Author: Scott Dylan

Sainsbury’s unveils new ‘Next Level’ shopping experience at Cobham store.Cobham store tests over 100 new shopping innovations.Enhanced product presentation aims to simplify customer shopping.Focus on efficient use of space for grocery volume growth.Hybrid checkout systems and digital innovations introduced.Earlier this year, Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts announced the grocer’s ‘Next Level’ strategy, aspiring to make it the primary choice for UK shoppers. The Cobham store serves as a testing ground for over 100 innovations, providing critical insights for future rollouts.Significant changes in product presentation have been made to improve the shopping experience. Products like fish and desserts are now displayed with…

Australian retailer Harvey Norman has inaugurated its first store in England.The store, located in Merry Hill, covers an expansive 57,000 sq ft area.This flagship outlet offers luxury furniture, home appliances, and technology items.Dedicated sections feature products from renowned brands like Dyson and Apple.The UK expansion reflects Harvey Norman’s strategic growth in global retail markets.Australian lifestyle and home retailer Harvey Norman has made its debut in the English market by opening a flagship store at the Merry Hill shopping centre in the West Midlands. This substantial 57,000 square foot space marks a significant step in the company’s global expansion efforts.The new…

Ger Wright, Managing Director of Sport at Frasers Group, is set to step down next month, marking an end to her impactful tenure.Wright has contributed significantly to the group’s elevation strategy, integrating new concepts and expanding internationally.Her leadership introduced novel running and outdoor offerings, alongside onboarding new brands to the group’s portfolio.Frasers Group, under her guidance, has expanded with several new store openings in Benelux, enhancing its global footprint.Following her departure, Wright will continue to influence Frasers Group as a non-executive director.Ger Wright, who has been at the helm as Managing Director of Sport at Frasers Group since 2022, will…

Ger Wright, Managing Director of Sport at Frasers Group, is set to depart her role next month, transitioning to a non-executive director position.She joined the group in 2022 and played a pivotal role in its elevation strategy, especially through international expansion and brand onboarding.Wright’s leadership saw the introduction of innovative concepts in running and outdoor sports, enhancing the group’s market presence.Frasers Group recently expanded its footprint in the Benelux region with new store openings and strategic acquisitions.CEO Michael Murray praised Wright for her exceptional leadership and anticipates her continued contributions as a non-executive director.Ger Wright will be stepping down from…

Retailers across the UK are calling upon Chancellor Rachel Reeves to honour her pledge in reducing business rates, amidst concerns of an impending tax increase.A potential £2.7 billion tax rise could predominantly affect smaller businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors.The upcoming end of a significant relief scheme threatens over 252,000 establishments.Retail leaders have actively sought reform, highlighting the disparity in business rate burdens across industries.The British Retail Consortium proposes a Retail Rates Corrector to balance the tax contributions of the retail sector.Retailers throughout the United Kingdom are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to adhere to her commitment to reduce…

Retailers are pressing Chancellor Rachel Reeves to honour her promise of relieving business rates.A potential £2.7bn tax increase may hit smaller retail, leisure, and hospitality firms.From April, 252,000 businesses could face a sharp rise in property tax as a relief scheme ends.Retail sector bosses urge for rates reform to balance the financial burden across industries.An open letter suggests a 20% reduction in business rates on retail properties.Retailers across the United Kingdom are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to deliver on her commitment to alleviate the burden of business rates. This call for action gains urgency as new findings highlight a looming…

Liverpool University has announced a significant development in legal education, partnering with six major law firms to introduce a pioneering four-year degree programme with a year in industry.Thirteen students in their third year have transitioned from the conventional three-year format to embark on a year-long placement with renowned firms such as Brabners, DWF, Hill Dickinson, In-House Legal Solutions, Taylor Wessing, and Weightmans. These placements are designed to last a minimum of 40 weeks, with the firms committed to paying at least the real Living Wage.A particular emphasis has been placed on encouraging students from under-represented backgrounds, or those perceiving hurdles…

Boeing’s decision to cut 17,000 jobs globally raises significant concerns for its UK workforce.The company’s UK operations, including its Sheffield facility, face uncertainty amid financial pressures.Financial challenges have prompted Boeing to delay aircraft projects, affecting workforce stability.Approximately 400 UK jobs could be impacted if cuts are applied proportionally.Regulatory issues and strikes have exacerbated Boeing’s production and financial difficulties.Boeing’s announcement to reduce its global workforce by 17,000 positions has sent ripples of concern through its UK operations. With its only European manufacturing facility located in Sheffield, the potential impact on the UK workforce, which spans 30 locations, is substantial. Half of…

Frasers Group has increased its takeover bid for Mulberry to £111 million following a rejected offer last week.The revised offer values Mulberry shares at a 50% premium of 150p each.Frasers has slightly raised its stake in Mulberry after purchasing additional shares.The deadline for a firm offer under UK rules is set for 28 October.The acquisition followed a strategic investment in THG shares as part of a fundraising effort.Frasers Group has surged forward with a revised takeover bid for luxury handbag retailer Mulberry, raising the offer to £111 million after its previous bid was turned down. This new proposal stands as…

Selfridges’ property portfolio has notably decreased in value over the past year.A £638.6 million reduction marks a 20.6% drop from its original £3.1 billion valuation.The devaluation impacts key assets, including the Oxford Street flagship store.Over £1.7 billion in loans tied to Selfridges’ properties are due in August 2025.Recent investment moves include a 40% stake acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.The property portfolio of Selfridges, one of the leading department store groups, has lost significant value, with a reduction of £638.6 million from its previous £3.1 billion valuation. This downfall constitutes a 20.6% decrease, raising concerns about future financial stability…