Author: Scott Dylan

The recent government budget has drawn sharp criticism from John Lewis Partnership CEO Nish Kankiwala.Kankiwala labelled the budget a ‘two-handed grab’ from UK businesses.Increased national insurance contributions and delayed business rates reform are key concerns.John Lewis and Waitrose face significant financial impacts due to these measures.The CEO calls for radical changes to business rates to alleviate these pressures.John Lewis Partnership’s CEO, Nish Kankiwala, has openly criticised the government’s budget proposals, describing them as a ‘two-handed grab’ from businesses. He emphasised the significant financial strain these measures would impose on companies, particularly pointing to the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions…

A prominent figure in costume design, Stephanie Collie has passed away at 60, prompting heartfelt tributes from Hollywood.Born in Warrington to Scottish parents, Collie contributed her talent to acclaimed films and series, making an indelible mark on the industry.Her distinctive work on the first series of Peaky Blinders has become a global inspiration, as noted by its producers.Actors such as Cillian Murphy and Ryan Reynolds recognised her unique contributions to film and television.Samuel L Jackson expressed his admiration for her joyous and collaborative nature, highlighting her impact on his work.Stephanie Collie, known for her remarkable talent in costume design, has…

Lidl has achieved a remarkable turnaround, reporting a pre-tax profit of £43.6 million this year after a significant £76 million loss previously. This shift is attributed to a significant increase in shoppers, surpassing other UK supermarkets.Lidl’s surge in momentum is evident as it consistently outpaces rival Aldi, being named the fastest-growing supermarket with a physical presence for the 15th consecutive period, as documented by Kantar. However, the question remains whether Lidl can sustain this success amidst intense competition in the grocery sector.Matthew Nobbs, a retail consultant with 22 years of experience in managing roles at Lidl, attributes part of this…

Frasers Group, led by Mike Ashley, is pressing Boohoo shareholders to reconsider the leadership structure in light of recent developments.An open letter from Frasers highlights Boohoo’s disappointing interim results as a concern for the company’s future.The letter suggests a leadership change, advocating for Mike Ashley and Mike Lennon to be appointed to Boohoo’s board.Frasers is challenging Boohoo’s current Executive Chairman, Mahmud Kamani, and seeks transparency and improved operations.Concerns about competition law and Frasers’ interests in similar companies like ASOS are addressed in Frasers’ statement.Frasers Group has once again voiced its stance, directing Boohoo shareholders to reconsider the firm’s leadership. They…

JD Sports faces challenges as profits are expected to be at the lower end of guidance.Sales for JD Sports dropped in the third quarter due to increased trading volatility in October.Group revenues saw a slight decline, with a notable drop in UK sales.Despite a successful back-to-school period, JD Sports encountered softer demand towards the end of the quarter.The company expanded its global footprint by opening 79 new stores during this period.JD Sports has announced that its full-year profit will likely fall at the lower end of its forecasted range of £955 million to £1.035 billion. This adjustment is attributed to…

October saw a decline in JD Sports sales due to unexpected weather conditions.The group’s quarterly revenue showed mixed results, with organic growth but a slight decline on a like-for-like basis.UK revenues dipped as mild weather affected consumer demand for seasonal products.The company expects its annual profit to hit the lower end of its forecast range.A significant expansion took place with the opening of numerous new stores globally.October presented hurdles for JD Sports as sales figures declined, attributed mainly to unseasonably mild weather that impacted customer demand for autumn and winter attire. This unexpected climatic pattern prompted weakened sales in both…

Morrisons has announced plans to shutter its Rathbones bakery business, a decision that puts nearly 400 jobs in jeopardy. This move follows the supermarket’s acquisition of the business from administration in 2005.Despite efforts to revive Rathbones, it has consistently suffered financial losses. A spokesperson for Morrisons stated that various strategies aimed at restoring profitability have not succeeded, leading to the potential closure of the site. The supermarket is committed to supporting affected employees through this transition period, exploring opportunities for redeployment within the company.Currently, Morrisons is in consultation with the bakery’s 378 employees. Efforts are underway to consider maintaining a…

Ted Baker is set for a wholesale revival with new leadership at the helm.Ryan Llewellyn-Pace of Pace Partnership London will manage Ted Baker’s wholesale business.Former Barbour team members join to spearhead the brand’s relaunch.A new Shoreditch showroom will feature Ted Baker’s AW25 collection.Ted Baker’s ecommerce platform has been relaunched in the UK.Ted Baker, once a popular name in British fashion, is set for a prominent return under the guidance of Ryan Llewellyn-Pace. His consultancy, Pace Partnership London, has secured a five-year contract to oversee Ted Baker’s wholesale operations across the UK and Europe.Joining him are notable former Barbour executives including…

Ted Baker appoints Ryan Llewellyn-Pace to lead its wholesale revival.Pace Partnership London to manage Ted Baker’s wholesale business in Europe.Former Barbour team members join the effort to revitalise Ted Baker.New Lobster retains its role in design, development, and production.The partnership aims to re-establish Ted Baker as a leading lifestyle brand.Ted Baker has taken a strategic step in reviving its wholesale business by appointing Ryan Llewellyn-Pace to lead this effort. As former managing director for Barbour, he has a wealth of experience in expanding wholesale operations, both domestically and internationally.The management of Ted Baker’s wholesale business in the UK and Europe…

Nobody’s Child, with a 27% investment from M&S, is making waves in sustainable fashion.The brand has expanded to 200 stores globally, doubling its physical presence annually.Nobody’s Child’s revenue quadrupled in two years, with third-party sales soaring by 87%.The introduction of digital product passports enhances transparency and boosts customer trust.International expansion continues cautiously, as the brand enters new markets with strategic partnerships.Nobody’s Child is rapidly becoming a noteworthy name in the fashion world, supported significantly by a 27% investment from retail giant M&S. The brand has grown its reach through 60 M&S pop-ups and three standalone stores. Selling in 200 locations…