Author: Scott Dylan

Paul Green becomes CTI Digital’s new Chief Commercial Officer, marking a significant addition to the team amid its current growth trajectory.Bringing over 15 years of experience, Green focuses on customer-first strategies and digital marketing solutions.Green’s appointment follows a series of hires and significant investment, highlighting CTI’s commitment to growth.CEO Chris Woodward expresses confidence in Green’s ability to strengthen CTI Digital’s foundations and propel future growth.Green is tasked with enhancing strategic partnerships and commercial direction within the digital landscape.Paul Green has been appointed as the new Chief Commercial Officer at CTI Digital, a move that signifies a strategic enhancement for the…

H&M is set to close its Edinburgh call centre, resulting in 150 job losses by year-end.The decision stems from rising competition, changing consumer habits, and operational costs.Employees were informed in August, with many securing new roles since then.The company has made efforts for staff redeployment, alleviating the number of job cuts.H&M’s action coincides with slow sales reported in the third quarter of 2024.H&M has announced the imminent closure of its call centre located in Edinburgh, a decision that will lead to the loss of 150 jobs by the end of this year. The retail giant attributes this move to several…

Two prominent employment law experts are at odds over the Bar Standards Board’s (BSB) proposed proactive equality duty.The BSB’s plan, subject to ongoing consultation, aims to transition from the existing core duty (CD) 8, which prohibits unlawful discrimination, to a more active role that promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within legal services. This proposal has sparked a significant debate among barristers, with some criticising it as an act of ‘social engineering.’Akua Reindorf KC, from Cloisters Chambers, criticised the proposal as ‘deeply problematic,’ expressing doubt that it would ever be implemented. She argued that the new CD8 duty is broader…

London-based fintech Ooodles ventures into the Irish market with a £2m funding boost.The expansion marks the company’s first international move, targeting over 300,000 Irish SMEs.Backed by āltitude VC, Ooodles plans to enhance its AI-driven technology.Ooodles aims to triple its customer base and achieve carbon neutrality by 2026.The company offers flexible, subscription-based IT equipment leases for SMEs.Ooodles, a fintech company headquartered in London, has announced its initial foray into international markets by expanding its operations to Ireland. This strategic movement is supported by a significant £2m funding round led by āltitude VC, Europe’s pioneering SME tech fund. The company seeks to…

In a strategic shift within the supermarket sector, Morrisons has successfully appointed Andrew Staniland, previously of Iceland, as the new group trading director.Andrew Staniland will assume his new role at Morrisons in February 2025. This move follows his four-year tenure at Iceland, where he held the positions of trading director and subsequently, group trading director. The announcement comes amidst previous expectations that Staniland was to replace Asda’s former commercial director, Paul Gillow. However, details about whether this transition to Asda occurred remain undisclosed.Staniland is no stranger to Morrisons, having previously worked there from 2012 to 2016 as a buyer and…

Tickets for East Yorkshire’s inaugural Glowflare Short Film Festival are now available, offering access to an array of short films and engaging events.The festival is set to take place on January 25, 2025, at Beverley’s Parkway Cinemas and is tailored for film enthusiasts and creatives.Attendees can look forward to six screening sessions showcasing a diverse selection of global short films.The Festival Pass, available for £20, includes access to all film screenings and a festival programme guide.Opportunities for live Q&A sessions with filmmakers and an awards ceremony are highlights of the event.The Glowflare Short Film Festival in East Yorkshire kicks off…

Andrew Staniland has decided to join Morrisons, deviating from his initial plan to move to Asda.He was initially set to commence a VP role at Asda in March but will now start at Morrisons in February.Staniland has a significant background in retail, having worked for Iceland, Waitrose, and Aldi.This move comes amid numerous senior departures at Asda, marking a noteworthy transition.Morrisons views Staniland as a strategic addition, with plans for strengthening their senior team.Andrew Staniland’s unexpected decision to join Morrisons represents a significant shift in the retail sector. Originally slated to begin his journey at Asda as a Vice President…

Lidl is set to bring festive cheer across the UK this winter with its own Christmas truck.The Freeway cola-branded truck will tour nine UK cities from 14 November to 1 December.Over 2,000 present boxes will be handed out during the tour, filled with surprises from Lidl’s middle aisle.Lidl will give away festive food and offer £100 vouchers to some lucky customers.Marketing director Joanna Gomer highlights the initiative’s community focus.Lidl is set to embark on an ambitious journey this festive season by introducing its own Christmas truck tour. Echoing the renowned Coca-Cola festive truck, Lidl’s 20-metre long, 15-tonne red vehicle, emblazoned…

Ocado is set to expand its own-brand range significantly, adding hundreds of new products.In 2024, over 100 new items have already enriched Ocado’s selection, bringing the total to over 740.The company’s “own range” products now account for more than 10% of customer baskets.A survey highlights a growing consumer preference for own-brand goods, with a focus on quality and value.Ocado has revised its sales forecast upwards, driven by a 15.5% revenue increase.Ocado, the prominent online grocer, plans to significantly enhance its own-brand product range. By the end of 2024, the selection will include over 740 items, with recent additions such as…

Fashion company Apparel Brands has secured a majority stake in Hype, enhancing its portfolio.Hype underwent a significant transformation under new leadership to streamline operations and inventory.The acquisition opens new B2B opportunities for Hype through Apparel Brands’ extensive network.Hype aims to expand its international presence, focusing on the GCC and Indian markets.This deal strengthens Apparel Brands’ position in the children and family fashion sector.Apparel Brands has acquired a substantial 60% stake in the kidswear and streetwear brand Hype, marking an important chapter for both companies. Manchester-based Apparel Brands, established in 2017, is known for its streetwear labels Bench and Nicce and…