Author: Scott Dylan

Mulberry has declined Frasers’ revised £111m takeover proposal, marking the second rejection from the Somerset-based handbag company.The luxury brand remains committed to enhancing its commercial performance despite takeover attempts by Frasers Group, which owns Sports Direct.Majority stakeholder Challice, owned by Christina Ong and Ong Beng Seng, expressed no intention of selling their 56.4% stake in Mulberry.Frasers, led by Mike Ashley, holds a 37.3% interest in Mulberry, with a deadline approaching to make a formal offer.Mulberry’s board is focussed on future growth strategies under new leadership and a strengthened financial position.Mulberry, a renowned handbag manufacturer headquartered in Somerset, has declined a…

Harrods is addressing over 250 compensation claims linked to Mohamed Al Fayed.The allegations stem from a documentary highlighting decades of abuse.Harrods’ new owners express shock and pledge thorough investigations.Compensation efforts are separate from ongoing legal actions.Uncertainty remains about overlap with those pursuing legal cases.In recent developments, Harrods is undertaking the settlement of claims related to allegations of sexual misconduct involving its former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed. These claims, exceeding 250 in number, have surfaced following a BBC documentary that shed light on serious accusations including rape and attempted rape during Al Fayed’s ownership from 1985 to 2010.The documentary’s revelations have…

The Post Office scandal has highlighted the urgent necessity for company boards to exercise responsible oversight of legal risks, as stated by the Institute of Directors (IoD).The Horizon inquiry unearthed substantial evidence of excessive reliance on legal advice during the Post Office’s management, leading to significant miscarriages of justice. The IoD argues for amending the UK Corporate Governance Code to delineate explicit legal risk responsibilities for designated board committees. Such committees should regularly report on litigation, disclosures, investigations, and regulatory responses.Findings from the inquiry indicated the irresponsible conduct of legal professionals at Post Office Ltd (POL), where legal privilege was…

A recent report highlights the growing strain on advice agencies across the UK, with nine out of ten experiencing increased demand, while nearly two-thirds anticipate reducing services due to financial constraints.The report, published by Advice UK, reveals a significant rise in the need for services provided by its 699 member advice agencies, which collectively assist approximately 1.7 million clients. This surge in demand coincides with financial and operational challenges, forcing many agencies to consider reducing services.Researchers found that 90% of agencies have seen an uptick in service requests over the past year, with 60% noting a substantial increase. Unfortunately, 61%…

Ocado Group is reportedly considering appointing Adam Warby, a former Microsoft executive, as its new chairman, according to city sources.Adam Warby, currently serving as chair for the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles, is being considered for the role of chairman at Ocado Group. Though Sky News reports his potential appointment as early as next month, Warby’s extensive career includes eight years at Microsoft and sixteen years at IT consultancy Avanade, where he holds the title of chief executive emeritus.Warby also serves as a senior adviser for the private equity firm KKR. His prospective appointment comes as Rick Haythornthwaite, the…

Ocado Group is poised to appoint Adam Warby, a former Microsoft executive, as its new chairman, according to sources.Adam Warby, currently the chairman of executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles, has emerged as a candidate for the chairman position at Ocado Group. Sky News reports that city insiders have tipped Warby for the role, with a possible appointment as soon as next month. Warby’s extensive experience includes eight years at Microsoft and sixteen years at IT consultancy Avanade, where he serves as chief executive emeritus. Additionally, he is a senior adviser at the private equity firm KKR.Should Warby accept the…

Business confidence in the UK has plunged to its lowest point in a year as the Autumn Budget approaches.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s warning of a ‘painful’ budget has heightened business concerns.SMEs are particularly worried about potential tax hikes and fiscal challenges post-budget.The energy, water, mining, property, and retail sectors are most apprehensive about the looming fiscal changes.Despite some optimism in individual company performances, there is widespread concern about the broader economic direction.Business confidence in the UK has recently reached a twelve-month low, casting a shadow over economic prospects as the government prepares to unveil the Autumn Budget. The latest…

Bolser, a Leeds-based digital agency, is strengthening its collaboration with the National Theatre at Home, enhancing their streaming service platform.Following a successful SEO and app store optimisation project, Bolser’s contract with the National Theatre at Home has been extended.Head of National Theatre at Home, Callum Stewart, reported immediate improvements in SEO KPIs since partnering with Bolser.Bolser will focus on driving new customers to the platform, with a particular emphasis on Christmas gifting subscriptions.The National Theatre continues to bring engaging stories to a global audience through its streaming platform.Bolser, a prominent digital agency in Leeds, has successfully extended its contract with…

The partnership between ScreenSkills and Adobe marks a significant step towards inclusivity in the screen industries.The Film Forward programme aims to break down barriers for deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent professionals in virtual production, post-production, and VFX.This initiative focuses on providing hands-on experience, mentoring, and network expansion for career advancement.Leading companies in the industry are participating, offering valuable opportunities to underrepresented groups.The initiative strives to enhance diversity at senior levels, ensuring the industry gains from a variety of talents.ScreenSkills and Adobe have joined forces to launch the third Film Forward programme, targeting mid-level professionals who are deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent (DDN).…

Ocado Group is contemplating appointing Adam Warby, a former Microsoft executive, as its new chairman.Warby is currently the chairman of KKR and the leading candidate to succeed current chair Rick Haythornthwaite.Confirmation of Warby’s appointment could happen as early as November, according to City insiders.Warby also holds a chair position at SoftwareONE and has a history with Microsoft and IBM.Current chairman Rick Haythornthwaite will step down next year due to commitments with NatWest Group.Ocado Group is reportedly considering Adam Warby, a former executive at Microsoft, to be its next chairman. Currently, Warby chairs the board at KKR, a private equity firm,…