Author: Scott Dylan

Post-Brexit border controls have become a significant concern for British vegetable importers, who warn of potential impacts on the 2025 harvest.The recent introduction of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) has implemented stricter controls on European Union plant and animal goods entering the United Kingdom. This new model presents a ‘critical challenge’ to the importation of plants and seeds, according to industry sources reported by The Grocer.Growers who rely on seed and young plant imports for the upcoming 2025 growing season are particularly affected, facing substantial delays at the border. The sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls, a direct consequence of…

British vegetable importers are expressing deep concern over the significant impact of post-Brexit border checks, which threaten the upcoming 2025 harvest.The introduction of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) has led to stricter controls on plant and animal goods coming from the EU into the UK, posing substantial challenges for importers. British seed importers have flagged this issue as a ‘critical challenge’, as reported by The Grocer. These new regulations have introduced complexities in the import process, particularly affecting growers who rely on seeds and young plants from Europe.Since the implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls following Brexit, there…

Gary Barlow embarks on his next wine tour adventure, this time across Australia.Following a successful stint in South Africa, Barlow’s series is eagerly anticipated for 2025.Rock Oyster Media has started filming the six-part series, showcasing Australia’s rich cultural landscapes.The series promises engaging interactions with chefs, wine producers, and breathtaking Australian locales.ITV has scheduled the series to air in the Spring of 2025, promising surprises and entertainment.Gary Barlow is set to continue his acclaimed wine tour series with an exploration of Australia. After a popular series set in South Africa, viewers can look forward to new adventures as the star travels…

Tos Chirathivat, co-owner of Selfridges, deemed the £4bn purchase price high.The 2021 acquisition included several European luxury stores besides Selfridges.Rising global interest rates have made the purchase price seem steeper.Central Group faces challenges, including a partner’s financial collapse.The company aims to enhance Selfridges into the world’s top department store.In a recent revelation, Tos Chirathivat, the executive chairman and CEO of Thailand’s Central Group, acknowledged that the £4 billion price tag for acquiring Selfridges and additional European luxury department stores in 2021 was high. Amidst rising global interest rates, the financial burden of the purchase is increasingly apparent. Chirathivat remarked, “You…

Boohoo is urging shareholders to reject Frasers Group’s board appointments before the general meeting on 20 December.Proxy advisers Glass Lewis and ISS have recommended that shareholders vote against Frasers Group’s resolutions.Concerns include potential conflicts of interest that could harm Boohoo’s shareholder interests.The performance of both Boohoo and Frasers Group adds complexity to this corporate struggle.Key Boohoo figures emphasise the need for strong governance and independent decision-making.Boohoo is advocating against the proposed board appointments by Frasers Group, urging its shareholders to vote against these resolutions during the upcoming meeting on 20 December. This stance follows recommendations from proxy advisers Glass Lewis…

Boohoo has challenged Frasers Group’s board nominations ahead of a critical meeting.Boohoo urged shareholders to reject Frasers Group’s board candidates, Mike Ashley and Mike Lennon.The advisory firms Glass Lewis and ISS both recommended voting against the proposed appointments.Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest compromising shareholder interests.Boohoo’s leadership reaffirmed their strategy to maintain the company’s independence.Boohoo has formally opposed the proposed board nominations by Frasers Group, encouraging its shareholders to vote against these resolutions. The upcoming General Meeting on 20 December will be pivotal, as proxy advisers Glass Lewis and ISS have advised shareholders to reject Frasers’ board candidates.Glass…

eBay UK has introduced a new trade-in service, offering cash for old devices, as part of its sustainability efforts.The service allows users to trade in eight types of devices, including phones and consoles, with no upfront costs.In partnership with Fonehouse, eBay will refurbish the devices for resale, enhancing recycling efforts.Participants can receive payment in the form of an eBay coupon or a direct bank transfer.An extra £50 incentive is available for selected trade-ins over the Christmas period, encouraging more recycling.eBay UK has launched an innovative trade-in programme to encourage recycling of technology goods while providing a financial incentive to customers.…

Currys has reported a successful first half of the year, buoyed by the demand for AI-enabled laptops and mobile growth.The company’s UK and Ireland sales rose by 6%, highlighting strategic and market share achievements.Despite a minor decline in Nordic operations, overall revenue grew by 1% to £3,918m.Adjusted EBIT saw a significant leap of 52%, led by a 53% increase in UK&I profits.Currys is optimistic about future profit and cash flow growth, maintaining its full-year guidance.Currys has announced a robust first half of the financial year, with significant contributions from the popularity of AI-enabled laptops and a flourishing mobile business. The…

Upvest, a German investment API company, is expanding its UK presence after securing substantial funding.The firm plans to hire 50 new staff in London to solidify its market position.Upvest has gained FCA approval, enabling UK fintech entities to utilize its API services effectively.The recent Series C funding, led by Hedosophia, will also support product and partnership development.CEO Martin Kassing sees the new capital as a catalyst for simplifying investment processes.Upvest, a Berlin-based investment API provider, is set to expand its operations in the UK following a significant £83m funding round. The company aims to hire up to 50 additional staff…

Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey, has highlighted concerns regarding employer National Insurance hikes in a recent meeting.Rising employment costs may result in job losses, affecting upcoming interest rate decisions.More than 70 retailers have expressed their worries over increasing costs and potential impacts on the workforce.Predictions indicate up to 100,000 jobs could be at risk due to the new financial burdens on businesses.Inflation in the services sector remains high, conflicting with the Bank’s target of 2%.Addressing members of the Treasury Select Committee, Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, raised significant concerns about the potential impact of employer…