Author: Sam Allcock

The trend of ‘fakeaway’ brands making their mark in supermarkets is growing, with major players like Itsu and Pizza Express leading the sales chart.Ottolenghi has made a significant impact with its exclusive Waitrose launch, bringing gourmet flavours to everyday shoppers.Nando’s continues to expand its grocery presence, capitalising on the popularity of its famous Peri-Peri sauce and diverse product range.Zizzi adapts to economic trends, offering affordable restaurant-quality pizzas and meals through leading supermarkets.Leon and Wasabi have successfully introduced healthy and convenient meals to supermarket shelves, focusing on maintaining brand authenticity.The trend of ‘fakeaway’ brands, offering restaurant-quality meals to be enjoyed at…

Exploring the importance of global reach in today’s corporate landscape, this study highlights the increasing necessity for businesses to expand worldwide.97% of executives assert the need for a global presence to remain competitive.A newly launched report underscores the alignment between business strategies and global employment trends.More than half of professionals are considering career moves to different regions or countries.Executives face challenges with talent shortages and are keen to integrate AI technologies for strategic advancement.In an era where competitive advantage is crucial, an overwhelming 97% of business executives agree that a global presence is necessary for success. This perspective reflects a…

A new report highlights a critical gap in employee education regarding company benefits.HR teams are overburdened with administrative tasks, limiting strategic initiatives.Employee education on benefits strongly correlates with participation levels.There are significant generational differences in benefit education and engagement.Employers are slow to rectify payroll and benefit errors, affecting employee trust.Employers are increasingly finding themselves at a crossroads when it comes to the administration of employee benefits. The new report shows that 73% of employees feel they require more education on the benefits offered by their companies. This gap in knowledge is attributed to HR teams being bogged down by excessive…

Co-op is adopting AI technology to combat retail crime and enhance safety.The retailer’s losses due to crime rose by nearly 20% in early 2024.AI trials are underway in 14 stores, aiming to detect weapons and theft.The system can also alert authorities if staff assaults occur.Co-op plans to open 120 new stores following financial recovery.Co-op is implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle a growing retail crime issue, emphasised by a near 20% surge in losses to £39.5 million in the first half of 2024. This step is part of a broader strategy to protect employees and properties amid increasing crime rates.…

Pepco Group grapples with ongoing supply chain issues, yet remains optimistic about future growth.Supply chain disruptions have impacted Pepco’s fourth-quarter like-for-like sales, prompting concerns.Despite setbacks, overall revenue increased by 10% due to new store openings, reflecting robust expansion plans.Militant attacks in the Red Sea continue to disrupt shipping routes, complicating stock availability.Pepco anticipates record revenue and EBITDA growth, driven by strategic expansions and gross margin improvements.Pepco Group is currently navigating significant supply chain disruptions that have led to a year-on-year decrease in fourth-quarter like-for-like sales. These disruptions are primarily due to militant activities in the Red Sea, impeding the shipping…

H&M Group experienced flat sales in the UK and key European markets during a challenging third quarter, prompting a reduction in profit expectations.Global net sales for H&M dropped 3% to SEK 59bn, while sales in local currencies remained flat.Gross profit improved slightly, but the company revised its operating margin forecast to below 10% for the year.Despite a slow start due to cold June weather, sales rebounded in July and August with promising September projections.Increased competition and high consumer living costs have further pressured H&M’s financial performance.H&M Group has reported unchanged sales figures across its key markets in the third quarter,…

H&M is experiencing a challenging financial quarter with its sales remaining flat amid colder weather impacts.For the fiscal period ending 31 August, H&M’s global net sales slightly declined by 3% to SEK 59 billion (£4.3 billion) from SEK 60.9 billion (£4.5 billion) the previous year.The company’s gross profit rose slightly, marking a 51.1% margin despite challenges.CEO Daniel Ervér highlighted a slow start in sales due to June’s weather but noted improvement in subsequent months.Western Europe witnessed a 4% sales drop, although online sales contributed significantly to the group’s revenue.H&M has reported a challenging third quarter, with global net sales declining…

Dominic Clark has joined Legal Studio as a consultant solicitor, significantly boosting the firm’s expertise in commercial contracts and legal technology. His role will be pivotal in expanding Legal Studio’s service offerings, leveraging his extensive experience across multiple industries. Legal Studio anticipates benefiting from Clark’s strong client base and innovative approach to legal operations. The firm’s leadership warmly welcomes his arrival, viewing it as a valuable addition to their team.Legal Studio, a Leeds-based law firm with a consultancy model, has appointed Dominic Clark as a consultant solicitor, effective from 2 September 2024. Clark brings a wealth of experience in commercial…

Co-op has implemented artificial intelligence to tackle significant shoplifting losses, totalling £39.5m due to theft and fraud.AI technology can identify concealed weapons and stolen items in trial across 14 stores.Incidents of shoplifting and staff assaults have surged, averaging 1,000 daily incidents, necessitating urgent action.Despite rising theft rates, Co-op turned a profit, investing £18m in security upgrades including AI and body cameras.Co-op advocates for swift legislative changes to protect shopworkers amidst rising crime rates.Co-op has turned to cutting-edge artificial intelligence to address the pressing issue of rising shoplifting losses, which have amounted to £39.5 million due to theft and fraud in…

Co-op has turned to artificial intelligence to counteract rising theft and fraud costs, now totalling £39.5 million in six months.The new AI technology identifies offenders with concealed weapons and stolen items, enhancing store security.Recent statistics show shoplifting incidents have soared to a 20-year high, with significant impacts on retail operations.Co-op’s investment in security includes body-worn cameras and fortified kiosks to protect its staff and customers.Changes in legislation to protect shopworkers have been welcomed by major retailers as a step forward.In response to a surge in theft and fraud, Co-op is deploying artificial intelligence to enhance security across its stores. The…