Author: Scott Dylan

Shares, an app backed by notable investors Peter Thiel and Serena Williams, has ceased its UK operations.The app, which launched in the UK in 2022, completed a $40m funding round to expand its presence.Despite the capital injection, Shares reported an increase in losses to £16.1 million in 2023.The company has pivoted its focus to the French and EU markets, withdrawing from the UK.Many investors were new, young users who saw potential despite market volatility.Shares, an investment app supported by prominent figures like Facebook investor Peter Thiel and tennis icon Serena Williams, has announced its decision to close its operations in…

NunaBio, a life sciences spin-out from Newcastle University, has successfully raised £810,000 to enhance its operations.This funding round was led by Northstar Ventures, contributing an additional £400,000 to the company’s growth.Existing investors further supported NunaBio, adding another £410,000 to this substantial financial boost.Founded in 2021, NunaBio is innovating DNA synthesis to meet the high demands of life sciences industries.The investment will allow NunaBio to expand production capabilities and advance technological development.NunaBio, a promising spin-out from Newcastle University, has secured significant investment to advance its DNA synthesis technology. The company, situated at the Newcastle Helix, capitalises on innovative technology created by…

The iconic Allders building in Croydon is set for a remarkable transformation as planning permission has been granted to revive the historic site. This redevelopment promises to breathe new life into the former department store, turning it into a vibrant retail hub.Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has received the green light to create seven new retail spaces within the iconic structure.The renovation will include five retail stores and two food and beverage outlets, enhancing Croydon’s shopping landscape.This project represents the first phase of a broader plan to rejuvenate the North End area, a significant step in local development.Croydon Council and the local community…

TechWM, a business body for the tech industry in the West Midlands, has introduced several new board members.The organisation has appointed Jason Sahota as the new chairman, bringing in his extensive experience in technology and business leadership.Kim Leary, the outgoing chairwoman, remains on the board, expressing confidence in the organisation’s future prospects.The board’s expansion aligns with a 78% revenue growth and precedes the upcoming Birmingham Tech Week.New board members add a wealth of expertise in telecoms, cultural industries, and technology start-ups.TechWM, a significant player in the West Midlands tech industry, has revitalised its board by appointing new members. The organisation…

Deliciously Ella has been acquired by Swiss food manufacturer Hero Group, a strategic move aimed at boosting the brand’s global reach.The acquisition allows Hero Group to enter the UK snacking market, aligning with its mission to deliver natural, healthy foods to consumers.Founders Ella and Matthew Mills will remain with the company, ensuring continuity and alignment with their vision.Hero Group’s existing UK presence with Organix supports a seamless integration and growth strategy for Deliciously Ella.The acquisition excludes the Plants brand, which remains under the ownership of Ella and Matthew Mills.In a significant development, Swiss food manufacturer Hero Group has acquired Deliciously…

Kenji, a retailer known for Asian-themed homeware and gifts, has made significant leadership appointments to spearhead its UK expansion.Eddie Shepherd, former CEO of Clintons, joins as Kenji’s new Managing Director, aiming to drive national growth.Suzanne Harlow, ex-CEO of Jack Wills, appointed as Chair of Kenji’s newly formed board to support strategic expansion.Plans are underway for Kenji to double its high street presence in the UK by 2025.New flagship stores will be opened, including a major location at Westfield London, indicating a robust expansion strategy.Kenji, a retailer specialising in Asian-influenced homewares and gifts, has strengthened its leadership as part of a…

Planning permission has been granted for the restoration of Croydon’s Allders building, marking a significant step in its rejuvenation.Allders, founded in 1862 and closed in 2013, is set to receive a refurbished frontage and new retail units.The redevelopment will include five retail units and two food outlets, ranging from 450 to 1,300 sq ft.Penny Cameron of URW emphasises the project’s focus on community enjoyment while preserving heritage.Croydon Council and URW collaborate to restore pride in the historic town centre.The historic Allders department store in Croydon is set for a significant transformation as developer Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has secured planning permission to…

Freetrade has reached its first profitable half-year in 2024, driven by significant revenue growth.Revenue for the period surged by 34% compared to the previous year, totalling £13m.The company’s assets under administration increased by 33%, contributing to the financial upturn.CEO Viktor Nebehaj emphasised the role of efficiency and focused execution in achieving profitability.Freetrade is repositioning its efforts by withdrawing from the Swedish market to concentrate on the UK.Freetrade, a British investment platform, has reported its first half-year profit in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the company. This achievement comes after a notable increase in revenue, which rose by 34% to…

Moonpig partners with The Entertainer to enhance gifting options.The partnership introduces up to 200 new toy products on Moonpig.Popular brands like Paw Patrol and Barbie are included.The launch aims to combine personalised cards with toy gifts.Focus is on personalisation and leveraging customer data for suggestions.Moonpig and The Entertainer have formed a strategic partnership to offer a curated selection of toys alongside personalised cards. This collaboration is set to provide Moonpig’s customers access to up to 200 new toy products, expanding their options for gifting occasions such as birthdays and new baby celebrations.The toys available from this new collection include popular…

The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has issued a new directive to telecom firms regarding the use of the word ‘fibre’.This initiative aims to curb misleading advertising practices, ensuring consumers receive transparent information about broadband services.’Full-fibre’ and ‘part-fibre’ must be distinctly defined by providers to eliminate consumer confusion.There is significant progress in the deployment of full-fibre broadband, enhancing choice for consumers.Industry experts and providers welcome these changes, acknowledging their importance in aiding informed consumer decisions.The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has imposed a ban on telecom companies using the term ‘fibre’ to describe their broadband offerings unless clearly specified. This move addresses…