Author: Scott Dylan

Santander’s latest report calls for UK government action to enhance skills in leadership, digital technology, and sustainability, aiming to boost productivity.The report identifies three societal shifts impacting the workforce: changing work attitudes, AI advancements, and the push towards Net Zero.It highlights a 20% decline in time devoted to training by UK workers compared to a decade ago, despite a recognised need for skill upgrades.Barriers such as costs and time constraints prevent sufficient worker training, contributing to stagnant productivity levels.Santander has introduced an adult education programme targeting skill development in key areas as a response to these challenges.Santander has released a…

A planned overhaul of Ellesmere Port Market is deferred to ensure festive trading remains undisturbed.The renewal project will start in early 2025 as part of a £13 million government fund.Market stalls will be temporarily relocated to facilitate ongoing trading and construction.Residents are invited to propose new names for the revamped Flea Market area.The Flea Market’s next event, Comic Con, is scheduled for October 26.A significant refurbishment of the Ellesmere Port Market has been postponed until early 2025. Cheshire West and Chester Council aim to allow stallholders to continue trading without interruption during the busy festive period. The decision ensures that…

Ocado has launched a ‘Buy Women Built’ initiative to promote female-founded brands.The initiative highlights over 1,000 products from women entrepreneurs.Sahar Hashemi, founder of Coffee Republic, leads the campaign to support female entrepreneurship.This move follows a similar campaign aimed at promoting British-grown products.Ocado aims to address the gender gap in entrepreneurship within the UK.Ocado, a notable player in the online grocery market, has initiated a campaign titled ‘Buy Women Built’, which is designed to put a spotlight on products created and developed by female entrepreneurs. This campaign will be featured prominently across Ocado’s digital platforms including its app, website, and through…

Sale is poised to open its first new cinema venue in nearly 40 years.The Northern Light Cinema will occupy the former WH Smith site in Stanley Square.Offering three screens, it aims to revitalise Sale’s evening economy.The design promises a welcoming environment, open 364 days yearly.Sale’s rich cinematic past includes long-closed cinemas such as the Odeon and Savoy.Sale town centre is eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new cinematic venue after a nearly four-decade hiatus. The Northern Light Cinema has received approval to establish itself in the former WH Smith location, marking a significant addition to the town’s entertainment offerings.The Northern…

GB News has lost its High Court appeal against Ofcom sanctions.The channel faces a significant fine for breaching impartiality rules.Over 500 complaints led to Ofcom’s ruling of a lack of balanced perspectives.GB News’s attempt to block sanction details publication was dismissed.This ruling may set a precedent for future actions on political content.GB News finds itself at the centre of a regulatory storm after a High Court judge dismissed its appeal to halt Ofcom’s sanctions. The broadcaster contested Ofcom’s ruling that it had violated impartiality rules during a televised debate involving former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This debate, aired in February,…

US dockworkers have agreed to end a three-day strike after securing a substantial six-year pay deal.The strike disrupted operations in major ports from Maine to Texas, impacting economic activities nationwide.Dockworkers achieved a 62% wage increase, surpassing the initial offer of a 50% riseThe agreement has temporarily halted strike actions until January, pending further negotiations on automation.The resolution was commended by top US officials, highlighting the crucial role of dockworkers in the economy.The recent strike by US dockworkers, which commenced on 1 October, caused significant disruption across 36 ports ranging from Maine to Texas. These included critical hubs such as New…

The European Union has decided to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, evoking fears of a potential trade war.Germany, as the EU’s biggest economy, strongly opposed the tariff imposition due to concerns over its car industry.Despite Germany’s objections, 12 EU member states, including France and Italy, approved the tariffs.The imposed tariffs range notably, impacting car models like Tesla and SAIC, and are anticipated to last up to five years if negotiations do not alter them.China has expressed dissatisfaction and is considering retaliatory tariffs that could affect European exports.The European Union’s recent decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles marks…

Warner Bros’ Harry Potter Studio Tour near London achieves £100.8 million pre-tax profit in 2023.The company’s turnover increased from £247.1 million to £258.4 million, reflecting growing demand.More than 100 jobs were created to accommodate the surge in visitor numbers.The studio tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, offers a permanent exhibition of Harry Potter film sets and costumes.The company ended 2023 in a strong financial position with significant asset growth.Warner Bros’ Harry Potter Studio Tour near London has achieved a remarkable pre-tax profit of £100.8 million for 2023. According to newly filed accounts with Companies House, this represents an impressive growth from the…

Virgin Wines has announced a new strategic partnership with Ocado, aimed at expanding access to their exclusive wine collection.Ocado customers can now purchase individual bottles from a unique selection of 50 Virgin Wines, broadening their options for wine shopping.This initiative marks the first time these wines, previously exclusive to Virgin’s subscription and multi-bottle orders, are available per bottle.Virgin Wines CEO highlights their collaboration with independent winemakers to bring diverse selections to Ocado, catering to varying consumer tastes.Ocado’s flexibility in wine selection is enhanced, allowing for a dynamic response to customer trends and preferences.Virgin Wines has strategically partnered with the online…

The food-to-go sector is witnessing an unexpected influx of investments from diverse retailers.Historically dominated by sandwich chains and supermarkets, the market is now attracting luxury and health-oriented brands.Fortnum & Mason, a luxury department store, has introduced a café counter to expand its food-to-go offerings.Holland & Barrett is enhancing its customer experience with a unique range of health-infused beverages.Hotel Chocolat is diversifying with sweet and savoury food options, expanding its footprint in the food-to-go space.The food-to-go market, once the stronghold of sandwich chains and supermarkets, is now drawing interest from a wider variety of retailers. According to IGD projections, this market…