Author: Scott Dylan

The Prolific North Live 2024 event in Manchester showcased the future of media, marketing, and digital strategies.Held at Manchester Conference Centre, experts shared strategies for market growth and brand development.Underdog brands were advised to focus on market penetration and creativity to compete with industry leaders.The over-65 demographic was highlighted as a significant growth opportunity for brands.Speakers discussed the evolution of social media strategies, emphasising authentic community engagement.The Prolific North Live 2024 event, held in Manchester, remains a pivotal platform for exploring future trends in media, marketing, and digital strategies. Industry experts from various sectors gathered to share valuable insights and…

UK workers report feeling disconnected due to workload, not remote work.Automate to Elevate reveals only 26% struggle with virtual connections.An overwhelming 74% see automation as crucial for workplace connectivity.Nearly half would prioritise relationship-building with extra daily time.Automation enhances productivity, improving work quality and collaboration.In a recent study titled “Automate to Elevate,” it has been highlighted that an increasing workload, rather than remote work arrangements, is leading UK workers to feel disconnected from each other. Contrary to popular belief, only a small fraction, 26%, find virtual connections challenging, and even fewer, 23%, feel the lack of physical office presence hampers collaboration.The…

Brewdog’s recent financial disclosures have revealed significant operational challenges, despite seeing promising growth in certain sectors.The renowned brewery reported an operating loss nearing £60 million, with pre-tax losses doubling from £30 million in 2022 to £59.2 million last year. This financial setback comes even as Brewdog’s gross sales climbed by 11%, increasing from £321 million to £355 million.Amid these financial difficulties, Brewdog has highlighted advancements in its grocery division—rolling out three new beers in 2023, namely Wingman, Shore Leave, and Black Heart. Notably, Black Heart has managed to capture 10% of Guinness’ share in UK supermarkets, marking a significant achievement…

An anti-waste charity has urged the UK government to abolish plastic packaging for fresh produce in a sweeping proposal.Anti-waste charity, Wrap has called for the UK government to implement a ban on plastic packaging for 21 types of fresh produce in supermarkets. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to transform consumer shopping habits by 2030. The targeted items include everyday fruits and vegetables such as bananas, apples, potatoes, and tomatoes.Harriet Lamb, Chief Executive of Wrap, expressed the challenges of implementing such a significant change, stating to The Guardian that it would be “one of the biggest changes in…

The rapid evolution of workplaces demands employees enhance their career longevity.A significant 60% of UK employees are experiencing unprecedented changes in their work environment this year.Despite these shifts, a promising 65% remain optimistic about the opportunities emerging from new technologies.Gen Z and Gen Alpha are particularly poised to lead in skill reinvention amid career volatility.Employers are urged to align training with both current demands and future projections to retain dynamic talent.As workplaces continue to change rapidly, employees are increasingly focused on extending their career longevity. A survey indicates that 60% of employees in the UK are witnessing more changes in…

N Brown is undergoing significant changes with its impending acquisition and plans to delist from AIM, marking a strategic shift for the company.The acquisition by a firm owned by non-executive director Joshua Alliance triggers a share price surge exceeding 40 percent.N Brown cites a lack of interest in UK small-cap stocks and high listing costs as reasons for the AIM delisting.The proposed acquisition values N Brown at approximately £187 million, highlighting a premium over its current market value.N Brown faces economic hurdles, including a notable decline in turnover and EBITDA.N Brown, a retail group known for brands like JD Williams…

N Brown Group is poised for a significant transformation as it faces a £191 million takeover bid.The takeover bid is led by Joshua Alliance, a non-executive director, through Falcon 24 Topco Ltd.The Alliance family currently holds a strong stake, owning approximately 60% of the company’s shares.The acquisition aims to accelerate N Brown’s growth by providing additional resources and capital.The acquisition is anticipated to be completed by the first quarter of next year, with existing leadership continuing.N Brown Group, an established ecommerce entity based in Manchester, is preparing for a notable shift as it encounters a £191 million takeover bid. This…

Sedgefield-based cyber security firm Tekgem doubles its County Durham office size in response to increasing global demand.The expansion aligns with Tekgem’s recent establishment of a base in Dubai, tapping into the UAE market.Tekgem is renowned for its industrial cyber security solutions, serving major clients in petrochemical, oil, gas, and utilities sectors.The expansion supports Tekgem’s growth strategy and commitment to nurturing new talent, with a significant increase in apprentices.Founder and CEO Ian Gemski highlights the importance of the new facilities for securing critical national infrastructure and supporting company growth.Tekgem, a prominent player in industrial cyber security, has responded to growing global…

N Brown is on course for privatisation following a £191 million bid by the Alliance family.The offer was made through Falcon 24 Topco at 40p per share, a notable increase over previous prices.Current Alliance family ownership of 60% makes the acquisition highly likely to proceed.Challenges such as low trading liquidity and listing costs underline the decision to go private.Independent directors of N Brown intend to support the offer, enhancing long-term growth potential.N Brown is set to transition into private ownership as the Alliance family, with historical ties to the company, extends a recommended offer valued at £191 million. This strategic…

John Fallon, the chief financial officer at DFS, has announced his departure amid a period of strategic transitions for the company. His decision marks a significant change in DFS’s leadership structure as they prepare for new opportunities ahead.Fallon will not seek re-election at the upcoming AGM on 22 November 2024 but will stay on to ensure a smooth transition until mid-January 2025.DFS has started the search for Fallon’s successor as the company foresees many exciting possibilities in the near future.Having joined DFS in November 2022 from Asda, Fallon has been instrumental in navigating challenges during his tenure.DFS Chairman Steve Johnson…