Author: Sam Allcock

In a pioneering move, a major UK supermarket chain has introduced in-store healthcare services, offering customers the chance to attend to their health needs while shopping.The initiative is launched as a pilot project at the refurbished Cheshunt Extra store. This becomes the first venue where customers can seek medical advice, treatment, and even partake in virtual GP consultations. The aim is to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare services, integrated into the shopping experience.This new “health zone” comprises a comprehensive selection of health and wellness offerings, enhanced pharmacy facilities, and private consultation rooms. Customers can avail themselves of services by leading healthcare…

This year marks an exciting venture as well-known retailers release their festive sandwich collections, enhancing their offerings for the Christmas season of 2024.Sainsbury’s has expanded its seasonal range with 10 appetising products, featuring unique ‘Taste the Difference’ selections. These include a Festive Porchetta Sandwich priced at £4.50 and a Very Veggie Christmas Wrap for £4.25. Both are part of the retailer’s £5 premium Meal Deal, introduced alongside the Taste the Difference Christmas Cracker Club Sandwich. Additionally, Sainsbury’s now offers a By Sainsbury’s Chicken & Stuffing Christmas Wrap available through its £3.75 Meal Deal at a price of £3.Furthermore, Sainsbury’s offers…

The Prolific North Marketing Awards 2024 was a remarkable event showcasing marketing talent across Northern England.Held at Manchester United Football Club, the awards celebrated the best in marketing on 31 October with great fanfare.Tom Wells, a known actor, hosted the night filled with celebrations, awards, and dancing.The event was supported by major sponsors, contributing to its success and grandeur.Winners were announced across various categories, highlighting the industry’s diverse talent.The Prolific North Marketing Awards 2024 took place at an iconic venue, the Manchester United Football Club, on 31 October. This prestigious event marked its 12th edition by honouring outstanding achievements in…

Sainsbury’s chief executive, Simon Roberts, has indicated that consumers should brace for price hikes as a direct consequence of the recent government decision to elevate National Insurance Contributions.Simon Roberts has articulated his concerns following the government’s announcement to increase employers’ National Insurance Contributions from 13.8% to 15% for earnings above £175, beginning in April 2025. This amendment, as reflected in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first budget, will impose an additional £140 million burden on Sainsbury’s business operations. Roberts highlighted that the supermarket industry typically operates on slim margins, leaving little room to absorb such significant cost increases without affecting inflation.Roberts stated,…

As World Kindness Day approaches, shoppers are being invited to acknowledge the contributions of retail staff who make everyday experiences brighter.In a commendable initiative, customers are encouraged to nominate standout colleagues who have positively impacted their shopping trips. These could include moments where staff have gone out of their way to assist in finding products or provided a welcoming interaction through a simple chat. The aim is to recognise and reward these everyday acts of kindness with a special treat in return.Richard Thornton, the communications director, remarked on the significance of small gestures in today’s fast-paced environment. He emphasised that…

This Christmas, Sainsbury’s and Poundland have expanded their food-to-go selections with a range of new festive sandwiches and wraps for 2024.Sainsbury’s has launched an intriguing assortment of ten different products, including two new options under their Taste the Difference line. Among these is the Festive Porchetta Sandwich priced at £4.50, and the Very Veggie Christmas Wrap featuring butternut squash, feta, pesto, mulled wine pickled cabbage, spinach, and herb stuffing, available for £4.25. These offerings are included in Sainsbury’s £5 premium Meal Deal, alongside a new Taste the Difference Christmas Cracker Club Sandwich. The supermarket is also introducing a By Sainsbury’s…

Sainsbury’s chief executive, Simon Roberts, has issued a stark warning in light of the government’s recent decision to increase National Insurance Contributions. This development is poised to have significant implications for prices within the supermarket sector.Roberts highlighted that the retailer’s National Insurance bill is set to rise by over 50% year on year, equating to an additional £140 million. This substantial increase, he stated, necessitates difficult decisions, as the supermarket industry lacks the capacity to absorb such elevated costs without affecting prices.He remarked, “When you think about the £140m in our business, I don’t think you can shy away from…

EHE Ventures has announced the launch of a substantial £15m growth fund aimed at advancing AI-first businesses in the UK.The fund, called the S/EIS AI Growth Fund, targets early-stage companies transforming traditional sectors with AI.EHE Ventures promises a venture studio experience, providing technical and entrepreneurial support through The Startup Factory.The initiative plans to support businesses in the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, with investments in 6-8 companies annually.The fund will be managed by a skilled team of experts, including co-founders Guy Remond and Gary Fletcher.EHE Ventures has introduced a new financial initiative designed to boost AI-first enterprises across the…

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded its investigation into Unilever over allegations of ‘misleading green claims.’ This decision follows adjustments made by the company to its marketing tactics.The inquiry, initiated in December 2023, scrutinised whether Unilever violated consumer protection laws through dubious sustainability claims about its household products. At the heart of the issue were accusations regarding the use of ‘vague and broad’ language concerning the environmental impact of these goods. Additionally, concerns were raised about the exaggerated portrayal of how ‘natural’ the product ingredients were, alongside the deployment of green and other potentially misleading colours and imagery…

On 7 November 2024, KP Snacks announced its acquisition of Whole Earth Foods, an organic nut butter spread company, as part of its strategy to expand its portfolio with healthier snacking options.Acquired by KP Snacks, the Whole Earth Foods brand integrates into a portfolio already known for popular snack offerings such as Butterkist and Hula Hoops. This strategic expansion aligns with KP Snacks’ commitment to providing a wider selection of nutritious food choices. The brand, formerly under Ecotone’s ownership for 22 years, has gained recognition for its high-quality, organic nut butters and soft drinks, and has established a presence in…