Author: Scott Dylan

Leading the pack, Temu and Shein have secured the top ranks among free iPhone app downloads in the UK this year.Temu has not only dominated the UK charts but also worldwide, marking its presence as the top app in several countries.The rapid delivery service in the UK has positioned Temu as a favourite among users, contributing to its success.Shein continues to captivate the UK audience with its fashion-forward offerings, enhancing its app’s popularity.Accompanying these leaders, apps like Block Blast! and Vinted demonstrate a growing trend in gaming and second-hand shopping.The emergence of Temu as the most downloaded free iPhone app…

The PHA Group has been reappointed by A.S.O. UK, enhancing its role in promoting the Manchester Marathon and Half events.In 2025, both the Manchester and London marathons will occur on the same day, with a combined 90,000 participants.The agency will highlight stories of participants and the local impact of the events, driving engagement across various platforms.2025 marks a significant year for UK marathons, supporting local charities and economies.The partnership aims to deliver a memorable experience for participants and the Manchester community.The PHA Group has been reaffirmed by A.S.O. UK to manage media visibility for the Manchester Marathon and Half Marathon.…

In anticipation of Veganuary, a plant-based food company is set to introduce two innovative chicken substitutes, aiming to provide a realistic alternative to traditional chicken dishes.The food company has announced the launch of its chilled ‘Isn’t Chicken Kyiv’, crafted from soya and fava proteins and filled with a wild garlic plant-based butter. This product will be available from 1 January at Sainsbury’s, priced at £4.95. Additionally, a frozen option, ‘Isn’t Chicken Wings’, will also be introduced, with Asda stocking them from 6 January and Morrisons from 13 January, at £3.75 each.The company describes the wings as having a seaweed-based crispy…

The ongoing legal battle between Thatchers and Aldi has taken a new turn as Thatchers seeks to overturn a previous court ruling in Aldi’s favour.The dispute between Thatchers, a renowned cider producer, and Aldi, a leading discount supermarket, centres around trademark claims related to Thatchers’ cloudy lemon cider. This legal quarrel first emerged in the High Court in November 2023 when Thatchers alleged that Aldi had gained ‘unfair advantage’ by imitating the cider’s taste and appearance.In January, the High Court ruled against Thatchers, stating there was ‘no likelihood of confusion’ between Thatchers’ product and Aldi’s Taurus cider. A spokesperson for…

Britvic and Wincanton have extended their partnership by renewing their contract for another decade, reaching a milestone of 40 years of collaboration.Britvic’s enduring relationship with Wincanton highlights the strength of their logistics and distribution partnership. Wincanton has been responsible for managing substantial storage and distribution operations for Britvic brands such as Robinsons, J2O, and Tango. This partnership has proven essential in efficiently dispatching approximately 650,000 cases of Britvic’s products daily from their facilities in Lutterworth and Rugby.Significantly, the renewed contract includes strategic plans for substantial investments in automation at the Lutterworth site. These improvements aim to enhance productivity, capacity, and…

The UK government has commenced a consultation to redefine copyright laws amidst the rise of AI.A proposed copyright exemption for AI training could shift the landscape for developers and content creators.Transparency requirements for AI datasets are under consideration to ensure ethical content use.The consultation recognises the challenge of protecting personality rights in the digital age.Feedback is invited until late February 2025 to shape the future legal framework.The UK government has launched a consultation aimed at updating copyright laws to better align them with the needs of artificial intelligence (AI) industries and content creators. This initiative seeks to balance the ambitions…

Journey By Behrens, an initiative by the Behrens Group, is set to redefine venture capital through a novel approach.A 190-year-old textile firm, Behrens Group is leveraging its expertise to support emerging businesses.Journey By Behrens plans to secure up to 10 investments by 2025, focusing on innovative startups.The company offers comprehensive support, including product development, marketing, and strategic operations.Initial investments include Reflo, a sustainable sportswear brand, and One Day Agency, an integrated marketing firm.The Behrens Group, a historic name in the textile industry, has introduced Journey By Behrens, aiming to revolutionise venture capital investments. According to the firm’s announcement, this initiative…

Industry leaders discuss what 2025 holds for PR and marketing, focusing on AI and sustainability.AI remains a focal point, despite last year’s overestimations, promising further transformation in PR and marketing.Sustainability emerges as a central theme in advertising strategies, emphasized by Open Media’s creative direction.Government changes necessitate a reevaluation of marketing tactics, as highlighted by leaders like Paul Corcoran.The fusion of AI insights and human creativity becomes vital in addressing complex marketing challenges.Despite last year’s inflated expectations, artificial intelligence continues to be a significant factor in the PR and marketing sectors. It is reshaping content strategies and audience engagement as industry…

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has granted approval for Carlsberg’s £3.3 billion acquisition of Britvic, the maker of the renowned Robinsons drinks.Today, the CMA confirmed that the transaction will not be subjected to an in-depth investigation. This clearance paves the way for the completion of the deal, expected on 16 January 2025. The acquisition, valued at £3.3 billion, enables Carlsberg to take control of Britvic, effectively merging both entities into the newly branded Carlsberg Britvic.Under the agreed terms, Carlsberg will pay 1.315p per share to Britvic shareholders. The merger aims to create a unified beverage company within the…

A Liverpool gaming firm has made history with a unique financial deal.Ripstone is the first UK gaming company to get an IP-backed loan from NatWest.The loan, worth £600,000, will support the firm’s new gaming projects.This financing method could boost Liverpool’s £220m gaming sector.The initiative addresses funding challenges for asset-light businesses.Ripstone, a Liverpool-based video game developer, has become the first UK gaming company to secure an intellectual property (IP)-backed loan from NatWest. The £600,000 loan aims to fund the company’s future projects, using its creative IP as collateral. This development represents a significant step for Liverpool’s vibrant gaming sector, which generates…