Author: Sam Allcock

A landmark court ruling on commission disclosure has unsettled the UK car finance sector.Major financiers have paused credit services, raising fears of severe market disruption.At least three prominent lenders have halted new credit approvals to assess the implications.Industry leaders are scrambling to find solutions, with potential economic impacts looming large.The requirement for explicit commission disclosure could slow vehicle sales significantly.A recent court decision has shaken the UK car finance industry by imposing a new obligation on brokers to explicitly disclose the commissions they receive from customers. This ruling has resulted in immediate market reactions, with several lenders pausing their credit…

In an effort to combat food poverty, Sainsbury’s has committed to donating over five million meals this winter through the sale of mince pies as part of its partnership with Comic Relief.Throughout December, purchases of By Sainsbury’s Deep Filled Mince Pies and FreeFrom Mince Pies will support donations to British charity. The initiative is expected to see sales exceeding one million packs of mince pies, significantly contributing to the cause.Moreover, the supermarket has pledged to donate 10 pence for every purchase from its festive sandwich range this year. This initiative will continue until 31 December, further strengthening the supermarket’s efforts…

In a heartwarming gesture, Lidl has unveiled its 2024 Christmas advert, emphasising the spirit of giving through its festive toy bank partnership with Neighbourly.The newly released 60-second film sets a poignant scene with the narration highlighting magic available to everyone except one. As the story unfolds, a young boy, left isolated and cold on the sidelines, watches other children enjoy sledging. His plight captures the attention of a kindly girl, who is momentarily halted by an elderly woman advising her to ‘make a wish when the bell rings’.Returning home, the girl and her family each make wishes varying from a…

Evri has been identified as the least reliable delivery service in the UK, according to Ofcom’s review.44% of Evri customers reported delivery issues, marking the highest dissatisfaction among the ten evaluated companies.Rebranding from Hermes two years ago did not fully resolve long-standing criticisms, including delayed and misplaced parcels.Evri’s efforts to address complaints have led to a modest increase in customer satisfaction, now at 32%.Despite the challenges, Evri’s parcel volumes continue to grow, indicating some level of customer trust.In a recent assessment by Ofcom, the UK’s postal regulator, Evri was named the country’s most unreliable delivery service. According to the review,…

Jonathan Law has been named the new CEO of Invisible Systems, effective immediately.Law brings extensive experience from his leadership roles in technology and industry.His expertise in data-driven solutions is expected to bolster company growth and innovation.Key areas of focus include energy, manufacturing, and food production sectors.Invisible Systems recently reported a growth of 16% last year.Jonathan Law has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Invisible Systems, a Salford-based company specialising in IoT solutions for energy monitoring and asset management. His appointment is effective immediately and marks a significant step for the company as it aims to enhance its leadership…

Spar has announced the appointment of Michael Fletcher as its new UK managing director, highlighting a strategic move for the company.Michael Fletcher, previously CEO of Nisa Wholesale, is taking on the role of UK managing director at Spar. His extensive career includes roles as chief commercial officer at The Co-op and over two decades at Tesco, where he held various commercial positions across the UK, Ireland, and Asia. Since leaving Nisa in 2022, Fletcher has held several non-executive and board advisory roles, alongside founding Sleet Brush, a venture aimed at addressing retail and wholesale challenges.Nick Bunker from Spar remarked, “Michael…

Lidl has unveiled its 2024 Christmas advert, placing a spotlight on the joy of giving, a message intertwined with its festive collaboration with the charity Neighbourly.The advert, a 60-second film debuting on ITV1 and social media platforms, tells the touching story of a young boy left on the sidelines as others play in the snow. His forlorn demeanour is noted by a compassionate girl, who encounters an elderly woman advising her to wish upon the sound of a ringing bell. This narrative unfolds as her family members indulge in whimsical wishes, from gingerbread men to transformed Brussels sprouts, symbolising the…

Rachel Reeves calls for the Bank of England to prioritise climate change alongside economic growth.The Financial Policy Committee to refocus on climate issues, reversing a 2023 decision.Critics express concern over potential distractions from controlling inflation.Supporters argue integrating climate risks is essential for long-term stability.Former Bank head Mark Carney to advise on climate investment initiatives.Rachel Reeves, the new Chancellor, has urged the Bank of England to elevate climate change considerations within its Financial Policy Committee’s mandate. This move aims to restore the focus on climate-related issues, a priority that was previously downplayed by former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in 2023.The directive to…

In a significant legal victory, Reckitt Benckiser experienced a notable surge in its share value, climbing over 10% last Friday. This development follows a jury’s decision in favour of the company in a closely watched lawsuit concerning preterm infant formula.Reckitt Benckiser, the parent company of Dettol, saw its shares rise to £51.70 after markets opened, marking the highest point since March according to Reuters. The company’s shares increased by 10.5%, reflecting investor confidence following their recent court success.The legal proceedings centred on allegations against Reckitt’s subsidiary, Mead Johnson, alongside Abbott Labs, both alleged to be responsible for a serious intestinal…

In a period marked by impressive growth, Hilton Foods has announced that it is on course to meet its year-end expectations, thanks to a robust performance in its core meat and convenience sectors during the third quarter.The recent figures presented by Hilton Foods, a prominent player in the food and drink manufacturing industry, reveal that the company has experienced a strong third quarter. This performance aligns with the board’s projections, underscoring steady progress in key areas. The company’s core meat offerings have shown remarkable growth in Europe, complemented by a consistent performance from its seafood division.While the company’s core products…