Author: Scott Dylan

Asda is enhancing its popular Asda Rewards loyalty app to assist customers preparing for the festive season’s financial demands.The app now includes a ‘Christmas Saver Cashpot’ feature, allowing users to save up to £300 specifically for Christmas spending.Utilising the Cashpot grants a one-off cash bonus, depending on the savings amount, disbursed between 20 and 24 November 2023.Customers can convert their Cashpot into vouchers for use in-store or online from 24 November to 31 December 2023.Over five million active users have already benefitted from over £198 million returned on their shopping via the Asda Rewards app.Asda is taking proactive steps to…

Greggs has seen a significant increase in its financial performance, showcasing robust growth.The company’s pre-tax profit for the first half of the year rose to £80m, up from £55.8m in the same period last year.Sales have surged by 21.5% to a total of £844m, with like-for-like sales increasing by 16%.Despite economic uncertainties, Greggs remains committed to its expansion strategy with the opening of new shops.Chief Executive Roisin Currie highlights the brand’s focus on value and market expansion.Greggs has demonstrated strong financial performance during the first half of the year, exhibiting a notable increase in both profits and sales. The company…

In a significant move within the retail sector, Next has strategically acquired Cath Kidston’s brand and intellectual property for £8.5 million after the latter entered administration.This acquisition includes Cath Kidston’s brand, domain names, and intellectual property, completed via a pre-pack deal.The cathkidston.com domain will be temporarily retained by administrators to manage stock clearance.This change follows a turbulent period of ownership and market challenges for Cath Kidston.Notably, Next’s previous acquisitions include Joules and Made.com, showing a pattern of acquiring struggling retailers.Next, a prominent fashion retailer, has made a strategic acquisition of Cath Kidston, purchasing the brand’s name, domain names, and intellectual…

The John Lewis Partnership has taken a significant step forward in its housing ambitions by entering a £500m joint venture with investment firm Abrdn.This collaboration aims to construct approximately 10,000 new homes in London and Reading over the next decade.The initial projects will involve redeveloping sites over Waitrose shops in Bromley and West Ealing, and a vacant warehouse in Reading.Nina Bhatia, the executive director, described the venture as crucial for delivering quality residential housing.The plan underscores John Lewis’ strategy to diversify beyond retail into trusted community services.The John Lewis Partnership has joined forces with Abrdn in a £500m project to…

The logistics sector witnesses significant movement as Clipper Logistics agrees to a potential takeover by GXO Logistics.Clipper Logistics, a major player in processing orders for prominent retailers, sees its board unanimously recommending the GXO offer.The takeover bid is a cash-and-share proposal, valuing Clipper shares at 690p plus GXO shares worth 230p each.Clipper’s share price experiences a notable rise, reflecting investor optimism and market confidence in the deal.The ongoing growth in online shopping, fueled by the pandemic, underscores the strategic importance of such logistics mergers.Clipper Logistics, a key logistics provider for renowned retailers like John Lewis and Asda, is poised for…

Employing a staffing agency can significantly influence a company’s efficiency and hiring process.Outsourcing recruitment tasks saves time and allows management to focus on core responsibilities.The temp-to-permanent approach mitigates risks associated with hiring full-time employees.Staffing agencies provide access to a broad and skilled talent pool.Potential downsides include communication challenges and cost concerns.For business supervisors and managers striving for optimal profitability, outsourcing recruitment-related tasks to a staffing agency can be a strategic move. Staffing agencies are instrumental in streamlining the hiring process, allowing management to focus on revenue-generating activities. With trained professionals handling job postings, resume screenings, and initial interviews, companies can…

Rachel Davison, Turnitin’s HR Manager, has been recognised for her exceptional contribution to the company.Davison received the highest number of nominations, reflecting her impact on team dynamics and employee satisfaction.Her innovative approach seeks to dismantle traditional perceptions of HR, focusing on employee engagement and strategic integration.Rachel’s success is bolstered by her commitment to professional development, including her pursuit of an advanced qualification in employment law.She has played a crucial role in expanding Turnitin’s workforce, doubling its size since her arrival in 2013.Rachel Davison has transformed the HR landscape at Turnitin, earning the accolade of HR Manager of the Month due…

Recent data reveals a significant rise in sickness absence among West Mercia Police staff, primarily driven by stress-related issues.Sickness days have surged from 25,000 in 2010 to nearly 40,000 in 2014, marking a 60% increase.Stress, depression, and other mental health issues have more than doubled, exacerbating workloads for remaining staff.The force acknowledges the trend, implementing measures to support officer welfare and manage absences effectively.Calls for further research into stress-related absences highlight concerns over future service impact.In a disturbing trend, West Mercia Police has reported a substantial increase in sickness absences among its workforce over the past five years. Sickness days…

Gwilym Hughes has been appointed as the new HR Manager for Jehu Group, bringing over two decades of experience to the role.Mr Hughes hails from Mumbles in Swansea and has spent the last 13 years in the automotive manufacturing sector.He aims to introduce new HR programmes and initiatives, including an employee engagement survey, at Jehu Group.The company continues to grow, now employing 110 staff and working with notable brands such as JD Wetherspoon and Morrisons.Jehu Group has recently secured a £5.6 million project to construct a 60-bed care home for Grwp Gwalia.Gwilym Hughes, from Mumbles in Swansea, has been appointed…

Return to work interviews are essential following a period of sickness absence.They confirm the employee is fit to return and prevent potential health risks to others.These interviews demonstrate care for employee wellbeing and seriousness about absences.Conducted properly, they can enhance motivation without invoking intimidation.A sound absence management policy supports effective return to work practices.Return to work interviews are a crucial step for employees rejoining after sickness absence. They confirm that an employee is ready to resume duties without imposing health risks on colleagues. It is vital for employers to ensure that staff members, such as those recovering from contagious illnesses,…