Author: Scott Dylan

Ocado has reported a consistent shift of customers from Tesco over the past year.Ocado’s sales increased significantly, with a notable 15.5% rise in the last quarter.The company has successfully attracted a diverse range of new customers, highlighting its broad appeal.Price reductions across various products have contributed to Ocado’s growth.Ocado is currently recognised as the fastest-growing supermarket in recent weeks.Ocado has experienced a remarkable shift in customer loyalty over the past year, with a significant number of shoppers moving from Tesco. This trend has been sustained over twelve consecutive months, indicating a strong and consistent preference shift towards Ocado.Sales at Ocado…

New research highlights AI as a top priority for UK organisations, reshaping work norms.Sixty-five per cent of UK organisations prioritise AI alongside cloud communications.Concerns over AI’s impact on jobs are prevalent among UK leaders.The traditional five-day work week is losing favour, with flexible schedules preferred.UK businesses demonstrate high preparedness for future challenges.Recent insights reveal that sixty-five per cent of UK organisations are focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a joint major priority with cloud communications. This strategic emphasis suggests a paradigm shift in how businesses are preparing for technological integration over the next six years. Notably, this contrasts with the…

The Edge Foundation’s report, ‘Flex Without Compromise’, raises concerns and solutions about the Growth and Skills Levy’s impact on apprenticeships.The report emphasises the need for a well-designed policy to prevent reduced funding for apprenticeships in England.Potential conflicts are identified with Government missions like the Youth Guarantee and Growth Mission.The Edge Foundation outlines alternative measures to maintain and enhance apprenticeship opportunities.Learnings from the Apprenticeship Levy are crucial for the successful implementation of the new system.Today marks the launch of the Edge Foundation’s latest report, ‘Flex Without Compromise’. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of how a flexible apprenticeship and skills levy…

Next is poised to achieve a historic £1 billion profit this year.The company’s full-year profit forecast increased by £15 million, reaching £995 million.First-half pre-tax profits rose by 7.1% to £453 million in the six months to July.Next’s total group sales surged 8% to £2.9 billion, with full-price sales rising 4.4%.International online sales grew by an impressive 22.8%, bolstering overall expansion.Next is making significant strides towards a landmark £1 billion profit, adjusting its annual forecast upward once again amid robust financial performance. Demonstrating confidence, the high street retailer added £15 million to its profit forecast, now predicting £995 million—an 8.4% increase…

Asda’s leadership shake-up sees Lord Rose stepping in to stabilise the retailer.Stuart Rose replaces Mohsin Issa in Asda’s leadership amid performance concerns.Rose’s vast retail experience is seen as a stabilising force for Asda.The temporary leadership is focused on addressing operational challenges at Asda.Concerns remain about the temporary nature of the leadership solution.In a significant change at Asda, co-owner Mohsin Issa has stepped back from his executive role, with Stuart Rose, the chair, taking over the retailer’s operations. Rose’s appointment comes amidst a backdrop of performance concerns, following his remark that he was ’embarrassed’ by Asda’s current state. Supported by TDR…

The Civil Justice Council’s 2023 costs review is making significant advancements, as highlighted by the recent developments disclosed by Lord Justice Birss. During a roundtable hosted by the Association of Costs Lawyers, he articulated that the primary focus is now shifting towards long-term objectives.Following initial changes like the increase of guideline hourly rates (GHR), two significant workstreams have been identified. The first aims to pilot a ‘costs budgeting-lite’ model, and the second seeks to integrate counsel within the GHR framework. Shaman Kapoor of 39 Essex Chambers acknowledges GHR’s potential to enhance predictability. Meanwhile, Roger Mallalieu KC of 4 New Square…

In a significant development for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a prominent national law firm has unveiled a pioneering legal platform that offers comprehensive support solutions.The newly introduced platform, available from this week, marks a unique offering in the legal landscape by combining document generation, training, a knowledge bank, and legal advice specifically geared towards SMEs, tech companies, and start-ups. “My Digital Lawyer” (MDL), as it is known, was initially released to clients in July and is now accessible to any business for an annual subscription fee of £1,500 per user.Claire Knowles, the managing partner at Acuity Law, highlighted that…

John Lewis unveils a new campaign revisiting its historical ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ price pledge.A trilogy of nostalgic adverts showcases decades of John Lewis’s retail history.The campaign features a blend of newly filmed scenes and historical footage.Actor Samantha Morton narrates the adverts, with music by Laura Mvula.The nostalgic adverts will air during the first episode of Channel 4’s Taskmaster.John Lewis has launched the first in a trilogy of adverts, tapping into its rich heritage by highlighting the return of its century-old promise, “Never Knowingly Undersold.” The campaign is designed to remind audiences of the company’s longstanding commitment to price match 25…

Asda and Aldi have experienced a notable decrease in market shares, as revealed by new data from analysts at NIQ.Asda’s market share dropped to 11.8% from 13.1% compared to last year, marking a significant decline.Aldi also saw a reduction in its market share, falling from 10.7% to 10.3% during the same period.Ocado emerged as the fastest growing retailer with a significant 15.4% increase in sales.The overall dip in supermarket sales may be attributed to changing consumer routines post-summer break.A recent report has highlighted a decline in market shares for major supermarket chains Asda and Aldi, according to analyst NIQ. Asda’s…

Asda and Aldi experience a decline in market share, new data reveals.Asda’s market share fell to 11.8% from 13.1% over the past year.Aldi’s market share decreased to 10.3% from 10.7% within the same period.Ocado and M&S reported significant sales growth despite the overall market slowdown.The drop in supermarket sales is attributed to cooler weather and post-summer routines.Asda and Aldi have observed a notable reduction in their market shares according to the latest analysis from NIQ. During the 12 weeks leading up to 7 September, Asda’s share was recorded at 11.8%, a decline from 13.1% a year earlier. Similarly, Aldi’s market…