Author: Sam Allcock

Angela Rayner and Jonathan Reynolds are at odds over new workers’ rights reforms.The crux of their disagreement lies in the length of probation periods for full employment rights.Rayner supports shorter probation, granting rights after a brief period, while Reynolds advocates for up to nine months.Business leaders express concerns that these changes could hinder hiring and increase legal claims.Labour’s proposed reforms include ending zero-hour contracts and raising the minimum wage.Angela Rayner and Jonathan Reynolds are experiencing significant discord regarding the proposed reforms to workers’ rights. Their primary disagreement concerns the length of probation periods required before employees can obtain full employment…

New research reveals significant financial losses for West End retailers due to the absence of tax-free shopping for tourists.The UK’s West End experienced a notable 12% decrease in tourist spending despite a rise in international visitors by 3% for 2024.Comparative analysis shows tax-free refunds in Continental Europe saw a 36% increase, suggesting a shift in tourist shopping patterns.The New West End Company attributes the removal of tax-free shopping incentives as a major influence on decreased tourist spending.The upcoming Budget offers an opportunity to address these challenges and revitalise the UK’s competitive edge in tourism.Research indicates a concerning financial impact on…

The removal of tax-free shopping for tourists is costing London’s retail sector dearly.Despite a rise in international visitors, sales have decreased, highlighting economic challenges.Retailers argue the policy puts the UK at a disadvantage compared to the EU.Chancellor Rachel Reeves is gearing up for a tough budget addressing public finances.Pressure mounts on the government to reconsider its stance on the tourist tax.The removal of tax-free shopping for tourists is significantly impacting London’s retail sector. Despite an increase in international visitors, sales figures have dropped, primarily due to the cessation of tax-free shopping incentives previously available under the Conservative government. This policy…

Boden has announced that its recovery strategy is making progress despite significant losses reported last year.The retailer’s losses more than doubled to £9.4 million in 2023, compared to the previous year.Sales dropped by 13% to £304.5 million due to a downturn starting in late 2022.A leadership reshuffle and strategic changes in 2023 were slow to reflect in financial results.Improved sales and profitability in early 2024 indicate a positive turnaround for the company.Boden, the clothing and lifestyle retailer, has stated that its recovery is ‘well underway’ despite its losses more than doubling over the past year. In 2023, the company’s losses…

Netcall, a customer engagement software leader, is branching into Europe through a significant acquisition.The company has acquired Parble, a Belgian AI-powered document firm, for €10 million.This acquisition is set to enhance Netcall’s business processing technology and expand its European customer base.Netcall’s shares increased by up to 4% following the acquisition announcement.The acquisition is expected to bolster Netcall’s presence in the insurance sector and improve earnings per share.Netcall, a prominent name in customer engagement software, has announced its strategic expansion into the European market with the acquisition of Parble, a Belgian firm specialising in generative AI document processing. The acquisition, valued…

Retailers in London’s West End are grappling with a significant financial setback, amounting to £220 million in lost sales this year due to the cessation of tax-free shopping for tourists.Despite an increase in international visitors, the removal of tax exemptions has led to less spending, severely impacting the retail sector.The government, having eliminated tax-free shopping in 2021, faces backlash from the industry calling for its reinstatement.This policy shift has not only dented retail sales but also affects the wider tourism ecosystem, including hospitality sectors.As the new budget approaches, there is uncertainty over potential fiscal changes, with Labour hinting at maintaining…

In a case that underscores the ongoing issue of racial abuse in sports, a law student has been convicted of using racial slurs aimed at English footballer Bukayo Saka.Suhel Ali, a law student at City University, came under legal scrutiny after he posted a racially charged audio message on social media platform X. The message referred to the England winger, Bukayo Saka, as a ‘fucking black piece of shit’ following Arsenal’s defeat to Nottingham Forest in May 2023.Suhel Ali admitted to the charges in Westminster Magistrates’ Court, acknowledging that the offensive message was sent via a public communication network. His…

Lord Rose, Chair of Asda, highlights the urgent need for benefits reform to combat the UK’s growing worklessness issue.2.8 million working-age individuals cite long-term sickness as a reason for economic inactivity, rising from 2.2 million before the pandemic.Lord Rose emphasises the importance of increasing productivity and encouraging capable individuals to engage in the workforce.He challenges the notion of reliance on benefits, advocating for a balanced system that incentivises work.The worklessness crisis, according to Rose, may take decades to resolve, requiring foundational changes in skills education.Lord Rose, Chair of Asda and former head of M&S and Ocado, has drawn attention to…

Several leading brands have introduced exciting new beverages in the UK market.Twinings has expanded into the ready-to-drink segment with its Sparkling Tea range.NIO Cocktails offers a new lower ABV cocktail range for consumers seeking lighter options.Skip brings CBD-infused drinks to the UK with innovative flavours and a unique compliance approach.Shaken Udder and Biotiful Gut Health enhance their offerings with protein-rich and organic drink options, respectively.Several leading brands have introduced exciting new beverages in the UK market. Consumers can expect innovative flavours and unique formulations from these launches, providing a fresh experience for different taste preferences and dietary needs.Twinings has expanded…

Frasers Group, led by Mike Ashley, has expanded its property holdings by acquiring St Nicholas Arcade in Lancaster, signalling an ongoing commitment to physical retail.The St Nicholas Arcade, spanning 160,000 sq ft, attracts around four million visitors each year, housing prominent retailers such as Next, Shoe Zone, and Trespass.This acquisition is among several recent property investments by Frasers, including shopping centres in Luton, Dundee, and Doncaster.Frasers Group is also negotiating the purchase of the Maidstone shopping centre Fremlin Walk and exploring opportunities in Exeter.The group’s strategy involves integrating its own retail outlets within these centres, aiming to enhance their value…