Author: Sam Allcock

Fiona Laverick has joined Middlesbrough’s Outrank as the new search director, marking a significant step for the digital agency.With extensive experience in digital marketing, Laverick will lead Outrank’s growth initiatives and client success strategies.Previously part of Crafter’s Companion, she has a strong background in SEO, PPC, and multi-channel strategies.Laverick is enthusiastic about Outrank’s close-knit culture and focus on tangible client results.Outrank plans to expand internationally, with Laverick playing a critical role in this strategy.Fiona Laverick has taken on the role of search director at Outrank, a prominent digital marketing agency based in Middlesbrough. Her appointment is envisioned as a key…

Recent data shows a notable decline in Asda’s sales growth compared to other UK supermarkets for the month leading up to Christmas promotions.According to the latest figures from NIQ, Asda’s sales growth has lagged as total grocery sales began to decelerate last month. Specifically, for the four weeks ending on 2 November 2024, overall till sales at UK grocers slowed to 4%, down from 4.7% in the preceding month. This deceleration reflects consumer caution as households held off on spending in anticipation of festive and Black Friday promotions.Amidst a backdrop of easing inflation, the average spending per visit saw a…

Homebase is on the brink of administration, with The Range potentially acquiring several of its stores, impacting numerous jobs.The DIY retailer plans to appoint Teneo for an insolvency process involving around 130 UK stores.The Range is expected to purchase up to 75 Homebase stores, including those in Ireland.This acquisition could preserve approximately 1,500 jobs, but 1,700 positions remain uncertain.Homebase’s financial woes stem from an £84m loss in the last fiscal year, down from a previous £30m profit.Homebase is preparing to enter administration, as reported by The Times. The company is expected to appoint Teneo to oversee the process, which involves…

AI is rapidly transforming industries, making regions like the West Midlands critical to watch.The West Midlands is striving to establish itself as a hub for AI innovation and regulation.Although the region has strengths in the automotive sector, it faces challenges in fully leveraging AI.Local government initiatives aim to bolster the growing AI ecosystem in the West Midlands.New AI startups are emerging, supported by increasing investments and strategic planning.The landscape of artificial intelligence is constantly evolving and its impact is being felt across various sectors. The West Midlands has been making strides in establishing itself as a significant player in AI…

Retail leaders face pressure to enhance employee and customer experiences through technology.Research shows strong employee engagement leads to higher profitability.Despite this, satisfaction among retail employees is low, prompting a tech-driven approach.Adopting the right technologies can improve service delivery and workplace satisfaction.Technology is a crucial bridge between employee experience and business success.Retail leaders in modern environments are under constant scrutiny to provide excellent experiences for both their employees and customers. The correlation between engaged employees and increased profitability is well-documented, yet many employees remain unsatisfied with their work experience. A recent report indicates only 13% of employees feel fully satisfied, underscoring…

London emerges as Europe’s life sciences capital, ranking third globally.The city hosts over 35 biomedical research centres, fostering innovation.A diverse population supports extensive clinical trials in London.Strong investment scene bolsters the city’s life sciences industry.Regulatory support aids London’s dynamic and skilled workforce.London has achieved the top position in Europe for its life sciences sector, as indicated by a recent report from MedCity. This accolade places it third globally, behind only Boston and New York. Such recognition underscores London’s pivotal role in advancing life sciences, surpassing other notable European cities like Amsterdam, Munich, and Paris.The UK capital boasts over 35 biomedical…

In a significant development in the UK grocery sector, M&S has overtaken Waitrose to become Middle England’s preferred grocer outside the festive season.M&S has achieved a notable milestone by surpassing Waitrose in grocery market share for the first time outside the traditional Christmas period. According to recent data from Kantar, M&S commanded 4.03% of the grocery market during the four weeks leading up to 3rd November, compared to 3.76% for the same period the previous year. Meanwhile, Waitrose experienced a decline from 4.02% to 3.91%.This shift in consumer preference is evident from M&S’s impressive year-on-year sales increase of 11%, the…

An exciting adaptation of well-loved Glasgow novels is underway, promising a multi-series TV experience.The adaptation is based on Guy McCrone’s Wax Fruit novels, highlighting the Moorhouse family’s journey in Victorian Glasgow.A star-studded cast, including Martin Compston and Shirley Henderson, brings the characters to life.Creative Scotland supports the project, amplifying its potential to reach global audiences.The series will mix historical realism with rich storytelling, capturing the essence of Scottish culture.The beloved historical novels by Guy McCrone about the Moorhouse family are being adapted into a television series. This adaptation, produced by Sarah Purser, promises to deliver a captivating depiction of life…

Recent data highlights a slowdown in UK grocery sales amidst looming holiday pressures.Sales growth in UK supermarkets has decelerated to 4.0% from the previous month’s 4.7%.Price-conscious consumers are saving by reducing spending on grocery essentials.Ocado and Lidl emerge as the fastest-growing groceries with significant gains.Asda faces challenges with a decline in sales and market share.Recent data reveals that UK grocery sales growth has decelerated, with a noticeable shift as consumers prepare for the financial demands of Black Friday and Christmas. From 4.7% in the previous period, sales growth slowed to 4.0% year-on-year in the four weeks leading up to 2…

Join industry leaders at the Drapers Future of Fashion 2025, a pivotal event in fashion retail.This one-day conference explores emerging technologies reshaping the fashion industry.Attendees will gain insights from innovators leading technological advancements.Strategies will be shared for businesses to meet digital consumer expectations.The event promises networking opportunities to inspire and equip businesses for future challenges.The Drapers Future of Fashion 2025 is set to be an essential gathering for those at the forefront of fashion retail. This conference is dedicated to examining the latest in technology and innovation within the industry. With the fashion landscape evolving rapidly, attending this event offers…