Author: Scott Dylan

In a surprising financial twist, Mondelēz International, renowned for its popular chocolate brands such as Cadbury, Toblerone, and Oreo, announced a significant drop in its UK profits for 2023, despite a noticeable increase in sales.The confectionery giant reported a sharp 33% decline in pre-tax profits, totalling £88.1 million by the end of December 2023. This downturn contrasts starkly with the company’s sales figures, which saw a robust increase of 13.3%, reaching £2.21 billion. This financial anomaly raises questions about the challenges faced by Mondelēz in maintaining profitability despite growing revenue.In particular, Cadbury, a flagship brand of Mondelēz, showed a promising…

Angela Rayner’s proposed employment rights reform aims to grant 9 million UK workers the right to sue their employers for unfair dismissal from their first day of employment.Currently, employees must be with a company for two years to qualify for such rights, making this a significant shift in employment law.Business leaders have criticised the proposal, fearing it could lead to reduced hiring and economic inactivity.The plan also seeks to modernise workplaces by banning fire and rehire practices and ending zero-hours contracts, despite some elements being diluted.The proposed Employment Rights Bill is expected soon, with further reforms on flexible working and…

Channel 4 collaborates with Salamanda Media to create an innovative programme.The upcoming show aims to help families reduce heating costs effectively.Denise Van Outen to lead the presentation of practical home-heating solutions.Viewers will explore various real-life heating strategies and their benefits.The project is backed by Channel 4’s Growth Fund with significant industry expertise.Channel 4 has announced the commissioning of a ground-breaking programme developed in partnership with Salamanda Media, an independent production company based in Manchester. This one-off special, titled ‘Heat Your Home for Less’ (working title), aims to address a pressing issue faced by many British families: managing and reducing heating…

Ikea UK has seen a downturn in sales following strategic price cuts.Sales dropped 6.8% to £2.3bn by 31 August due to a focus on affordability.33% of Ikea’s products were reduced, with an average price drop of 20%.Lower prices increased demand, especially for kitchens, bedrooms, and storage.New delivery options supported affordability, boosting customer accessibility.In a decisive move to balance economic pressures with consumer needs, Ikea UK reported a 6.8% reduction in sales, closing the financial year at £2.3 billion. This decline is a direct result of the company’s tactical shift towards enhancing product affordability.Faced with the challenge of maintaining customer loyalty…

The Chester Storyhouse, a pivotal cultural centre in the region, is poised for a promising future with a proposed lease extension.Cheshire West and Chester Council leaders are expected to approve a 10-year lease extension for Chester’s Storyhouse.The council’s cabinet will meet to discuss supporting the extension of the current lease and service contract.The Storyhouse, opened in 2017, offers a diverse range of facilities and hosts numerous community and cultural events.The proposal aims to secure the future of Storyhouse, enhancing its financial resilience and securing external investments.Council leaders in Cheshire West and Chester are set to approve a significant 10-year extension…

People’s Postcode Lottery launches a new campaign featuring Ellie Goulding’s cover of ‘What the World Needs Now’.The campaign aims to thank players for their contributions to charitable causes.A film featuring comedian Tom Allen highlights the impact of players’ contributions.The campaign marks a strategic shift towards emphasising charitable benefits over winners.The multi-platform campaign includes television, online, and geo-targeted components.The People’s Postcode Lottery has unveiled a new campaign accompanied by Ellie Goulding’s rendition of the 1960s classic ‘What the World Needs Now’. This initiative is designed to express gratitude to the lottery players whose participation aids numerous charities.In a creatively engaging film,…

Isuzu has partnered with Cheshire’s 438 Marketing to launch a mental health campaign aimed at raising awareness and inspiring positive discussions.The campaign builds upon Isuzu’s #sidebyside initiative, following success in ITV’s Head First competition with significant airtime funding awarded.The campaign’s core message encourages conversations about mental health, highlighting talking in vehicles as a safe space for meaningful dialogue.Research reveals a substantial gap between the recognition of mental health’s importance and the willingness to openly discuss it.The campaign will span television broadcasts, digital platforms, and social media throughout October.Isuzu UK has collaborated with Cheshire-based 438 Marketing to initiate a campaign focusing…

Barclays has proposed a tax incentive for homeowners considering downsizing, aimed at freeing up millions of homes for larger families and tackling the UK housing crisis.The bank suggests offsetting moving costs against stamp duty to encourage ‘under-occupiers’ to relocate, enhancing market liquidity.Additional measures include simplifying moving processes and increasing retirement housing to further stimulate market activity.Savills report highlights that over-60s own a large share of homes, yet are underrepresented in market transactions, supporting Barclays’ initiative.Critics question the fairness, arguing that benefits might skew towards wealthier, older homeowners, potentially neglecting first-time buyers.Barclays has put forward a proposal urging the UK government…

Tesco marks a significant shift in its product offerings by introducing a non-alcoholic beer in its ‘Finest Dine In for Two’ selection, aligning with the growing consumer interest in non- and low-alcohol beverages. This novel inclusion is facilitated by a collaboration with Lucky Saint, presenting its alcohol-free lager for the first time to Tesco’s discerning customers.Tesco’s decision to diversify its ‘Finest Dine In for Two’ menu with an alcohol-free beer option underscores a broader trend in consumer preferences towards healthier lifestyle choices. The supermarket has responded to the escalating demand for no and low-alcohol drinks, a segment that saw remarkable…

One Stop has undertaken a significant revamp of its grocery offerings.New lines across biscuits, cereals, and beverages aim to meet health-conscious needs.Introduction of trendy products targets younger, trend-aware consumers.Enhanced cereal displays facilitate easier customer navigation.Ongoing product range upgrades reflect commitment to innovation.One Stop, a renowned convenience retailer, has dramatically updated its grocery range, focusing on biscuits, cereals, and beverages. This strategic move aligns with the increasing demand for healthier options among customers. Henry Maulik, the head of products, noted the importance of adapting to consumer needs as health consciousness rises.The revamp includes the introduction of new and exciting products such…