Author: Sam Allcock

London’s Oxford Street, renowned for its retail attractions, is poised for a significant makeover, with plans to prohibit vehicle traffic.The pedestrianisation initiative aims to revitalise Oxford Street, addressing concerns from local councils and bringing back its retail prominence.Approval from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is anticipated, granting more control to Mayor Sadiq Khan under a strategic development area.Local businesses and residents initially expressed concerns over transport changes, especially regarding bus routes.The pandemic’s impact is evident as the street grapples with vacant shops, hoping pedestrianisation will boost foot traffic and economic activity.London’s internationally acclaimed Oxford Street is on the brink of…

A recent report highlights the escalating issue of mental health-related absenteeism among retail workers, particularly impacting the younger generation.A survey involving over 1,300 retail employees reveals concerning statistics about absenteeism due to mental health struggles, with a significant impact on younger staff.The Retail Trust’s new findings underscore the urgent need for improved mental health support within the retail sector, as absenteeism and underperformance rise.Employers in the retail industry are urged to invest in mental health initiatives as a third of younger staff and call centre workers miss work due to psychological distress.The report reveals that retail managers have observed a…

Black Friday 2024 demands a strategic approach to stand out amid fierce competition.Retailers need to prepare effectively for Black Friday to capture consumer attention and share.The comprehensive calendar includes over 75 tasks to ensure a successful Black Friday run.Suggestions are tailored by audience, channel, and daily engagement for a targeted campaign.Loyalty strategies are emphasized to sustain customer growth beyond Black Friday.Black Friday 2024 is not merely about participating in the shopping frenzy but excelling beyond expectations. The highly competitive nature of this event requires retailers to meticulously plan and execute strategies that will capture consumer attention and loyalty. With stakes…

Learning Technologies Group (LTG) confronts challenges as it revises its financial guidance amid economic pressures.The edtech company reports a 12% drop in revenue for the first half of the year, totalling £250m.Factors affecting LTG’s performance include high inflation and increased AI adoption, leading to revised forecasts.CEO Jonathan Satchell remains focused on the enduring potential of the learning and talent development market.Strategic initiatives are underway, including portfolio simplification and a new US-focused subsidiary.Learning Technologies Group (LTG), a prominent edtech firm, has reported a significant 12% decline in revenue, amounting to £250 million for the initial six months of the year. This…

Amazon has announced a shift from its hybrid work model, requiring employees to be present in the office five days a week starting January.The decision marks a return to pre-Covid office practices, highlighting the company’s focus on in-office collaboration and innovation.Internal communications outline limited exceptions for remote work, emphasising attendance unless under special circumstances.New guidelines empower managers to enforce the in-office mandate, including potential dismissal for non-compliance.The move reflects broader corporate trends of reevaluating remote work policies in a post-pandemic environment.Amazon has officially ended its hybrid work programme, declaring that employees will be required to return to the office full-time…

A significant shift is underway among larger law firms as they move away from traditional partnership structures. This change is primarily driven by the need to access external funding, according to a recent report.The research conducted by Evelyn Partners, in collaboration with The Lawyer, surveyed over 230 senior legal professionals, primarily partners, revealing that 46% of firms viewed enhancing their ability to raise external funds as the main motivation for transitioning away from LLPs. Additionally, firms aimed to improve governance and decision-making processes and manage funds more tax-efficiently, with 42% of respondents citing these as key factors.Competitive pressure is another…

A recent report by the Law Society emphasises the need for the Welsh government to grant financial aid to small and medium-sized law firms, enabling their investment in legal technology.The Law Society’s report suggests that grants should be provided, potentially modelled after international initiatives like Singapore’s Tech-celerate for Law which offers up to 80% funding for tech investments. This would aid SME law firms in Wales which often lack the resources that larger firms possess, especially when choosing the right technology, a process that can be costly if missteps occur.The report also highlights the necessity for the integration of artificial…

The Very Group has launched a pioneering retail media network, Very Media Group.The initiative partners with SMG to leverage The Very Group’s expansive customer base.Unlike typical networks, this platform uses a mix of personal, shopping, and financial data.Brands can engage with UK and Ireland families through comprehensive media resources.The network includes advanced features like Criteo’s platform integration and influencer marketing.The Very Group has taken a significant step forward by launching the Very Media Group, a revolutionary retail media network designed to redefine how brands connect with consumers. This initiative marks a collaboration with independent retail media operator SMG, aimed at…

In an exciting development, Asos has expanded its collaboration with H&M Group by introducing Arket’s fashion line on its platform.Arket’s autumn/winter 2024 collection is now available on Asos, marking the first time Asos has featured Arket’s products.The partnership builds on Asos’s strategy to enhance its selection of brands, following its exclusive deal with H&M’s Cheap Monday.This move is part of Asos’s ongoing commitment to offering diverse fashion options after the sale of its stake in Topshop.Asos continues to strengthen its portfolio by introducing a wider array of H&M’s affiliated brands.Asos has deepened its partnership with H&M Group by adding Arket…

Tesco is set to transform food waste management with a groundbreaking facility.The new plant will convert 1,000 tonnes of surplus food into animal feed each week.RenEco has been commissioned to construct this facility in Northamptonshire.Beyond Tesco’s needs, the facility will cater to other food manufacturers and retailers.This initiative reflects Tesco’s commitment to reducing global food waste.Tesco is taking substantial steps towards reducing food waste with the introduction of a new facility, designed to convert surplus food into animal feed. Located in Northamptonshire, the facility will process up to 1,000 tonnes of excess food weekly. This initiative could potentially revolutionise the…