Author: Sam Allcock

Sam Allcock is a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate storyteller with a keen eye for emerging trends and viral phenomena. With over a decade of experience in the business world, Sam has successfully launched several startups that blend innovation with creativity. At 88com.net, he brings his expertise in curating compelling content that captures the zeitgeist of our digital age. When he's not exploring the latest trends, Sam enjoys connecting with his audience and sharing insights that inspire and inform. Join him on a journey through the stories that are shaping our world today!

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…

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The UK motor industry calls for VAT reductions on electric vehicles (EVs) and public charging points to stimulate market growth.The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has urged the Chancellor to cut VAT on EVs and charging infrastructure.Despite record registrations, the EV market is lagging behind government sales targets.Manufacturers face significant challenges, including a decline in private demand and financial losses from discounts.Global trends show a reduction in governmental support for the EV sector, heightening the need for UK intervention.The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has made a compelling plea to the Chancellor for a reduction in…

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Retail footfall in September experienced its first increase in over a year, driven by the back-to-school season.Total shopper visits saw a growth of 3.3%, a significant improvement from August’s decline.Specific sectors showed varied increases, with retail experiencing the highest jump at 7.3%.Shopping centres and high streets also reported rising visitor numbers compared to August.The British Retail Consortium highlights potential impacts of past mild weather and advocates for business rate adjustments.For the first time in over a year, retail footfall rose in September, coinciding with the back-to-school season, resulting in a 3.3% increase in total shopper visits, compared to a 0.4%…

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Virgin Wines and Ocado have announced a new strategic partnership, enhancing Ocado’s product offerings with an exclusive wine collection.Customers can now purchase individual bottles from a selection of 50 unique wines, previously only sold in multi-bottle cases by Virgin Wines.The collection is curated in collaboration with independent winemakers, offering new wines to both enthusiasts and novices.Ocado’s extensive online platform allows for quick adaptation to consumer preferences, eliminating traditional shelf space constraints.Both companies express confidence that the partnership will resonate with a wide range of consumers, offering both convenience and choice.Virgin Wines has recently launched a strategic partnership with online retailer…

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Truth Legal’s personal injury team accomplished a significant feat, completing a 21-mile charity walk from Whitby to Scarborough.The event, held on 20 September, aimed to raise funds for Brake, a charity focused on road safety.Participants walked the scenic Cleveland Way, exceeding their fundraising goal by £500, contributing a total of £1,500.Brake provides crucial support to road traffic accident victims, aligning with Truth Legal’s community-focused values.Truth Legal remains committed to promoting safe road practices and supporting those affected by road accidents.Truth Legal’s personal injury team recently undertook a rigorous 21-mile walk along the picturesque Cleveland Way to raise funds for Brake,…

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Amazon’s decision to freeze seller funds over VAT compliance has sparked a legal battle.Affected sellers could initiate a lawsuit seeking compensation and the release of their funds.The involved sellers face severe financial hardship, with some near bankruptcy.Amazon partly attributes the issue to HMRC’s changed VAT verification standards.Additional resources are being allocated by Amazon to speed up the verification process.Amazon’s recent actions of freezing funds for sellers unable to prove their VAT status have led to significant unrest within the seller community, triggering potential legal action from numerous affected parties. These sellers, numbering in the hundreds, find themselves in dire financial…

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An insightful discussion with Charlotte Lucy Hall sheds light on leadership dynamics in startups.Co-founding a startup amidst global economic challenges demonstrates resilience and adaptability.Emphasising vulnerability, Hall reveals its role in motivating her team and sustaining growth.Managing personal milestones concurrently with business demands presents unique challenges.Femtech is highlighted as an emerging sector with significant potential.Charlotte Lucy Hall, co-founder of a tech startup, provides an inspiring perspective on startup leadership. Her insights illustrate the balance between personal vulnerabilities and professional requirements.In 2023, Hall and her co-founder navigated a challenging economic landscape, simultaneously raising Series A funding amidst a global crisis. Their journey…

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Retail footfall in Wales surged by 5.4% year-on-year in September, marking the highest national increase across the UK.Wales saw a recovery, contrasting with a 1.8% decline in August, and led the UK in retail footfall growth.Cardiff emerged among the top UK cities with a notable footfall uptick, ranking third nationally.The rise was partly attributed to ‘back to school’ shopping that boosted overall UK footfall by 3.3%.Despite challenges, retail in Wales shows potential for sustained growth with strategic governmental support.Retail footfall in Wales experienced a significant increase in September, rising by 5.4% compared to the previous year. This notable growth was…

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The High Court has criticised a senior solicitor for his role in a £1.3m professional negligence claim, complicated by his romantic relationship with the claimant, Ellen Kay, and his involvement as a witness.Richard Morgan, a senior solicitor, was found to have acted against legal best practices by representing Ellen Kay in a claim against the law firm Martineau Johnson—now Shakespeare Martineau—while being in a romantic relationship with her. The court highlighted the inappropriate nature of a solicitor acting in a case where he also serves as a witness.Ellen Kay had filed a negligence claim against her former solicitors, alleging misguided…

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A former partner at a renowned law firm, previously convicted in a paedophile hunter group sting, has been formally struck off.David Storry Walton, aged 68, faced sentencing in autumn 2023 for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. The offence, which occurred over two weeks in October 2019, involved communication with a decoy, not a real child. Therefore, no actual victim was involved in the incident.Mr Walton pled guilty during his initial court appearance and subsequently received a community order at Manchester Crown Court. The conditions included 20 days of rehabilitation activity and placement on the sex offenders…

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