Author: Sam Allcock

Wacoal Europe, a prominent name in lingerie and swimwear, has acquired Bravissimo, a well-established lingerie retailer, continuing their expansion.Bravissimo, known for its larger cup-size bras, was founded in 1995 by Sarah Tremellen, who remains involved in the company.The acquisition allows Bravissimo to operate independently, with Leanne Cahill continuing as CEO, ensuring a seamless transition.This partnership strengthens the commitment to providing perfectly fitting lingerie and enhances growth opportunities for both companies.Bravissimo’s sale was facilitated by the advisory services of BDO, underscoring the strategic nature of this business move.Wacoal Europe has successfully acquired Bravissimo, a significant move that highlights its strategic expansion…

Pepco Group, the parent company of discount retailers, anticipates surpassing record revenue levels this year.Despite a dip in like-for-like revenue, Pepco forecasts a 10% rise in total revenue for the full year.Underlying EBITDA is predicted to increase by approximately 20%, reaching at least €900m.The company plans to open 390 new stores by the end of the calendar year, enhancing its market presence.Chairman Andy Bond highlighted ongoing supply chain disruptions as a key challenge affecting revenue.Pepco Group, which owns well-known discount retailers, is expecting to achieve a significant milestone by the end of the financial year. The company has forecast that…

Jaguar Land Rover is collaborating with Devon-based Altilium on a groundbreaking electric vehicle battery recycling initiative. The project aims to recover vital materials from used batteries to create new ones, supporting the UK’s sustainable EV supply chain. Altilium has secured substantial government funding to advance this circular economy effort. Nissan is also linked to Altilium for similar projects.Jaguar Land Rover partners with Plymouth’s Altilium to recycle electric vehicle batteries.Vital materials like lithium and nickel will be extracted and reused in new batteries.Altilium’s facility in Tavistock leads the recycling efforts with government support.The initiative strengthens the UK’s sustainable and resilient EV…

Harrods is facing allegations related to its former owner Mohamed Al Fayed, with a public apology from current management.Michael Ward, managing director of Harrods, acknowledged a failure in supporting colleagues amid sexual misconduct accusations against Al Fayed.Al Fayed is accused by 20 former female employees of harassment, including severe allegations of rape during their tenure at Harrods.An internal review and communication with the Metropolitan Police have been initiated by Harrods to address these allegations.Ward expressed personal horror and sorrow for the historical misconduct and the toxic culture fostered by Al Fayed.The managing director of Harrods, Michael Ward, recently issued a…

Morrisons is on the verge of a significant financial shift, poised to trim £331 million off its debt.The supermarket giant has entered a 45-year ground rent agreement with Song Capital, impacting 75 stores.Morrisons maintains ownership of the stores’ freeholds, securing long-term control.The financial move coincides with the release of Morrisons’ quarterly performance results.Chief Financial Officer Jo Goff announced strong growth across all Morrisons divisions.Morrisons, a leading name in the grocery sector, is strategically positioned to reduce its debt by £331 million. This development follows the penning of a 45-year ground rent deal with the real estate investor, Song Capital. This…

Morrisons has successfully maintained its sales momentum in the third quarter, driven by strategic initiatives.The supermarket’s like-for-like sales increased by 2.9%, with total sales reaching £3.9 billion.Key strategies including enhanced availability and an expanded loyalty programme have underpinned this growth.The implementation of AI-powered availability technologies and a broadened price match strategy contributed to improved customer engagement.Morrisons has also reduced its debt by over 40% following a significant property transaction.Morrisons has reported sustained sales momentum for its third quarter, attributing this success to its continued focus on customer-centric strategies. The company’s like-for-like sales increased by 2.9% compared to the previous quarter,…

The aftermath of Hollywood strikes brings a hopeful outlook for streaming services.Zoo Digital foresees a recovery in the streaming market by late 2025.Hollywood strikes in 2023 significantly impacted revenues for media services.Zoo Digital projects an increase in sales amid changing industry dynamics.Strategic realignments may benefit Zoo Digital and its major customers.Zoo Digital has expressed optimism for a rebound in the streaming market following last year’s disruptive Hollywood strikes. Based in Sheffield, the company provides media services to streaming companies and has observed signs of market recovery, anticipating this positive trend to continue well into late 2025.In an announcement to investors…

Aurrigo, a Coventry-based company, is poised for significant growth in the autonomous vehicle market, particularly within airports.The company anticipates a remarkable 450% increase in revenue from its autonomous vehicle division by year-end.Aurrigo’s CEO, David Keene, highlights the international demand with operational vehicles and a robust enquiry pipeline.Expansion plans include establishing a presence in the US and Singapore to meet growing demand.Modelling indicates that Aurrigo’s solutions offer rapid returns and significant emission reductions, benefiting large airports worldwide.Aurrigo, the Coventry-based airside technology firm, is preparing for a significant increase in demand for its autonomous baggage handling vehicles. With a strategic focus on…

The British egg sector receives a substantial £1bn investment from Lidl, setting a new benchmark for industry support.Lidl is spearheading efforts to revitalise the British egg industry with a focus on free-range egg production, reflecting consumer preferences.Sales of free-range eggs at Lidl have significantly increased, prompting the retailer to support local producers and enhance their capacity.The initiative includes long-term contracts and financial assistance to ensure the sustainability and growth of British free-range egg farms.Lidl is leading innovation by introducing white eggs in the UK, offering benefits for both producers and consumers.Lidl has committed to a £1bn investment in the British…

Marlow Foods, the owner of Quorn, faces challenging times with a significant financial deficit.A £63 million loss was recorded as sales dropped to their lowest since 2017.Retail sales plummeted by 8.6%, prompting a substantial internal restructuring.Inflation and economic pressures contributed significantly to these financial difficulties.Despite setbacks, Quorn continues to lead in its sector with ongoing innovation.Marlow Foods, known for its plant-based brand Quorn, has reported a loss of £63 million, marking a downturn in financial performance due to decreased demand for vegan products. Sales fell by 6.9% to £205 million for the year ending December 2023, reaching the lowest point…