Author: Scott Dylan

Co-op is expanding its digital media presence with 300 new front-of-store screens.In partnership with SMG, this initiative seeks to boost Co-op’s retail media offerings.The screens will primarily be placed in high-footfall areas like Greater London, Manchester, and North Yorkshire.This move supports the Co-op Media Network’s aim to expand digital capabilities and brand engagement.The new screens align with Co-op’s earlier efforts to enhance advertising relevancy and reach broader audiences.Co-op has announced an ambitious expansion of its digital media infrastructure by installing 300 new front-of-store screens. This development is part of a strategic partnership with independent retail media operator SMG, aiming to…

The integration of premium sushi into a supermarket meal deal represents a significant shift in consumer dining preferences.In recent developments, Tesco will enhance its £5 meal deal by incorporating a premium sushi range from a well-known Asian-inspired food chain. This addition, available from 21 October, includes the dragon roll sushi range, providing an alternative to the traditional lunchtime options.The newly introduced sushi assortment, usually priced at £4.75, offers four distinct varieties: Teriyaki Salmon, Vegetable Crunch, Katsu Chicken, and California. This inclusion is particularly noteworthy as sushi has surpassed smoked salmon sandwiches as the fastest-growing lunchtime choice in the UK, as…

In recent developments, the Chancellor has hinted that employers might face an increase in National Insurance contributions, sparking significant interest and concern.During an interview, the Chancellor refrained from confirming any increase in National Insurance for employers in the upcoming Budget.The Labour Party has committed to not increasing taxes for working individuals, despite the potential rise in employer contributions.This potential change comes amidst a decline in consumer confidence, as revealed by a recent survey.The Chancellor will present the new government’s first Budget on 30 October.In an interview conducted on 14 October, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, carefully avoided confirming whether the upcoming…

A significant decline in HMRC service standards has led businesses to question its efficiency.Over 10,000 respondents express dissatisfaction with HMRC’s declining service standards.Long wait times for phone support and poor webchat and helpline advice are major concerns.Despite improvements in accessing information, complex processes remain a challenge post-Brexit.Calls for reform are mounting as outdated IT systems and resource constraints plague HMRC.UK businesses are increasingly frustrated with HMRC as service standards drop, with a record number of over 10,000 businesses, surveyed by HMRC’s Administrative Burdens Advisory Board, calling their experience ‘poor’. This dissatisfaction is primarily due to inefficiencies that are adversely affecting…

A solicitor has been fined for signing an inaccurate declaration that led to the erroneous release of a significant government Covid loan.Asiya Nasim Kaleem, a solicitor at Sheffield firm Alison Law Solicitors, was fined £15,000 by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) for failing to scrutinise a declaration she signed. This document inaccurately indicated that £1m was held in her firm’s client account, prompting the release of a £1m Covid-19 Future Fund loan to a client.The Future Fund scheme was established to assist UK-based companies financially challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic. Under its rules, a borrower needed to secure a third-party…

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has highlighted the significance of voluntary disclosures concerning breaches of Russia sanctions, following the implementation of a financial penalty for such offences.The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) issued a fine of £15,000 to Integral Concierge Services Ltd (ICSL), a company predominantly catering to Russian and Ukrainian nationals. The penalty was imposed for providing property management services to an individual designated under the Russia sanctions regime. These services, offered since 2015, included rent collection, maintenance, and insurance arrangements, amounting to a value of £15,500 once the client was designated.ICSL engaged in several financial transactions using…

Lidl has announced its first-ever Retail Leadership degree apprenticeship scheme, developed in collaboration with Kingston University. This initiative, which marries academic study with practical experience, underscores a significant step in developing new talent within the retail sector.The four-year programme has already sparked considerable interest, receiving over 5,000 applications from school leavers, with 51 apprentices being selected to participate. These individuals will embark on a journey that starts with a salary of nearly £26,000, with the potential to earn up to £46,000 by their fourth year.Participants will gain invaluable hands-on experience directly in-store while also attending regular sessions at Kingston University…

In a significant development, Lidl has commenced its first Retail Leadership degree apprenticeship scheme, through collaboration with Kingston University.The newly launched four-year programme aims to blend academic knowledge with practical retail experience. From over 5,000 applications, 51 school leavers have been chosen to participate in this innovative scheme. These apprentices will begin their journey with a starting salary of nearly £26,000, potentially increasing to £46,000 by their fourth year. They will undertake hands-on experience in various store operations, supplemented by regular visits to Kingston University and the company’s headquarters to deepen their understanding of the retail sector.In parallel, the discount…

Carat has secured its position as Kellanova’s European agency, demonstrating the strength of their long-term partnership.A comprehensive review confirmed Carat’s role in Kellanova’s digital media and data strategies.The collaboration aims to transform Kellanova’s brand experience across 28 European markets.Kellanova’s collaboration with dentsu CX agency Merkle continues alongside Carat.A significant takeover by Mars is anticipated for Kellanova, dependent on regulatory approval.Carat has been reaffirmed as Kellanova’s European agency for media, digital, and data strategy following a competitive three-month review. This marks a continuation of their collaboration that spans 16 years, underscoring the mutual commitment to advancing digital transformation through media.The agency’s…

Mood Films, a new independent production company, has been launched in Leeds, enhancing the city’s creative landscape.Louis Jones and Jeanine Guerida, originally student and mentor, now business partners, founded Mood Films.Their journey began in 2017 at the BFI Film Academy, leading to this new venture.Mood Films has quickly gained recognition, securing a nomination for a Prolific North Creative Award.The founders are also committed to nurturing young talent in the creative industry.Leeds’ creative industry has been invigorated by the introduction of Mood Films, an independent production company spearheaded by Louis Jones and Jeanine Guerida. This partnership marks a significant development in…