Author: Scott Dylan

Lakeland is grappling with increasing losses as it navigates through severe economic conditions.The company’s pre-tax losses have escalated from £1.1m to nearly £2m over the past year.Sales experienced a minor decline, dropping from £154m to close to £153m.High inflation has led to reduced demand in traditional categories.Despite challenges, Lakeland continues to prioritise staff investment and strategic agility.Lakeland, the kitchenware retailer, has reported a notable increase in pre-tax losses, rising from over £1.1 million last year to approximately £2 million for the year ending 31 December. This financial setback is attributed to the exceptionally challenging economic conditions currently affecting the retail…

Morrisons has announced a recruitment drive for 3,000 temporary roles to manage the holiday season demand. The supermarket is offering a variety of positions across stores and logistics with flexible conditions.Morrisons aims to hire 3,000 extra staff for Christmas at stores, manufacturing sites, and logistics.Roles include customer assistants, delivery drivers, and warehouse operatives, most requiring no experience.Employees will receive a 15% staff discount and a 10% card for a family or friend.Morrisons’ recruitment aligns with similar seasonal employment drives by other major supermarkets.Morrisons has initiated a significant recruitment campaign, seeking up to 3,000 additional staff to support their operations during…

Shaftesbury has announced a pioneering Christmas light display for London’s iconic Carnaby Street this year.The display, titled ‘Into the Light’, will debut on 7 November, featuring innovative lighting installations.Large star installations and 60-metre sculptural light forms will decorate the street, utilising over 60,000 programmable LEDs.The environmentally-friendly scheme will draw energy from renewable sources and span a minimum of five years.Michelle McGrath highlights the scheme as a creative, sustainable investment that enhances visitor experience and celebrates Soho’s rich history.Shaftesbury has revealed a new and innovative Christmas light display for Carnaby Street, set to illuminate from 7 November. The display, named ‘Into…

Morrisons is set to enhance its workforce with 3,000 extra recruits for the festive period. This significant recruitment drive aims to support various operational sectors, ensuring efficient service during the busiest time of the year.The supermarket is creating numerous opportunities across the UK, with roles available in stores, manufacturing, and logistics.Flexible working patterns and a 15% staff discount are among the benefits offered to new recruits, highlighting Morrisons’ commitment to employee satisfaction.Clare Grainger, Group People Director, expresses excitement about welcoming new team members who will contribute to making customers’ celebrations special.This recruitment drive follows similar initiatives by other leading supermarkets,…

Lab-grown meat may soon be available in supermarkets across the UK, heralding a new era in food production.The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has received applications for various lab-grown meats including steak and chicken.Ensuring the safety of lab-grown meat remains a priority before it hits the shelves.The FSA anticipates receiving more applications in the coming years.Collaboration with experts is key to establishing a safe approval process.Lab-grown meat, also known as cultivated meat, could soon become part of the UK consumer diet as major supermarkets prepare to stock these innovative food products. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that it has…

Labour’s proposed changes to zero-hour contracts have ignited significant debate among business leaders and economists.The reforms aim to ban exploitative contracts while preserving some level of flexibility for employers.Industries such as hospitality, construction, and financial services might face significant financial challenges.Research indicates possible costs of billions for transitioning workers to fixed contracts across key sectors.Employers are encouraged to proactively review employment practices ahead of potential reforms.Labour’s proposed changes to zero-hour contracts have sparked a vigorous debate among business leaders and economists, as these contracts, while often seen as exploitative, offer essential flexibility for both employers and employees. Labour aims to…

Tesco is enhancing its 2024 Christmas delivery services with increased capacity and new strategies.Thousands of additional delivery slots are now available in the lead-up to Christmas.Sixty new delivery vans have been added to Tesco’s fleet to meet increased demand.Tesco’s rapid delivery service, Whoosh, sees expanded capacity with extra slots on Christmas Eve.Early slot access is offered to Delivery Saver members, with public access starting earlier than last year.Tesco is bolstering its Christmas delivery options for 2024 by offering thousands more slots in the two weeks before Christmas. This move aims to accommodate the heightened demand during the festive period, allowing…

Bar and restaurant chain Loungers is set to open 18 new branches in the coming six months amid rising sales and consumer confidence.The company, originating in Bristol, currently operates 273 eateries across the UK under brands including Lounge, Cosy Club, and Brightside.Loungers recently reported a 4.7% like-for-like sales growth and a total revenue increase of 19.2% compared to the previous year.The company has successfully reduced its non-property net debt by £2.1 million, standing at £12.2 million for the period ending October 6, 2024.Loungers’ newly opened Ritorno Lounge in Bristol celebrated the best launch in the group’s history.In a significant move,…

Central Group from Thailand and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have partnered for Selfridges’ buyout.Central Group now holds a majority stake of 60%, with PIF owning 40% of Selfridges Group.The acquisition aims to bolster Selfridges’ financial foundation and advance development.Signa Group, formerly a part-owner of Selfridges, sought restructuring help amid financial woes.Executives express optimism about leveraging expertise to benefit all stakeholders.Central Group, a Thai conglomerate, has formed a strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) for a total buyout of Selfridges Group, previously shared with Austrian property developer Signa Group. This move marks a significant change in…

Tesco and Sainsbury’s are making significant gains in the grocery market as Asda struggles.Tesco has achieved its largest market share since December 2017, increasing to 28%.Sainsbury’s market share has grown by 0.4 percentage points, reaching 15.2%.Asda’s market share has dropped by 1.1 percentage points, now standing at 12.6%.Asda’s challenges include debt issues and IT infrastructure separation.Tesco and Sainsbury’s have strengthened their positions in the competitive grocery market at the expense of Asda, which has seen a decline in its market share. Britain’s largest supermarket, Tesco, reported an increase in its market share to 28% from a previous 27.4%, the highest…