologies, emphasises the competitive edge through proprietary datasets.Castelnau Group has also contributed £10m, eager to expand its investment portfolio.The Frasers Group has joined the ranks of backers for a new £40m investment fund, designed to support emerging AI and data startups. This initiative, reflecting…

Cybersecurity threats are increasingly targeting the HR sector, revealing alarming vulnerabilities.Recent research indicates a significant increase in phishing attacks aimed at bypassing multi-factor authentication.A concerning 77% of HR professionals have fallen victim to phishing scams, a notable rise compared to the general worker population.Outdated and inadequate cyber training persists in the workplace, exacerbating security risks.Innovations in phishing tactics have exposed the limitations of traditional MFA methods, urging companies to adopt more secure practices.Cybersecurity challenges have become a focal point within the HR industry, with severe implications for businesses across the UK. With an alarming rise in phishing email attacks designed…

Watches of Switzerland’s acquisition of Hodinkee marks a strategic expansion in the luxury watch market.The acquisition aims to enhance Watches of Switzerland’s market share, particularly in the US.Hodinkee, a leading platform for luxury watch enthusiasts, will retain editorial independence.Ben Clymer returns to lead Hodinkee’s operations, reinforcing its authoritative voice.Watches of Switzerland integrates Hodinkee’s commercial activities to bolster ecommerce.Watches of Switzerland has strategically acquired Hodinkee, a globally-renowned digital platform for luxury watch enthusiasts. This move is part of their broader plan to strengthen their presence in the competitive luxury market. The acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Watches of Switzerland’s ability…