Author: Scott Dylan

A recent investigation by a consumer watchdog has revealed significant barriers preventing millions of individuals from accessing discounted prices at major UK supermarkets.The research scrutinised the membership criteria of loyalty schemes operated by prominent supermarket chains, highlighting age, address, and digital access requirements as key impediments. Notably, only Co-op and Morrisons permit individuals as young as 16 to join their loyalty schemes. In contrast, the majority, including Asda, Iceland, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose, impose a minimum age requirement of 18.For address requirements, Asda, Co-op, and Lidl do not mandate an address for participation. However, Iceland and Morrisons require UK…

Millions of consumers in the United Kingdom are being denied access to lower prices at major supermarkets due to stringent loyalty scheme requirements, according to a recent study by a consumer watchdog.The study scrutinised the loyalty programmes of prominent supermarkets including Asda, Co-op, Iceland, Lidl, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose. It found that only Co-op and Morrisons permit 16-year-olds to enrol in their loyalty schemes, whereas others set the minimum age at 18. Notably, Sainsbury’s has an exception that allows under-18s to join through a parent or guardian’s card.Address requirements also create barriers. While no address is needed for Asda,…

Labour’s Budget proposal to increase taxes targets landlords and shareholders, raising £35bn.Prime Minister Starmer distinguishes “working people” from asset earners, aiming tax hikes at the latter.The Budget aims to address a £22bn fiscal deficit, marking the largest tax increase since 1993.Treasury clarifies that “working people” will be shielded from increased capital gains tax and National Insurance.Business reactions are mixed, with concerns about investor confidence and capital flight.Labour’s forthcoming Budget is poised to introduce significant tax hikes, primarily targeting landlords and shareholders, aiming to raise an estimated £35 billion. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has articulated that such measures are necessary to…

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Google’s $2 billion investment in AI firm Anthropic.This preliminary probe is set to conclude by 19 December, deciding on the necessity of a deeper investigation.Google’s collaboration with Anthropic includes a substantial cloud agreement alongside their financial commitment.Amazon and Microsoft’s similar engagements with Anthropic and other AI entities are also under regulatory scrutiny.Concerns are rising over major tech companies’ dominant roles in the AI market, prompting global regulatory attention.The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated a preliminary investigation into Google’s $2 billion investment in the AI company…

Boohoo has issued a robust response to the open letter from Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group. The letter accused Boohoo of management failures and vied for Ashley’s appointment as CEO.Frasers criticised Boohoo’s leadership and financial strategies, citing a substantial decline in share value.They accused Boohoo of ignoring meeting requests, describing their response as a “stonewalling” tactic.Boohoo dismissed Frasers’ characterisation and defended its debt refinancing as beneficial for its future.Boohoo expressed concern over Ashley’s large stakes in both Frasers and competitor ASOS, citing potential conflicts.Boohoo responded firmly to claims made by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group in an open letter, which criticised Boohoo’s…

Michael Lambert steps up as Managing Director of Media Village, a well-regarded Lancashire agency.Lambert transitions from Operations Director, succeeding Steve Shread, who becomes chairman.Media Village boasts a reputation for comprehensive marketing solutions, serving prominent clients like Boots Hearingcare and NHS.Lambert’s journey with the agency began in 1999 as an apprentice, embodying the company’s commitment to nurturing internal talent.Steve Shread lauds Lambert’s leadership and anticipates continued growth and evolution under his guidance.Michael Lambert has assumed the role of Managing Director at Media Village, taking over from Steve Shread, who now serves as the chairman. His new position marks a significant career…

Freemans has launched its 2024 Christmas advertisement, featuring singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, to set the mood for the festive season.The advertisement showcases Ellis-Bextor delivering gifts on a snow-covered street, accompanied by a style team in seasonal fashion.The commercial features the track ‘Freedom of the Night’ and is broadcasted on social media and TV.Richard Cristofoli, Freemans’ chief customer officer, highlights the importance of early Christmas shopping.Freemans aims to ease festive preparations by helping customers find perfect gifts and manage finances.Freemans has unveiled its much-anticipated Christmas advertisement for 2024, starring the popular singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. In this festive campaign, Ellis-Bextor is seen spreading…

Holland & Barrett aims to significantly increase its physical presence in the UK in the coming year.The health and wellness retailer plans to open up to 50 new outlets across the country.This expansion follows the opening of 35 new sites and refurbishment of 280 locations in the past year.New store formats and partnerships with major retailers like Tesco and Next are key components of the strategy.Holland & Barrett seeks accessibility by leveraging retail park locations for its concessions.Holland & Barrett is set to enhance its UK presence with plans to open up to 50 new stores in 2025. This ambitious…

John Lewis partners with Made.com, a brand under Next, to introduce a new sofa showroom in London.The partnership features Made.com’s first showroom located in John Lewis’ Oxford Street store.Plans include expanding Made.com’s presence on John Lewis’ website and additional stores.This collaboration is a part of John Lewis’ broader strategy to grow its home furnishing offerings.The move follows a £6.5m investment in the Oxford Street store’s refurbishment.John Lewis has launched a strategic partnership with Made.com, which is owned by Next, to unveil Made.com’s inaugural showroom in London. This exclusive collaboration places the new showroom within John Lewis’ flagship store on Oxford…

Boohoo is making strategic changes to refresh its brand identity and engage a younger audience.The fashion retailer has introduced a new logo and colour palette to symbolise a new direction.A partywear campaign with the slogan “People will talk” has been launched to highlight this transformation.Marketing director Sam Leach expresses pride in the brand’s bold and confident new look.Amidst these changes, Boohoo faces potential leadership adjustments with a proposal from Frasers Group.Boohoo, a renowned fashion retailer, is undertaking a significant brand refresh aimed at reshaping its public image and appealing to a younger demographic. This strategic initiative includes the introduction of…