Author: Scott Dylan

Manchester is on track to become the UK’s fastest-growing city in 2024, according to recent projections.A notable increase of 142 high-growth businesses has been recorded in Manchester and Cheshire this year.Economic forecasts predict a 1.8% rise in Manchester’s Gross Value Added (GVA), highlighting effective growth strategies.Prominent companies are establishing innovation hubs in Manchester, cementing its status as a leading employment centre.The city’s vibrant innovation ecosystem is supported by extensive investment and strategic partnerships.Manchester is poised to maintain its position as the UK’s fastest-growing city in 2024. A key factor in this growth is the influx of 142 new high-growth businesses…

Doner Shack, a quick-service restaurant chain, is moving its headquarters from Glasgow to Miami.The decision follows setbacks in the UK, spurred by favourable US business conditions.The founders cite a supportive franchise environment in the US as a major factor.High operational costs and taxation in the UK contributed to this strategic choice.The relocation aims to expand their customer base globally, leveraging Miami’s resources.Doner Shack, a restaurant chain drawing inspiration from Berlin, has decided to relocate its headquarters from Glasgow to Miami. This move comes in the wake of ‘constant setbacks’ faced in the UK, prompting the brand to seek a more…

Morrisons has unveiled a new enhancement to its loyalty scheme, offering five More Card points on every product purchased, available both in-store and online.The enhancement in Morrisons’ loyalty programme is a strategic effort to provide its customers with more value for their purchases. Previously, More points were only accumulated on a select range of products, but this latest development expands the scope to every item available through the retailer, including purchases made via Amazon. This move signifies a considerable shift in the supermarket’s approach to customer rewards.Shoppers can now earn More points more consistently, facilitating an easier and faster route…

Harnessing the power of digital identification can potentially save the UK economy £600m annually in financial crime.The Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) advocates for digital IDs to reduce fraud.Digital identification is crucial as economic crime costs the UK nearly £200bn each year.Key players in finance and technology are exploring corporate digital IDs as a solution.The global digital ID verification market is expected to grow significantly by 2024.In an ambitious move, the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT), supported by the government, has put forth the idea of adopting digital identification systems for businesses. The strategic aim is…

In a bold move to diversify its business operations, Supreme, a company traditionally associated with vaping products, has acquired Typhoo Tea for £10.2 million. The acquisition comes at a crucial time, as Typhoo Tea, the UK’s oldest tea brand, recently entered administration due to significant financial losses.Typhoo Tea faced a substantial downturn as sales dropped by 26% to £25 million last year from £34 million in 2022. Furthermore, its losses escalated to £38 million, up from £9.7 million the previous year, contributing to a mounting debt reaching approximately £70 million. This dire financial situation necessitated a strategic intervention, which Supreme…

A campaign to redirect FCA fines to the UK’s hospice sector gains substantial backing.More than 40 MPs and 30 hospices support not-for-profit Box Power CIC’s initiative.The campaign addresses a £70 million funding shortfall faced by hospices.36,000 have signed a petition urging MPs to back the financial allocation motion.MPs will deliver a campaign letter to 10 Downing Street, seeking government action.A groundbreaking campaign has been launched by Box Power CIC, a not-for-profit energy consultancy, proposing that the first £100 million of annual Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) fines be allocated to the UK’s struggling hospice sector. This initiative has received widespread support,…

Majestic has announced a collaboration with the fintech charity Pennies, providing a simple way for customers to contribute to charitable causes at the checkout. This partnership allows customers in England, Scotland, Wales, and Jersey to round up their purchases to the nearest pound, with the funds directed to the Majestic Charitable Foundation.The Majestic Charitable Foundation, newly established this year, aims to support causes important to Majestic’s staff. Initially, it has aligned itself with three national charities chosen by employees: The Brain Tumour Charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Child Bereavement UK. Additionally, in Jersey, customer donations will aid Jersey…

Black Friday saw a noticeable rise in footfall at shopping centres, according to recent data from MRI Software, with visitors increasing significantly compared to the previous week.Shopping centre footfall surged by 12.8% week on week, suggesting a strong consumer interest in in-person shopping experiences.Compared to Black Friday 2023, footfall on the recent Black Friday increased by 1.6%, indicating a slight year-on-year growth.High streets also benefited, experiencing an 8.4% increase in visitors, reinforcing a trend towards physical shopping destinations.However, retail parks did not fare as well, seeing a decline in footfall by 6% week on week, contrasting with the growth in…

Chinese shopping app Temu is partnering with UK suppliers to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce shipping expenses. This strategic move marks a notable shift as Temu seeks to deliver products, including fashion and homeware, swiftly to its 12 million UK users.With new partnerships, UK customers can receive orders in just two days instead of two weeks.Temu’s initiative focuses on larger items like coats and furniture, typically more costly to ship from China.A new London office is on the horizon, aiming to bolster efforts with new recruits, including experienced directors.The competitive UK market faces a challenge as Temu’s offerings, similar to…

Topps Tiles faces significant internal pressure as its largest shareholder demands a management overhaul.The board of Topps Tiles is under scrutiny following accusations of managerial failures and strategic errors.MS Galleon, the primary shareholder, criticises Topps Tiles for a controversial acquisition deemed detrimental to company interests.Dissatisfaction stems from perceived overvaluation and inadequate due diligence in Topps Tiles’ recent deal.Previous leadership challenges highlight ongoing governance concerns within the organisation.Topps Tiles, a leading name in the tile retail sector, is experiencing significant pressure from its largest shareholder, MS Galleon. With a substantial 29.9% stake in the company, MS Galleon is calling for a…