Author: Scott Dylan

Sosandar continues its UK expansion with a new store in Cardiff, following recent openings in other key locations.The new Cardiff store will be located in the bustling St David’s shopping centre.Sosandar’s focus remains on opening stores in top-tier, high-footfall locations.Recent developments include plans for further expansion into Ireland.The brand aims to become a leading multichannel retailer in the UK.Sosandar, a fast-growing fashion retailer, has announced the launch of its fourth store in Cardiff’s renowned St David’s shopping centre. This move is part of Sosandar’s broader strategy to strengthen its physical retail presence throughout the UK. This exciting development follows the…

M&S is pioneering autonomous farming with drones and robot tractors, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance crop quality.The UK retail giant is the first to test this innovative method on parsnip production, with expectations for improved yield and ecological benefits.Partnership with Huntapac has enabled M&S to plant initial trials of parsnips in Yorkshire, involving cutting-edge agricultural robotics.Two types of drones monitor and maintain crop health, while robots handle tasks like bed forming, weeding, and planting.This initiative is the first under M&S’s sustainability-driven Plan A accelerator fund, highlighting innovative steps towards net zero.M&S has embarked on an ambitious initiative to…

Kubus, based in Cirencester, has secured a significant £9m investment from BGF.The investment will allow Kubus to accelerate its global growth initiatives.Paul Brennan joins Kubus as non-executive chair, bringing expertise from previous roles.Kubus maintains strong vendor ties with Dell, Fortinet, and Cisco.BGF investors express confidence in Kubus’s market position and growth potential.A Cirencester-based IT support firm, Kubus, has secured a £9m boost from the growth capital investor BGF to expedite its expansion efforts. This substantial investment marks a key milestone for the company, known for its robust vendor relationships with technology giants such as Dell, Fortinet, and Cisco.As part of…

M&S is pioneering autonomous farming methods to enhance sustainability.The retailer is using drones and robot tractors to cultivate parsnips.This innovation is part of efforts to boost crop quality and reduce carbon emissions.Parsnips were planted in March in collaboration with supplier Huntapac.Autonomously farmed parsnips will be available in stores by November.Marks & Spencer is breaking new ground in sustainable agriculture by implementing autonomous farming techniques. The retailer has introduced the use of drones and robot tractors to produce parsnips, aiming to enhance both the quality and quantity of their crops while significantly reducing carbon emissions. This initiative positions M&S as a…

The collaboration between British banks and major US cloud providers is a contentious issue.Gordon McArthur, CEO of Beeks, highlights potential risks.Concerns arise over data security and competitive conflicts.The UK competition regulator is scrutinising cloud market practices.Market dynamics and stakeholder perspectives reveal a complex landscape.British banks and fintech companies partnering with large US cloud providers has become a contentious topic of discussion. Gordon McArthur, the Chief Executive Officer of the UK cloud firm Beeks, has expressed his concerns regarding this trend, which he finds ‘bizarre’. His observations are particularly relevant as his company has recently experienced substantial growth, reporting a 27%…

Dunelm is set to open its inaugural central London store, marking a significant expansion into the capital at the Westfield London shopping centre.The new 4,500 square foot store will offer an enhanced shopping experience with Dunelm’s latest homeware and furniture collections.Located in White City, this store aims to attract high footfall and is part of Dunelm’s broader strategy to establish a strong presence in London.Nick Wilkinson, CEO of Dunelm, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to bring the brand closer to Londoners and expand further across the UK.Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield UK highlights this opening as a commitment to creating premier shopping destinations with…

Dunelm is making a significant move into central London, with its first store set to open at Westfield London this winter. This new venture represents a strategic step to increase its presence in the capital, offering a convenient location for shoppers.The upcoming 4,500 sq ft store at Westfield London is a major milestone for Dunelm, aiming to boost its visibility and accessibility.Dunelm will showcase its home and furniture collections, including the latest offerings and exciting collaborations, at this new store.The retailer plans to open more locations in central London, as it witnesses a consistent rise in sales and profits.Dunelm’s expansion…

House prices in the UK rose for the third consecutive month in September, nearing record highs.According to Halifax, prices increased by 0.3% in September, continuing a recovery trend seen since August.Over the past year, house prices have risen by 4.7%, marking the highest annual inflation rate since November 2022.The improving market conditions are attributed to falling interest rates and enhanced buyer confidence.Despite positive trends, regional disparities and affordability challenges remain evident across the UK.House prices increased by 0.3% in September, according to data from Halifax, mirroring the rise experienced in August. This marks the third consecutive month of growth in…

SRT Marine, a maritime technology firm, announced a significant contract award.This contract, valued at USD 213 million, involves a new international government client.The project entails developing a comprehensive national maritime surveillance system.Expected completion of the contract formalities is by the end of November.SRT is poised to provide long-term support and maintenance post-delivery.SRT Marine, an AIM-listed company in North East Somerset, has been awarded a substantial contract to deliver an advanced maritime surveillance system. The contract, worth USD 213 million, is with a new international government client and has been formally announced by the company.The surveillance system project includes integrating multiple…

Sainsbury’s is planning to hire 20,000 temporary workers nationwide for the festive period.The supermarket chain will recruit 18,000 staff across Sainsbury’s stores and an additional 2,000 at Argos.Seasonal positions include roles on the shop floor, in warehouse teams, and within the delivery fleet.Contracts for these roles will range from three weeks to three months, offering flexibility to employees.Wages vary by role and location, with in-store workers earning up to £13.50 and delivery drivers up to £14.65 per hour.Sainsbury’s has initiated a significant recruitment drive to manage the increased demand anticipated during the upcoming festive season. The company seeks to fill…