Matalan’s Phil Hackney shares insights on enhancing supply chain in volatile markets.Hackney stresses the importance of leveraging automation to replace manual tasks, thus creating more fulfilling roles.Strategic partnerships and collaboration across departments are key to fortifying supply chains.The insights were shared during the 2024 Drapers Supply Chain Summit.Listeners can gain deeper understanding by tuning into the Drapers Talks podcast.Phil Hackney, Matalan’s chief supply chain operations officer, offers valuable insights into strengthening supply chains amidst uncertain market conditions. Drawing from his extensive experience, Hackney advocates for the integration of automation to replace labor-intensive manual processes. This shift not only improves efficiency…
Author: Scott Dylan
Scott Dylan is the Founder of NexaTech Ventures
Watches of Switzerland, Britain’s largest Rolex retailer, faces calls to relocate its stock listing to the US.Investor Gatemore argues that the company’s share price does not reflect its true value due to misconceptions related to the luxury goods market.Relocating the listing to the US could offer better market conditions, potentially increasing valuations for Watches of Switzerland.The luxury brand has faced market challenges in 2023, with its share price falling significantly since January.CEO Brian Duffy has voiced concerns over UK policies impacting the luxury sector, particularly the removal of tax-free shopping.Watches of Switzerland, the UK’s leading retailer for Rolex watches, is…
Motorway, a leading UK online used car marketplace, has reduced losses significantly as leadership changes occur.The company’s pre-tax loss decreased by 25% in 2023, reflecting improved financial performance.Revenue surged by 48% to £60.9 million, showcasing robust growth in a challenging market.Motorway expanded its workforce by over 100 employees, indicating strategic investment in human capital.Contrast to Cazoo’s failure highlights Motorway’s successful operational strategies.Motorway, a notable player in the online used car marketplace in the UK, has demonstrated a significant reduction in financial losses amidst a change in its leadership team. The company’s pre-tax loss for the year 2023 saw a decrease…
The Supreme Court today declared that solicitors cannot deduct their costs from a client’s compensation without explicit agreement on the exact amount, marking a significant interpretation of client rights.The Supreme Court has clarified the obligation for solicitors to obtain client approval on the specific costs deducted from damages. This decision overturned a previous Court of Appeal ruling, reinforcing the necessity for explicit client consent on the amounts deducted, rather than just an agreement in principle. The ruling was delivered in the case of Oakwood Solicitors Ltd v Menzies, focusing on when the time begins for seeking a cost assessment.In the…
Channel 4 launches a campaign for its upcoming drama Generation Z, starring Sue Johnston.The show portrays a generational clash involving zombie Boomers with a penchant for Gen Z meat.A unique marketing campaign includes a ‘conceptual trail’ and interactive billboards.Influencer stunts and digital media engage audiences with inventive, thematic content.The drama will be available on Channel 4 from October 27th.Channel 4 has unveiled a distinctive promotional campaign for its eagerly anticipated zombie drama, Generation Z. The series features the renowned actress Sue Johnston and explores the intriguing theme of a generational clash. In this drama, elderly Boomer zombies develop a taste…
Pockit is enhancing its leadership team with the appointment of ex-Mastercard CEO Gene Lockhart as it focuses on growth.Lockhart brings extensive expertise from his leadership roles at major financial institutions to Pockit’s board.Pockit’s strategy centres on serving ‘unbanked’ individuals, aiming to become their primary financial services provider.Alongside Lockhart, Malcolm Le May also joins, reinforcing Pockit’s governance and strategic direction.The acquisition of Monese marks a significant expansion, adding three million users to Pockit’s platform.Pockit has announced a strategic move by appointing Gene Lockhart, the former president and CEO of Mastercard International, to its board of directors. This decision aligns with Pockit’s…
THG Studios has introduced iLab, an advanced AI tool designed to enhance marketing creativity and analytics.iLab integrates generative AI into creative workflows, providing unique content solutions.Dynamic, personalised, and visually compelling content is delivered at scale through iLab’s capabilities.iLab leverages data-driven solutions for market trend analysis and audience engagement.This innovation supports brands in optimising content production amidst a fast-paced digital landscape.THG Studios has announced the launch of iLab, a groundbreaking tool that places generative AI at the forefront of marketing and advertising campaigns. This innovation is set to transform how brands such as Myprotein, Beauty Expert, and Disney create content, offering…
Reckitt, the owner of Dettol and Lysol, confronted a challenging third quarter as its nutrition sector experienced significant supply disruptions, influencing the company’s sales performance.Reckitt’s overall net sales decreased by 0.5% on a like-for-like basis during the latest quarter. However, despite this decline, the company achieved a modest annual sales increase of 0.4% by 30 September. This growth was primarily driven by a 2.8% uplift in the health and hygiene sectors, partially counterbalanced by setbacks in the nutrition division.The nutrition business faced a severe 11.6% decline throughout the year and a more pronounced 17.4% drop in the quarter. These declines…
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given the green light to the acquisition of Yew Tree Dairy by Müller, a move poised to reshape the landscape of the British dairy sector. This approval, finalised on 22 October, follows initial hesitations concerning potential impacts on market competition.The acquisition, initially announced in June, is set to enhance production capabilities for Yew Tree Dairy, a respected West Lancashire-based producer renowned for its fresh milk and cream. This strategic move is expected to bolster Müller’s position in the industry, allowing them to harness Yew Tree Dairy’s facilities for milk powder production, which opens…
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially approved Müller’s acquisition of Yew Tree Dairy, a family-operated dairy producer based in West Lancashire, which was initially announced in June.This strategic acquisition aims to enhance Müller’s production capabilities and expand its export business, particularly in the realm of milk powder. By leveraging Yew Tree Dairy’s facilities and expertise, Müller seeks to strengthen its supply chain resilience and support the future of the British dairy industry.The CMA’s approval comes after careful consideration of potential competition impacts within the UK dairy sector. Concerns were raised about a possible “substantial lessening of competition,” yet…