Author: Scott Dylan

Lord Rose of Asda calls for a reform of the benefits system to address the UK’s increasing worklessness crisis.A significant rise in long-term sickness has seen 2.8 million working-age individuals out of work, compared to pre-pandemic figures.There is a critical need to ensure the benefits system encourages contribution from those capable of working.Business leaders stress the urgency of increasing productivity to combat economic inactivity.Educating future generations with appropriate skills is deemed essential to resolving worklessness.Lord Rose, the chair of a major UK retailer, has highlighted the pressing need for the government to reform the benefits system. He argues that such…

Fenwick has launched a new campaign centred around individuality in style and taste.Encouraging customers to discover their unique flavour, Fenwick’s campaign is both cheeky and immersive.A bright green installation in all Fenwick stores invites customers to try an edible ’emerald’.Mia Fenwick highlights the brand’s longstanding influence in the UK fashion scene.Tristan McAllister describes the initiative as a ‘Department of Taste’ experience for shoppers.Fenwick, the historic department store, is championing the celebration of individuality through its latest advertising campaign, ‘Find your taste, find your world’. This initiative focuses on the diverse preferences of its clientele, urging them to express their distinctive…

Yodel is ramping up its workforce ahead of the festive rush, planning to recruit 3,000 new employees.The company anticipates a significant rise in parcel deliveries by more than 50% over the next three months.Seasonal recruitment includes warehouse workers and couriers, offering flexible schedules.Yodel’s expansion follows an £85 million funding boost from Paypoint and Independent Growth Finance.The strategy underlines the growth of the ecommerce sector as demand peaks during the holiday season.Yodel is preparing to expand its workforce by 3,000 as the festive period approaches. This recruitment drive is a response to the expected increase in parcel volumes, which are projected…

Yodel is preparing for the festive season by significantly increasing its workforce. This move is aimed at tackling the anticipated boom in parcel demand during the year-end shopping rush.The company is set to hire 3,000 new employees, with roles primarily in warehouse operations and delivery services.This recruitment drive follows a substantial £85m funding boost from Paypoint and Independent Growth Finance.Yodel anticipates a 50% surge in parcel volumes, necessitating the expansion of its workforce.New positions will offer flexible working opportunities, appealing to a broad range of prospective employees.Yodel is gearing up for what is traditionally the busiest period of the year…

The sale of collapsed EV manufacturer Arrival has been postponed. This decision comes as administrators and potential buyers engage in extensive discussions to finalise terms.Administrators have entered the due diligence phase after receiving non-binding offers from interested parties.A 12-month extension is sought to accommodate detailed negotiations and meet required sales process standards.Arrival’s debt exceeds £1bn, with notable creditors including AWS and Google Cloud.Despite the company’s collapse, administrators have reclaimed £2.8m in debts and sold £7.4m of non-core assets.The negotiation process for selling the assets of the collapsed electric vehicle firm Arrival has encountered delays. Interested buyers are in dialogue with…

This week, the UK has witnessed a remarkable surge in tech funding, with significant investments across various sectors.The week saw a substantial 130% increase in tech investments, highlighting the sector’s growth potential.Drug discovery platform PhoreMost, based in Cambridge, secured considerable funding in a successful Series B round.The fintech sector also saw growth, with Bournemouth-based Twenty7tec receiving investment to enhance its mortgage platform.Overall, £106.5m in tech investments were tracked this week, spread over twelve funding rounds.The UK tech sector experienced a noteworthy 130% increase in funding this week, signalling a strong investor confidence in technological innovation. Multiple sectors benefited from this…

Plans are underway for a significant data centre development in Hertfordshire.DC01UK, a venture led by Griggs, is searching for a major US tech partner.The project aims to secure funding from leading tech giants such as Google, Amazon, or Microsoft.An innovation hub is planned for local community use in South Mimms.The UK government supports the initiative, reflecting confidence in data centre growth.DC01UK, a joint venture involving Griggs, is in pursuit of a prominent US technology partner to finance a £4 billion data centre initiative located on an 83-acre site in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Despite the ambitious nature of the project, the…

Discover vital strategies for thriving in the peak festive season with our insightful panel discussion.The online retail landscape intensifies during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday shopping rush, necessitating strategic preparation.Our expert panel will discuss building top-tier websites to enhance digital customer experiences during this pivotal shopping period.Gain insights into optimising social commerce and improving customer connectivity, crucial for maximising online sales.Learn about unified commerce to achieve a seamless customer view, aiding in efficient management of the online shopping surge.The forthcoming webinar focuses on equipping brands and retailers with essential strategies to enhance their digital presence during the high-demand…

Frasers Group has expanded its property portfolio with the acquisition of St Nicholas Arcade, a key retail site in Lancaster.The shopping centre, spanning 160,000 sq ft, is strategically located in Lancaster’s historic centre.St Nicholas Arcade attracts nearly four million visitors annually, housing tenants like Next, Boots, Hmv, and The Entertainer.Frasers Group emphasises its commitment to physical retail as part of its broader growth strategy.This acquisition aligns with the company’s goals to revitalise high streets across the UK.Frasers Group has strategically acquired Lancaster’s St Nicholas Arcade, further expanding its property holdings. This shopping centre, covering an area of 160,000 square feet,…

John Lewis and Waitrose will close most of their stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, following a trend among retailers to give employees a break.John Lewis standalone stores, except in Trafford and Stratford, will shut on Boxing Day.Over 300 Waitrose locations will close on 25 and 26 December, but some attached to petrol stations will remain open.The closures align with other retailers like Wilko and The Range, focusing on staff well-being over profits.John Lewis and Waitrose closures during traditionally busy periods reflect a shift towards prioritising employee rest.John Lewis will close its standalone stores on Boxing Day, excluding…