Employee wellness programmes have become crucial in HR policy, aiming for improved staff wellbeing and business success.The initial focus on ‘why’ these programmes exist has been overshadowed by ‘what’ they offer, neglecting personal employee needs.Wellness initiatives often fail to adapt to individual needs, becoming mere tick-box exercises with limited engagement.Real-world application of perks is often flawed, leading to underused benefits and employee dissatisfaction.To create effective wellness strategies, HR must tailor programmes to individual needs and involve employees in decisions.Employee wellness programmes have become essential in enhancing staff wellbeing, which is integral not only to personnel management but also to achieving…
Author: Scott Dylan
The UK is at a strategic crossroads regarding Unilever’s £15bn ice cream listing.Former investment minister calls for immediate action to retain listing in the UK.Unilever explores options for its ice cream division, possibly favouring the Netherlands.Economic benefits to the Netherlands are speculated amidst UK governmental delays.Unilever’s planned separation could impact leading ice cream brands by 2025.The UK faces a strategic decision regarding Unilever’s £15 billion ice cream listing. Former Barclays chairman Gerry Grimstone has urged the government to act swiftly by appointing a dedicated investment minister to secure this listing. His remarks highlight the urgency of retaining foreign investments within…
Sustainable butcher Farmison & Co has embarked on a significant venture, securing a supply deal with renowned food service leader Wellocks.This partnership introduces Farmison’s premium meat cuts to Britain’s top restaurants, curated by Michelin star chef Pierre Koffmann.The collaboration follows Farmison’s recovery from administration, led by industry veterans such as Andy Clarke and Andy Adcock.Wellocks will offer Farmison’s British meat range for the first time, featuring a variety of dry-aged and heritage breed cuts.The range is poised to elevate dining experiences, aligning with Wellocks’ ethos of exceptional ingredients.Farmison & Co, a pioneer in sustainable butchery, has sealed a pivotal supply…
Amid an economic slowdown, the Bank of England faces increasing calls to lower interest rates further.Job vacancies in Britain fell 3.2% in August, signalling a sluggish job market.Factory output has contracted for the first time since 2020, according to Make UK.The Monetary Policy Committee will meet this Thursday to discuss potential interest rate changes.Despite pressures, the Bank of England is expected to maintain a cautious approach.In light of a slowing economy, the Bank of England is experiencing mounting pressure to cut interest rates further. Recent data reveals that job vacancies in the UK fell by 3.2% in August, indicating a…
Lord Rose, chair of Asda, has called upon the government to reform the benefits system to address the UK’s worklessness crisis.The Office for National Statistics reports a rise in long-term sickness impacting work participation post-pandemic.Lord Rose emphasised the necessity of balancing support for the needy while encouraging capable individuals to contribute.Rose urges the need for skill-oriented education to prepare for future workforce requirements.The discussion highlights the complex social and economic challenges that need long-term strategies.Lord Rose, the chair of Asda, has called for a significant overhaul of the benefits system in an effort to tackle the growing crisis of worklessness…
UK spinouts have drawn £1bn in funding in the first half of 2024, marking a potential recovery in investment levels.Despite a previous decline, spinout investments show promising signs of returning to their peak levels recorded in 2021.Parkwalk, the key investor in university spinouts, highlights the importance of nurturing these ventures for delivering innovative solutions.The stability in the number of spinout deals suggests resilience in the market, backed by recent government initiatives.A significant review suggests universities rethink their equity stakes, aiming to foster more growth in collaboration with spinouts.New research has indicated that UK-based university spinouts have raised £1bn in the…
Increasing demand for environmentally friendly workplace benefits is evident among UK employees.New research highlights the gap between the availability and demand for Salary Sacrifice car schemes.Only 32% of employers offer Salary Sacrifice car schemes, while 48% of employees desire it.Salary Sacrifice car schemes provide affordable access to electric vehicles, aiding in transport sustainability.Sustainable benefits like Salary Sacrifice are pivotal in attracting and retaining talent.In a recent survey by Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) Fleet, it emerged that there is a notable discrepancy between what employees desire and what businesses provide concerning sustainable workplace benefits. The survey indicates that nearly half of…
Hotel Chocolat announces a significant leadership change following its acquisition by Mars.Lysa Hardy has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding co-founder Angus Thirlwell.The transition occurs after the company was valued at £534 million in Mars’ buyout last year.Hardy has a notable track record, doubling the UK business size and spearheading new categories.Hotel Chocolat plans extensive store expansions under new ownership, including a novel concept.Hotel Chocolat has seen a major shift in its leadership dynamics with the appointment of Lysa Hardy as the Chief Executive Officer. This change comes after the company was taken private by the global…
Kromek, a technology firm based in County Durham, has secured a significant £2 million contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD).The contract, awarded through a competitive tender process, entails supplying radiation detectors and related products by April 2025.This deal underlines Kromek’s pivotal role in national defence efforts, particularly with its innovative D5 RIID detectors.The firm’s Alpha Beta probe, enhancing radiation detection capabilities, played a crucial role in securing this contract.Kromek’s recent selection for the UK Government Resilience Framework complements its ongoing efforts to bolster national security.Kromek, a pioneering firm in radiation detection technology, has been awarded a substantial £2 million…
The US plans to close a tax loophole on low-value imports, potentially affecting retailers like Shein.Shein’s executive chairman, Donald Tang, insists the move will not impact the company’s competitive edge.The US aims to amend the ‘de minimis’ rule, affecting goods under $800 entering duty-free.Tang argues Shein’s advantage lies in its on-demand model, not tax exemptions.Political scrutiny grows in the UK as Shein anticipates a £50bn market debut in London.The United States has announced intentions to amend regulations concerning a trade exemption that permits low-value shipments, valued under $800, to enter the country without incurring duty. This measure, targeting platforms such…