Author: Scott Dylan

In the digital age, effective retail strategies depend heavily on clean data.Retailers are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of data, often leading to confusion.The lack of proper skills and strategies hampers effective data utilisation.Clean data facilitates accurate, timely, and informed decision-making.A cultural shift towards valuing data is essential for retail success.Retailers are increasingly inundated with vast amounts of data stemming from various sources, such as online customer behaviour and supply chain metrics. While the potential for insights is immense, the challenge of managing inconsistent or fragmented data persists. Fabio De Bernardi, an expert in data-driven retail strategies, stresses the critical…

The High Court has issued a stern rebuke to an expert witness for failing to adhere to procedural rules and attempting to mislead the court.In a significant ruling, Mr Justice Martin Spencer dismissed the testimony of a consultant psychologist, Dr Jacqueline Blyth, in a case involving allegations of abuse against a Hindu priest in Coventry. Dr Blyth’s reports were found to be deficient in both form and substance, as she ignored the mandates of the Civil Procedure Rules, particularly part 35, which governs expert evidence.Dr Blyth, despite acknowledging her familiarity with the requirements, omitted several necessary declarations from her reports.…

The Supreme Court is set to review a significant motor finance case following the Court of Appeal’s decision on commission practices.The decision to grant permission for an appeal was made in response to the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the case known as Hopcraft. This ruling found it unlawful for car dealers to receive commissions from lenders without obtaining customers’ informed consent. The ruling applies to both discretionary and non-discretionary commissions, sparking widespread concern within the industry.The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s swiftness in granting the appeal, highlighting the potential impact of the decision on the…

Food insecurity is increasingly affecting households across the UK, as revealed by a report from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).According to Defra’s findings, several factors contribute to the growing challenge of food insecurity within the United Kingdom. These include climate change, inflation, and the aftermath of Brexit. Particularly vulnerable groups such as poorer families, younger individuals, and people with disabilities are feeling the brunt of these issues. The percentage of UK households that are considered ‘highly food secure’ has fallen from 87% in 2019/20 to 83% in 2022/23. Similarly, the proportion of households affording a balanced…

Investor Molten Ventures has significantly reduced its valuation of Thought Machine, impacting the fintech’s financial prospects.The valuation cut by Molten Ventures suggests a decrease in Thought Machine’s worth by approximately $1bn.The decision may affect Thought Machine’s plans for a future IPO, particularly in London.Despite the valuation setback, Thought Machine continues to focus on growth and transformation of the traditional banking tech sector.Molten Ventures still believes in Thought Machine’s potential amid uncertainties with customer contracts.Molten Ventures, a British investor, has revised the value of its shares in Thought Machine, a fintech company based in London. The firm’s assessment indicates a notable…

UK consumers are facing a potential 5% increase in food prices next year, as reported by the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) in their ‘Hungry For Growth’ report.The impending rise in food prices is a cause for concern among UK shoppers. According to the IGD, a 4.9% increase is expected in 2025, which could push grocery costs up to 40% higher than they were in 2020. The report attributes this surge to several factors, primarily the high costs of labour. The National Living Wage is set to rise, coupled with increased National Insurance bills.The Windsor Framework, effective from July 2025,…

The CEO of Currys, Alex Baldock, is determined to maintain the company’s growth trajectory despite looming financial challenges.Currys faces a £32 million increase in tax bills starting April next year, impacting the company’s financial plans.National Insurance contributions and National Living Wage increases are among the new cost pressures for the retailer.Baldock reported a reduction in pre-tax losses and a slight sales increase despite tough economic conditions.The retailer is exploring further cost reductions and views price increases as a last resort.Currys, a major player in the electrical retail sector, is bracing for significant financial challenges as it anticipates a £32 million…

This week, Adidas’ headquarters in Germany were searched by authorities as part of a tax evasion probe involving €1.1 billion.The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation against a German sportswear group for suspected tax evasion.Adidas acknowledged the raids, confirming cooperation and document submission to the authorities.The investigation includes multiple locations and private residences due to alleged tax discrepancies.Adidas attributes the issue to differing interpretations of German and European tax laws.This week saw authorities raiding Adidas’ headquarters in Germany, marking a significant development in an ongoing multi-year investigation into alleged tax evasion. The operation, involving criminal prosecutors and…

The prevailing concern over living costs is significantly influencing the shopping habits of consumers in the UK. According to new data, 36% of shoppers are reducing their grocery purchases, while 48% are exploring multiple stores to secure savings. This highlights the ongoing struggle families face amid economic pressures, as reported by Circana’s latest analysis in the ‘State of the Nation 2025’ report.The food and drink sector in the UK is anticipated to experience a modest growth of 1% in 2024 as living costs gradually ease. However, specific product categories are witnessing substantial growth. Notably, the gut health market, valued at…

River Capital’s fund:AI has invested in agritech firm Fotenix, marking a significant step for the industry.Fotenix, a spin-out from the University of Manchester, is known for its innovative digital twin software.The investment is aimed at enhancing Fotenix’s sales and product development initiatives.Fotenix’s technology aids in early detection of crop issues, thereby improving agricultural yields.The investment reflects the growing importance of AI in tackling agricultural challenges.River Capital’s newly established fund:AI has shown its confidence in agritech by investing a considerable sum into Fotenix. This move showcases the potential of AI-driven solutions in addressing some of the pressing issues faced by modern…