Author: Sam Allcock

Amid a backdrop of growing discontent, 159 MPs have urged Asda to address gender pay disparities.These MPs have called on TDR Capital, Asda’s owners, to initiate settlement talks with the GMB union.The pay dispute is significant, with potential backdated wages exceeding £2bn, affecting over 60,000 employees.The legal proceedings have forced Asda to confront allegations of paying retail staff, predominantly women, less than their male counterparts in warehouses.Asda maintains that these pay differences are justified by distinct industry requirements, despite growing political and legal pressures.In a decisive move, 159 Members of Parliament have officially requested Asda to resolve its gender-based pay…

New Balance has opened its new concept store in Edinburgh, combining sport and culture.The store at St James Quarter features central seating areas to inspire and engage customers.It integrates a curated selection of products, blending lifestyle and performance items.Customers can discover shoe models such as the 9060 and 530 alongside the latest performance styles.Marco Alves highlights the store’s role in connecting with consumers through the UCC concept.New Balance has unveiled its latest premium concept store in the heart of Edinburgh at St James Quarter. This new retail space is designed to merge the worlds of sport and culture, offering an…

New Balance has launched a new concept store in Edinburgh, merging sport and style in a unique shopping experience. The store aims to attract both style-focused customers and athletes by offering an innovative retail environment.The store is located in St James Quarter, a prime spot in central Edinburgh.It features a central seating area designed to inspire and engage customers in exploring their personal style.The store offers a curated selection of lifestyle products along with popular shoe models and the latest running styles.Marco Alves, General Retail Director, highlights the store’s role in connecting with consumers through a unique concept.New Balance has…

The GMB union is demanding changes in public contract awards, focusing on companies recognising unions.Amazon’s procurement of £1 billion in contracts amidst union-busting claims sparks GMB’s push for change.Union recognition procedures face legal challenges as Amazon workers in Coventry nearly achieved recognition.GMB emphasizes the need for fair treatment of workers in public-sector contracts.The Labour government aims to simplify union recognition, boosting worker rights.In a move to advocate for worker rights, the GMB union is calling for the government to ensure that public contracts are awarded to companies that acknowledge and work with trade unions. This proposal comes amid revelations that…

The economic landscape in the UK is witnessing a slowdown as uncertainty around the coming budget impacts business activity.The PMI index has fallen from 53.8 in August to 52.9 in September, marking a decline in economic growth while remaining above the growth threshold.Businesses are adopting a ‘wait and see’ strategy, affecting investment and hiring decisions as they await budget clarity.Despite rising business optimism, the budget concerns are heightening anxieties, especially in the manufacturing sector.Inflationary pressures appear to be easing, with the slowest rate of price increase since February 2021.The UK’s economic growth has shown signs of slowing in September, according…

The UK’s economic growth showed signs of slowing down as concerns over the government’s budget weighed heavily on business activity.In September, the UK PMI composite output index declined to 52.9, indicating slower growth compared to August’s 53.8, despite remaining above the growth threshold.Business sentiment was affected as many companies adopted a cautious stance, delaying investments and recruitment until after the budget announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.Manufacturing and services sectors both experienced reduced growth, influenced by client confidence and inventory levels.Forecasts indicate that inflation may be easing, leading to potential base rate cuts by the Bank of England.The UK’s economic growth…

OpenAI expresses support for UK AI legislation, seeking collaboration with the Labour government.Speaking at the Labour Conference, Brittany Smith emphasised the need for clear AI safety practices.OpenAI partners with the UK AI Safety Institute to guide best practice implementation.Smith acknowledges the lengthy process of establishing an AI regulator.Labour plans future legislation to protect against AI’s societal impacts.OpenAI, known for developing ChatGPT, is advocating for legislation in the United Kingdom concerning generative AI. The company is striving to build favourable relations with the newly elected Labour government by promoting the establishment of laws that encourage safe AI practices.During the Labour Party…

Amazon’s latest sustainability initiative is set to reshape UK deliveries with innovative packaging.The new recyclable paper envelope reduces packaging waste significantly.Developed with Mondi, this design eliminates the need for plastic bubble wrap.The initiative aligns with customer demand for right-sized, recyclable options.These changes optimise shipment weight and protect products effectively.Amazon has launched an initiative to enhance the sustainability of its packaging in the UK. The company introduced a new recyclable paper envelope that aims to substantially reduce packaging waste. This step is part of Amazon’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and echoes the escalating demand for eco-friendly products.In collaboration with packaging…

Future Stores is launching an immersive retail concept on Oxford Street next month.Situated at 95 Oxford Street, the space blends media, retail, and digital marketing.The venue will feature a changing roster of brands and innovative customer insights.Future Stores plans to create 40 new jobs and transform retail experiences.Plans are underway to pedestrianise Oxford Street, enhancing its shopping appeal.A pioneering retail media concept, Future Stores, is set to open next month on the iconic Oxford Street. Located at 95 Oxford Street, the venture aims to create an innovative retail experience by integrating media, retail, and digital marketing.Future Stores offers a dynamic…

Labour proposes legislation mandating energy-efficient standards for rental properties by 2030.Homes must achieve at least a grade C on the Energy Performance Certificate if rented.The policy could impose up to £10,000 per property for necessary energy upgrades.Landlords are eligible for assistance under Labour’s £6 billion home insulation initiative.A consultation will address potential resistance and financial caps on required upgrades.Labour is set to introduce a significant policy mandating that all rental properties achieve a minimum of a grade C on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) by 2030. This measure aims to improve the energy efficiency of millions of privately rented homes,…