Author: Sam Allcock

Waterstones is set to make a notable comeback to the iconic Oxford Street through a significant partnership with John Lewis. This collaboration marks a new chapter for both retailers in one of the UK’s busiest shopping districts.The new Waterstones bookshop will open within John Lewis’ flagship store, enhancing the store’s literary offerings.Scheduled to open on 8 October, the bookshop will feature an extensive selection of nearly 20,000 books across various genres.Waterstones had previously exited Oxford Street in 2016, having once operated four stores along the renowned retail destination.Both companies expressed excitement about the potential of this venture to provide enhanced…

Apprenticeships offer valuable pathways for HR professionals aiming to keep pace with significant legal changes and career advancement.Angela Kaine of Realise advocates for apprenticeships as a key method for staying informed about substantial employment law transformations.Employment law is undergoing notable changes with the upcoming Government’s Employment Rights Bill impacting HR procedures.Apprenticeships offer practical experiences, critical thinking development, and adaptability to legal shifts in HR roles.Realise offers Level 5 and Level 3 HR apprenticeships to facilitate career progression and practical knowledge acquisition.Apprenticeships have emerged as a pivotal route for HR professionals to remain abreast of momentous legal changes while progressing in…

UK companies are struggling with technology skills shortages amidst efforts to enhance digital transformation.72% of firms report technology skills gaps, primarily in AI, data analytics, and security.Manual tasks are undermining productivity, costing £275 million annually in lost output.Many organisations employ ‘quiet hiring’ and AI tools like Chat GPT to bridge the skills gap passively.Despite increased AI investments, companies are cautious due to AI-related risks.British firms are investing heavily in digital transformation, yet many face significant challenges in productivity and digital maturity. According to a recent report by Docusign, a substantial 72% of UK firms acknowledge technology skills gaps in areas…

Ancora Law’s recent move to a refurbished historic building signals its growth and ambition in the legal sector.The relocation to Minster House in Beverley marks a significant expansion for Ancora Law, growing from its previous smaller office space.This move is part of Ancora Law’s strategy to accommodate its increasing team and client base, reflecting its consistent year-on-year growth.The new location at Minster House offers enhanced amenities and accessibility, benefiting both clients and staff alike.Wykeland Group’s support has been instrumental in providing a modern workspace that aligns with Ancora Law’s vision for the future.Ancora Law, a leading commercial and residential property…

In a challenging scenario for the retail industry, almost 40 stores have permanently closed each day in 2024, highlighting an increasing trend of high street decline.New data from PwC indicates a sharp increase in store closures, totalling 6,945 for the year, surpassing the previous year’s daily closure rate.While new store openings have seen a modest increase, they still fall short, with only 25 openings a day, underscoring a net loss of retail spaces.Value retailers and convenience stores are witnessing positive growth, with more than one store opening weekly, providing some relief to the sector.Despite a stabilising rate of net closures,…

In a promising turn, the John Lewis Partnership has reported a substantial reduction in losses, indicating progress in its transformation plan.For the six months ending 27 July, the company reported a pre-tax loss of £30m, a notable improvement from a £59m loss in the previous year.The Partnership’s adjusted operating profit rose significantly to £48m, marking a return to profitability for the first time in three years.Despite a decrease in John Lewis’s specific profits due to a challenging market for general merchandise, total revenue rose by 2%.The Partnership aims to continue its profit growth with strategic investments and is on target…

In a significant move, members of the Law Society’s ruling council are set to receive an annual payment of £2,050, pending approval at the forthcoming AGM. This would mark the first occasion that council members receive this form of financial recognition since the previous allowance scheme was discontinued.The proposed payment for the Law Society’s 97-member council is designed to accompany other expenses they incur. If ratified, this financial adjustment will initially result in a cost of £483,000 because payments will be retrospectively applied from March of the previous year. This change follows the cessation of the former allowance scheme due…

The UK government has officially classified data centres as ‘critical national infrastructure.’This new classification is expected to stimulate significant investment in the UK’s cloud sector.AWS plans a £8bn investment in UK data centres, supporting local jobs and GDP.A proposed data centre by DC01UK could become one of Europe’s largest if approved.The tech sector views this development as pivotal for economic growth in the UK.In a significant policy shift, the UK government has reclassified data centres as ‘critical national infrastructure.’ This marks the first time in nearly a decade that a new sector has been designated as such, placing data centres…

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announces £8bn investment in UK data centres, aiming to expand its technological footprint.The investment aims to contribute £14bn to the UK’s GDP and support 14,000 jobs annually until 2028.AWS emphasizes its longstanding commitment to UK growth through technology adoption, targeting small and medium businesses.Global tech giants like Microsoft and Google also increase investments in AI infrastructure across the UK.Concerns rise over data centres’ energy consumption, but AWS commits to renewable energy solutions.Amazon Web Services (AWS) has declared an ambitious plan to inject £8bn into the United Kingdom’s technology infrastructure. This investment will focus on the construction,…

Rachel Reeves defends her claim of £4,400 for heating her second home, asserting the necessity for MPs to maintain two residences.Reeves emphasises her objective to protect pensioners, ensuring continued winter fuel payments despite cuts for many.The controversy arises as Labour MPs oppose the plan, highlighting a tension within the party regarding pensioner support.Analysis reveals that Reeves claimed £3,700 for energy bills over five years, intensifying scrutiny over MPs’ expenses.The situation raises broader questions on MPs’ entitlements versus public perception and fairness in times of financial strain.Rachel Reeves has defended her expense claim of £4,400 for heating her second home, a…