Author: Scott Dylan

The Co-op Group continues its collaboration with Dentsu, renewing their media contract for two more years. This partnership, originally initiated in 2018, supports Co-op’s food, funeral care, and insurance sectors. The recent ‘Owned by You. Right By You’ campaign underscores the cooperative business model’s benefits. The collaboration includes leveraging customer data for insights. Leaders express shared visions for future innovation.The Co-op Group has decided to extend its partnership with global media and marketing agency Dentsu for an additional two years, reflecting a commitment to driving positive change and enhancing their media strategies. Dentsu has been integral to supporting Co-op’s diverse…

Asda’s recent struggles after its acquisition have sparked concern among former executives who played key roles in the company’s past success.Judith McKenna, a former Asda executive, expressed her worries about the company’s direction since its acquisition by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers.McKenna highlighted the challenges Asda faces, particularly in managing its technological transition away from its Walmart systems.The grocery retailer is contending with declining market share and significant debt issues.McKenna’s sentiments reflect a broader concern about the potential impact of these challenges on Asda’s future.Judith McKenna, a distinguished former executive of Asda, shared her thoughts at the FT Live…

Tesco plans to utilise AI technology to enhance customer shopping experiences.The supermarket aims to provide better value deals by nudging customers to hold off purchases for upcoming discounts.AI technology will also suggest healthier alternatives based on customers’ shopping habits.Surplus food will be transformed into animal feed as part of waste reduction efforts.Tesco’s new AI-driven approach aligns with broader goals of reducing food waste and promoting health.In a forward-thinking move, Tesco, led by CEO Ken Murphy, is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to tailor shopping experiences for its customers. This innovative step is intended to help shoppers make more…

Labour ministers are easing enforcement of office attendance for civil servants, reflecting a shift towards flexible working policies.The Conservative-introduced rule for three office days a week remains, but Labour shows little interest in strict enforcement.Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds supports flexible working, believing it enhances productivity and staff loyalty.While flexible policies are welcomed by civil service unions, some officials express concerns over remote work affecting performance.Labour’s approach contrasts with some private companies, like Amazon, mandating more in-office days for employees.The Labour government’s approach to civil service office attendance marks a significant departure from the previous Conservative administration’s policies. While the rule…

Moonpig is set to meet its 2025 financial targets amid a tough economic landscape.The company reports consistent sales and improved customer metrics, boosting confidence.Despite macroeconomic challenges, Moonpig’s strategic focus on innovation remains unwavering.A partnership with The Entertainer expands Moonpig’s product offerings significantly.Technology and AI investments are key to Moonpig’s growth and market resilience.Amidst a challenging economic environment, Moonpig has announced its intention to meet its 2025 financial guidance. The online retailer credits this confidence to “consistent strong sales and orders performance at Moonpig,” alongside robust progress at its associated brand, Greetz. This positive outlook persists in spite of headwinds affecting…

Hotel Chocolat’s new CEO, Lysa Hardy, shares her insights and experiences.Hardy dives into her disciplined morning routine, highlighting her love for learning.A tragic event in her past revealed her strength in crisis management.She strongly believes in balancing professional and personal life.Hardy’s career foundation began at a young age on a market stall.Hotel Chocolat’s recently appointed CEO, Lysa Hardy, opens up about her daily practices and the principles guiding her life. She discusses her structured morning routine, her belief in continuous learning, and how these help set a positive tone for her day. Hardy begins her mornings with a pilates workout…

British luxury brand Mulberry has achieved B Corp status, joining an esteemed group of sustainable businesses.Mulberry’s B Corp score of 87.1 surpasses both the pass mark and industry average, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.The brand’s B Corp certification aligns with its five sustainability pillars: climate, cultivation, craft, circularity, and culture.Mulberry aims for net-zero GHG emissions by 2035 and plans to expand its resale programme globally.CEO Andrea Baldo highlights this achievement as a milestone in Mulberry’s journey to becoming a force for good.British luxury brand Mulberry has proudly joined the ranks of B Corp certified companies, becoming part of a distinguished…

A solicitor has been suspended for a year by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) due to his involvement in advance fee frauds, influenced heavily by his work with a convicted fraudster.The tribunal found that Simon Paget-Brown, a solicitor who qualified in 2000 and practised at a London firm that has since closed, failed to alert suspicions around advance fee fraud. He acted recklessly by participating in transactions that showed characteristics of such frauds, admitting his own-interest conflict while working for Wraith Capital and Wraith Capital Group, which he also directed.Winston Donaldson, one of his associates at Wraith and a convicted…

Navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) requires strategic foresight and planning for those seeking a business exit. This article explores key tactics to ensure a seamless transition.Maintaining objectivity during due diligence is crucial to prevent potential pitfalls in the M&A process.Understanding potential buyers early is vital to ensure alignment and successful negotiations.Having a contingency plan is essential as unexpected challenges can arise during M&A deals.Sustaining momentum post-acquisition can ensure long-term success and realisation of strategic goals.Engaging in mergers and acquisitions can be a demanding journey, particularly during the due diligence phase. This stage often involves scrutinising the financial…

Co-op introduces a 24-hour delivery service for city centre shoppers, responding to increased demand for online groceries at unconventional times.The service debuts in London, Leeds, and Manchester, targeting areas with high demand and availability of delivery drivers.Groceries will be delivered via partnerships with Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats.Extended online shopping hours for over 1,600 Co-op stores now allow purchases late into the night.The initiative aims to capture a significant share of the quick commerce market, responding to evolving consumer behaviours.The Co-op has taken a significant step forward by launching a 24-hour online grocery delivery service, specifically aimed at city…