Author: Sam Allcock

Employee recognition significantly impacts workplace wellbeing, enhancing motivation and morale.Acknowledging employees’ efforts boosts their self-esteem, leading to better job satisfaction and performance.Recognition helps manage workplace stress, fostering a supportive environment and positive relationships.Tailored recognition strategies cater to diverse personality types and generational preferences.Customised recognition approaches are key to cultivating a thriving and healthy workplace culture.Employee recognition is a crucial element in enhancing workplace wellbeing. By acknowledging the efforts and achievements of employees, organisations can significantly improve morale and motivation. Acknowledgement goes beyond mere appreciation; it forms the backbone of a positive work environment.When employees feel valued, their self-esteem receives a…

A recent report highlights growing concerns among the UK workforce regarding the impact of status indicators on employee well-being.44% of UK employees feel compelled to remain available at all times, leading to increased anxiety.Status indicators on platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack contribute to a lack of trust and stress among workers.84% of surveyed employees manipulate their status indicators to manage perceptions at work.While some find benefits, most employees do not believe status indicators enhance productivity.Over 44% of the UK workforce feels significant pressure to remain constantly visible at work due to the pervasive use of status indicators. According to…

A Gloucestershire-based virtual reality learning firm aims for substantial growth through strategic US expansion.The company plans to increase revenue and EBITDA by more than 50% in 2024, driven by US market penetration.Avantis Education works with over 2,500 schools and 1,200 school districts in the US.The firm is enhancing its educational programme to align with US curriculum standards.Growth is also targeted in the EMEA and Asia regions, with continued investment in digital content.A virtual reality learning firm headquartered in Gloucestershire is predicting substantial growth as it solidifies its presence in the United States. The company, which supplies VR headsets, software, and…

The UK’s retail sector saw a notable boost in August 2024, thanks to warmer weather.Retail sales volumes rose by 1%, according to the Office for National Statistics.Clothing and footwear stores experienced a 2.9% sales increase from July 2024.Online sales in this segment climbed by 4.4% over the same period.Food, cosmetics, and fashion benefited, while furniture sales lagged.The UK’s retail sector experienced a boost in August 2024, attributed largely to warmer weather conditions. The Office for National Statistics reported a 1% increase in total retail sales volumes, highlighting a favourable trend for the industry during this period.Clothing and footwear stores emerged…

Nike has appointed Elliott Hill as its new CEO, effective 14 October, as the company strives to rejuvenate its business.Hill boasts a 32-year tenure with Nike, having held senior roles across North America and Europe.Before retiring in 2020, he was the president of Nike’s consumer marketplace, overseeing market operations.The sportswear giant faces stiff competition from Adidas and newcomers like On and Hoka.To manage costs amidst softer sales, Nike plans to cut 1,600 roles for a projected saving of £1.6bn over three years.Nike has appointed Elliott Hill as its new CEO, effective 14 October, signalling a strategic shift in leadership to…

WHSmith has announced plans to open 37 additional Toys ‘R’ Us locations across the UK, following the success of their existing partnership.The first new stores are set to launch on 28 September in Bexleyheath, Eastbourne, and Southampton.The expansion will see an average of three new stores opening each week leading up to Christmas.Sean Toal, WHSmith’s high street managing director, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing collaboration and customer response.The expansion underscores the enduring popularity of the Toys ‘R’ Us brand in the UK.WHSmith is set to expand its collaboration with Toys ‘R’ Us by opening 37 new shop-in-shops throughout the UK.…

Dr Charlotte Proudman, a prominent barrister, has been granted the opportunity to present claims of discrimination by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) in a tribunal, following a case regarding her controversial tweets.High-profile barrister Dr Charlotte Proudman has been allowed to assert before a disciplinary tribunal that the Bar Standards Board (BSB) discriminated against her. This follows a prosecution related to several tweets she posted, in which she criticised a judicial decision. His Honour Judge Jonathan Carroll, presiding over the Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Service, dismissed the BSB’s argument to concentrate solely on the tweets, allowing for broader context to be…

An East London law firm has recently been fined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) due to its lack of compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.Edell Jones & Lessers, a law firm based in East London, has been fined £3,711 in a regulatory settlement with the SRA. This settlement also includes additional costs amounting to £600. The firm’s work primarily involves commercial conveyancing, residential conveyancing, and probate, sectors that are inherently at risk for money laundering activities according to the SRA.The SRA’s findings indicated that from June 2017 to January 2020, the firm did not have the necessary firm-wide risk…

Waitrose has announced the launch of ‘BrandsNew’, an initiative designed to foster new FMCG brands, symbolising a £2m investment in fresh market talent.The programme offers brands support from a dedicated team and confirmed in-store and online presence to foster growth.Participating brands will receive marketing support and experiential opportunities like store tastings and events.This initiative continues Waitrose’s tradition of backing emerging brands, contributing to retail innovation.Recent successes include collaborations with Ottolenghi and other notable brands, enhancing product diversity.Waitrose is embarking on a pioneering journey with the launch of ‘BrandsNew’, a novel branded innovation programme aimed at identifying and nurturing promising new…

Tesco is set to facilitate over 1,000 individuals in the UK through its new Career Clinics this November, targeted at economically challenged areas.These clinics provide essential life skills and confidence to attendees seeking employment, whether at Tesco or elsewhere.A guaranteed interview at Tesco will be offered to all participants as part of their festive recruitment drive.Research by the Social Market Foundation indicates a significant gap in employment readiness, with many lacking confidence in interviews and CV writing.Tesco’s ongoing initiatives aim to simplify recruitment processes and advocate for wider government support for training and skills development.Tesco is preparing to aid more…