Author: Sam Allcock

N Brown Group plans to cut over 100 roles at its Manchester headquarters amid a strategic shift and buyout by the Alliance family.A consultation involving around 200 staff commenced last month, impacting numerous departments.Confirmed redundancies include 98 head office roles and 7 in the supply chain, effective by the end of October.The job cuts are linked to an organisational review aimed at sustainable growth, not the current acquisition discussions.N Brown is committed to supporting affected employees throughout the redundancy process.N Brown Group, a prominent player in the retail sector, has announced a strategic move to cut over 100 jobs at…

Channel 4’s daytime series, Chateau DIY, is making a strategic move to Yorkshire, marking a new chapter for the beloved franchise.The series will now be produced by Spark Media Partners at their Sheffield-based outpost, Spark Media North, as part of a two-year deal.This move signifies an increased commitment from Channel 4, with plans to expand the series from 30 to 45 episodes per season over the next two years.The production team, led by Joff Hatfield-Powell and including Richard Park and Izzy Boots, remains committed to delivering quality content.Chateau DIY has shown notable growth, with a 30% increase in streaming figures…

Studio Up North (SUN) has spearheaded the rebranding effort for Fitzroy of London, emphasising empowerment and self-expression. The luxury bathroom brand seeks to establish itself as a leader in its market sector.SUN’s work reflects a deep understanding of Fitzroy’s brand essence and target audiences, crafting a new brand identity.Fitzroy of London operates in major cities including Mayfair, Rome, Paris, Hong Kong, and Dubai.The rebranding includes a comprehensive product guide to reinforce Fitzroy’s position in luxury accessible design.Victoria Cornfield, Marketing Manager, praises SUN for capturing the spirit of Fitzroy of London.Studio Up North (SUN), a Lancashire-based design studio, has undertaken the…

Supersonic has strategically expanded its team by appointing two industry veterans to senior roles, enhancing its leadership capabilities.Perry Smith has joined Supersonic as Design Director, bringing experience from IMA-HOME and Propaganda.Alicia Chadwick takes on the role of Senior Producer, having previously worked at IMA-HOME and Brawl.Ben Bateson, co-founder of Supersonic, expresses confidence in the new hires, highlighting their previous collaborative experience.Supersonic’s continued growth reflects its commitment to remaining agile and effective in delivering outstanding work.Supersonic, a burgeoning agency, has strategically expanded its team by bringing on board two seasoned professionals in senior roles. This move aligns with its vision to…

Double Eleven, a Middlesbrough-based game developer, launches its first original IP, Blindfire, marking a significant milestone for the company.Blindfire is available on Xbox and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version expected later in the year.The company, previously known for co-development, takes a bold step with its first entirely original creation.Blindfire offers a unique gameplay experience where stealth, sound, and strategy are vital for success.The game is currently in early access, with plans for ongoing development based on community feedback.Double Eleven, a renowned gaming company based in Middlesbrough, has made headlines with the release of its first original intellectual property (IP),…

The Prolific North Tech Companies to Watch list for 2024 highlights promising tech start-ups in the North of England and Scotland.The event, hosted in Manchester, revealed 15 rising companies identified through submissions and research based on ingenuity, market uptake, and funding.Attendees had the opportunity to network and listen to industry experts like Jack Maher and Alexander Brooks-Sykes discuss innovation and growth.Notable companies like Decently, North AI, and Sum Vivas shared insights into their cutting-edge initiatives.A panel session offered valuable advice on attracting investors, emphasising the importance of networking and strategic planning.The Prolific North Tech Companies to Watch list for 2024…

Oatly has made a significant move by partnering with UK-based Black Sheep Coffee in a multi-year agreement, marking a new chapter in its expansion strategy.The collaboration signifies Oatly’s commitment to broadening its product range, with the introduction of a larger 1.5-litre oat milk pack specifically designed for professional baristas. This initiative comes in response to the growing demand within coffee outlets for larger quantities of plant-based milk, aiming to reduce waste and improve efficiency.Bryan Carroll, Oatly’s general manager, expressed that this strategic partnership is part of the company’s mission to replace traditional dairy products with plant-based alternatives. He emphasised the…

Frasers Group has updated on significant developments involving N Brown Group and Mulberry, showcasing strategic investment decisions.The group has committed to supporting an acquisition of N Brown Group by Falcon 24 Topco, amidst changing ownership dynamics.Frasers Group’s stake in N Brown involves a major share sale, marking an important shift in shareholder structure.Efforts to take over Mulberry continue, with Frasers Group increasing its offer after initial rejection, though facing opposition from major stakeholders.Frasers Group remains in discussions, seeking feedback and engagement from stakeholders to finalise its proposals.Frasers Group has announced its agreement to back the acquisition of N Brown Group…

Oatly has embarked on a strategic expansion through a multi-year partnership with the UK coffee chain Black Sheep Coffee.The renowned plant-based milk company has decided to broaden its product offerings by introducing a 1.5-litre pack of oat milk, a first for Oatly in the UK market. This initiative is in response to increasing customer demand, aimed at reducing waste and improving efficiency for coffee bars and baristas who use the product extensively each day.With this development, Oatly has secured its position as the default oat milk option at Black Sheep Coffee outlets. Bryan Carroll, the general manager of Oatly, explained…

World Menopause Day highlights increasing workplace challenges as tribunal cases rise.Menopause-related employment tribunals jumped by 87% between April 2023 and March 2024.The increased awareness of menopause may contribute to more cases being categorised.Employers warned of potential legal and reputational risks if they ignore menopause impacts.Proactive measures and workplace adjustments can improve employee well-being and retention.The recent World Menopause Day has brought renewed focus on the significant workplace challenges faced by individuals experiencing menopause. Data indicates a striking 87% increase in menopause-related employment tribunals from April 2023 to March 2024, reflecting growing recognition and the importance of accommodating menopause in professional…