Author: Scott Dylan

KPMG and NatWest have rejoined the CBI, marking a significant moment in the group’s recovery.The CBI has been working to bounce back from a 2023 scandal that nearly led to its financial collapse.Efforts to restructure have included workforce cuts and closing international offices to stabilise finances.Other companies, like AstraZeneca and Unilever, have resumed their memberships, showing increased confidence in CBI.Despite progress, some organisations like Aviva have not yet rejoined, reflecting ongoing challenges.The rejoining of KPMG and NatWest to the CBI, 18 months after severing ties, marks a turning point for the British business lobbying group. The organisation had been deeply…

Leading UK wine retailers are lobbying against the upcoming alcohol duty rise, aiming to reform the system swiftly.Retail giants like Majestic Wine and Cambridge Wine Merchants urge intervention before new rules take effect on 1 February.The duty freeze extension until 2025 was intended to aid businesses, but the new system increases complexity and costs.Retailers highlight that increased costs could jeopardise wine quality and selection for consumers.Concerns are raised over the impact on small businesses and independents amidst strained high street conditions.Major wine retailers in the United Kingdom have launched a campaign to persuade the government to reconsider an impending increase…

Legal reporting is crucial for client satisfaction and operational success.Advanced tools like Visualfiles streamline reporting processes.Pro2SQL technology significantly reduces reporting time.Data visualisation is enhanced through SSRS and Power BI dashboards.Workshops empower firms to leverage their own data effectively.In the evolving landscape of legal services, efficient and detailed reporting is more than a necessity; it is a hallmark of excellent client service and organisational success. Advanced systems, such as Visualfiles, offer solutions to streamline this process, allowing firms to meet client expectations adeptly and to positively influence their business outcomes.Visualfiles employs Pro2SQL technology to offer advanced reporting capabilities. This technology enables…

Waitrose-parent company John Lewis Partnership announces CEO Nish Kankiwala’s return to a non-executive role, marking a strategic shift in leadership as Jason Tarry steps in as chairman.Nish Kankiwala will step back to a non-executive role by March 2025, aiding the new chairman, former Tesco UK boss Jason Tarry, in the company’s transformation journey.The John Lewis Partnership will not directly replace the CEO role, highlighting the company’s ongoing transformation and strategic direction.Kankiwala’s role shift follows his appointment as CEO in March 2023 during a critical phase of transformation for the company.Despite stepping back, Kankiwala’s expertise will continue to influence the board…

Applied Nutrition is set to launch a £500m IPO on the London Stock Exchange, one of the largest listings this year.The Liverpool-based company’s IPO follows a year of significant growth, expanding its market to over 80 countries.Existing shares will be sold in the offering, targeting both institutional and retail investors.Recent executive appointments, including Andy Bell as chair, bolster the company’s leadership team for the IPO.The IPO is a strategic move amidst a challenging market, with fewer companies listing on the London Stock Exchange.Applied Nutrition has announced intentions to make a significant entry into the public market with a £500 million…

Matalan’s CEO Jo Whitfield has resigned after 18 transformative months.Whitfield’s departure is part of a strategic career shift for a ‘portfolio career’.Significant progress was made at Matalan under Whitfield’s leadership.Matalan’s chair, Karl-Heinz Holland, will interim as executive chair.A search for Whitfield’s replacement is already underway.Jo Whitfield, the Chief Executive Officer of Matalan, has stepped down from her role after an impactful 18-month tenure. Her resignation marks a strategic move towards pursuing a ‘portfolio career’. This decision coincides with a similar leadership change at the John Lewis Partnership, where the group CEO, Nish Kankiwala, is transitioning to a non-executive role.During her…

Sosandar is expanding its presence in the United Kingdom with the upcoming launch of its fourth store in Cardiff.The Cardiff store will be located in the prestigious St David’s shopping centre alongside notable brands.This follows recent openings in Chelmsford, Marlow, and Newcastle’s Metrocentre.The retailer is also expanding internationally with a planned launch in Ireland.Sosandar aims to open up to 50 new stores as part of a significant growth strategy.Sosandar is set to unveil its fourth store within Cardiff’s renowned St David’s shopping centre. This strategic location places the store amidst high-profile brands, enhancing its visibility and accessibility to a broad…

M&S is pioneering autonomous farming with drones and robot tractors, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance crop quality.The UK retail giant is the first to test this innovative method on parsnip production, with expectations for improved yield and ecological benefits.Partnership with Huntapac has enabled M&S to plant initial trials of parsnips in Yorkshire, involving cutting-edge agricultural robotics.Two types of drones monitor and maintain crop health, while robots handle tasks like bed forming, weeding, and planting.This initiative is the first under M&S’s sustainability-driven Plan A accelerator fund, highlighting innovative steps towards net zero.M&S has embarked on an ambitious initiative to…

Kubus, based in Cirencester, has secured a significant £9m investment from BGF.The investment will allow Kubus to accelerate its global growth initiatives.Paul Brennan joins Kubus as non-executive chair, bringing expertise from previous roles.Kubus maintains strong vendor ties with Dell, Fortinet, and Cisco.BGF investors express confidence in Kubus’s market position and growth potential.A Cirencester-based IT support firm, Kubus, has secured a £9m boost from the growth capital investor BGF to expedite its expansion efforts. This substantial investment marks a key milestone for the company, known for its robust vendor relationships with technology giants such as Dell, Fortinet, and Cisco.As part of…

Dunelm is set to open its inaugural central London store, marking a significant expansion into the capital at the Westfield London shopping centre.The new 4,500 square foot store will offer an enhanced shopping experience with Dunelm’s latest homeware and furniture collections.Located in White City, this store aims to attract high footfall and is part of Dunelm’s broader strategy to establish a strong presence in London.Nick Wilkinson, CEO of Dunelm, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to bring the brand closer to Londoners and expand further across the UK.Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield UK highlights this opening as a commitment to creating premier shopping destinations with…