Author: Scott Dylan

Fenwick has made significant leadership additions to navigate challenging times and pursue growth.The retailer appointed Susan Gordon as Chief People Officer and Joseph Wright as Chief Trading Officer.These strategic hires aim to enhance Fenwick’s executive structure and commercial objectives.Fenwick’s new leaders bring extensive experience in retail and strategy development.Despite financial losses, Fenwick reports positive impacts from reinvestments and certain business areas.Fenwick has made strategic appointments to its leadership team, anticipating an ‘exciting new period of growth’ despite facing declining sales and widening losses. Susan Gordon has been named as the new Chief People Officer, and Joseph Wright has taken up…

Duncan Lewis has reached a settlement with the lord chancellor regarding legal aid fees for immigration and asylum work, with a decision on fee increases expected by the end of November.A legal challenge by Duncan Lewis in the High Court addressed the failure to raise legal aid fees since 1996, impacting vulnerable individuals.The settlement requires the lord chancellor to announce a decision and consultation by November, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.Evidence presented by Duncan Lewis emphasised the unsustainable nature of the current legal aid system due to a significant real-terms cut in rates.The Ministry of Justice acknowledges the inherited…

A new report has highlighted significant gaps in how UK supermarkets address antibiotic use in farming.Recent regulations limit the use of antibiotics in farming, excluding British farmers from EU rules.The report by the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics outlines supermarkets’ shortcomings in policy adherence.Marks & Spencer leads the rankings, but overall transparency on antibiotic use remains inadequate.Iceland disputes findings, citing adherence to policy and restriction of critical antibiotics.In a revealing new report, UK supermarkets have been found lacking in their efforts to regulate the responsible use of antibiotics by suppliers. The investigation highlights the failure of many supermarkets to implement…

Meadows, a prairie-inspired womenswear brand established in 2019, is set to go on “indefinite hiatus,” as announced by its founder Louise Markey.The decision comes as Markey chooses to streamline focus on her main brand, LF Markey, known for its workwear-inspired fashion.Meadows has been a cherished project, stocked in numerous independent retailers across several countries.The production of Meadows has proven to be labour-intensive, prompting a shift in business priorities.A closing-down sale is underway, providing an opportunity to acquire remaining Meadows stock directly from its ecommerce site.Meadows, launched in 2019 as a feminine alternative to LF Markey, will enter an “indefinite hiatus”,…

Aldi’s own-label baked beans have outperformed well-known competitors in a recent consumer ranking.The Which? blind taste test involved evaluations from 66 consumers on various supermarket and big-brand baked beans.Aldi’s Bramwells baked beans secured the top position with a score of 76%, praised for appearance, aroma, and flavour.Branston closely followed with a 75% score, particularly noted for the texture of its tomato sauce.Heinz, once a popular choice, fell short due to its aroma and sauce texture, scoring 72%.Aldi’s own-label baked beans have emerged victorious in a recent consumer preference survey conducted by Which?. This blind taste test positioned Aldi’s Bramwells baked…

Aldi is making significant strides in sustainability by converting over 30% of its lorry fleet to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).This transition involves more than 160 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in key distribution centres across the UK.By adopting HVO fuels, Aldi aims to reduce its carbon emissions by an estimated 15,400 tonnes annually.A full conversion of the fleet could contribute to an even greater reduction of 55,100 tonnes of CO2e yearly.Aldi’s initiative is part of a wider industry trend towards sustainability, with similar moves by other major companies.Aldi is advancing its environmental commitments by opting to switch over 30%…

A Bristol-based battery technology firm, Anaphite, has successfully raised £10.4 million in its latest funding round, signalling a significant advancement in the electric vehicle sector.Anaphite, founded in 2018, aims to revolutionise electric battery production, making it more cost-effective and less energy-intensive.The recent funding round was co-led by notable investors, including World Fund and Maniv, and featured a range of climate-focused investors.The financial support will enable Anaphite to scale operations, commission a new plant, create jobs, and invest in further research and development.Founders Sam Burrow and Alexander Hewitt have made strides since their university days, securing multiple rounds of funding and…

eBay UK has introduced a new luxury consignment service, collaborating with Luxe Collective to enhance user experience.This service allows consumers to sell luxury items, particularly designer handbags, through expert sellers.Items listed via this service have shown significantly higher final sale prices compared to traditional listings.The process is managed entirely by eBay and Luxe Collective, offering a seamless experience for sellers.eBay aims to position itself as a leader in pre-loved luxury by evolving with market demands.eBay UK has rolled out a luxury consignment service to provide sellers with a streamlined process for listing and selling high-end items. Teaming up with Luxe…

Jigsaw strengthens its position in Ireland through a strategic partnership with Brown Thomas, aiming to capture a larger market share.The fashion retailer is now accessible in Limerick and Blanchardstown, enhancing its physical retail presence.Jigsaw’s online availability on the Brown Thomas website broadens its reach to customers across Ireland.Vikky Baker highlights the alignment in values and commitment between Jigsaw and Brown Thomas, marking this venture as a significant milestone.The successful expansion coincides with Mountain Berg’s impressive financial turnaround, showcasing a 19% increase in sales.Jigsaw, a leading fashion retailer, has initiated a significant expansion in the Irish market by partnering with the…

Organisations are facing unprecedented changes in the workplace landscape.Creative thinking is essential for HR leaders to tackle modern challenges.AI presents both anxiety and opportunity for workforce efficiency.Skills shortages require a strategic focus on internal talent optimization.Innovative learning methods are needed to address modern workforce needs.The workplace environment has significantly transformed in recent years, largely influenced by the pandemic’s aftermath. Human Resource (HR) leaders are urged to adopt creative thinking to effectively address two predominant issues: the growing influence of AI and persistent skills shortages.AI is often viewed with apprehension due to its potential impact on jobs. Recent research indicates that…