Author: Dave Antrobus

The retail industry braces for a £140m increase in business rates.Recent CPI figures indicate a 1.7% inflation increase for September.CPIH inflation fell to 2.6% from August’s 3.1%.Clothing prices show mixed trends with footwear for children rising.Industry leaders urge reforms to alleviate the tax burden.The retail sector is currently facing a significant financial challenge as it anticipates a £140 million increase in business rates. This development follows the release of the latest consumer price index (CPI) inflation figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which revealed a 1.7% rise in CPI for the year ending September 2024. This figure marks…

New Balance has launched a groundbreaking retail store concept in Dublin, marking a first for Ireland.The new store is located on Dublin’s renowned Grafton Street, featuring warm, inviting interiors.This initiative follows successful store openings in the UK at Westfield Stratford, Edinburgh, and Manchester.Marco Alves, New Balance’s General Retail Director, highlights the store as part of a premium European retail strategy.The Dublin store underlines New Balance’s commitment to craftsmanship and customer engagement.The esteemed sportswear company, New Balance, has opened a pioneering retail concept store on Grafton Street in Dublin. This event denotes the first such outlet in Ireland, reinforcing the brand’s…

Asda announces a partnership with Decathlon, enhancing its brand offerings on George.com.The collaboration aims to integrate over 480 brands into the George.com platform.Decathlon’s inclusion capitalises on existing in-store concessions across Asda’s locations.Virtualstock is chosen as Asda’s range extension partner to facilitate this expansion.Asda considers this move a significant milestone in its online product range expansion strategy.Asda has officially declared its strategic partnership with renowned sportswear retailer Decathlon, marking a deliberate enhancement of its product offerings on the George.com platform. The primary objective of this collaboration is to incorporate more than 480 brands into the George.com e-commerce site, effectively broadening the…

John Lewis has reinstated its personal loan services, aligning with a broader strategy to expand its financial services offerings.The department store has partnered with digital bank Zopa, enabling swift loan transactions.Customers can access loans ranging from £1,000 to £35,000 on John Lewis’ website with repayment terms up to seven years.This reinstatement follows the end of a previous partnership with HSBC in 2022, marking John Lewis’ independent financial lending resurgence.The move is part of a larger trend among retailers to strengthen financial service offerings.John Lewis has officially resumed offering personal loans to its customers, enhancing its financial services. The company has…

The 2024 election campaign is gaining unprecedented attention as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris engage in strategic manoeuvres to capture undecided voters. This contentious race illustrates each candidate’s distinctive approach to addressing their electoral weaknesses.Trump and Harris are both appealing to critical voter bases, with Trump attempting to regain female support while Harris seeks to mobilise Black male voters. As the election nears its final stages, these efforts highlight the shifting dynamics and evolving strategies inherent in modern political campaigns.Trump’s Campaign StrategyFormer President Donald Trump is showcasing a unique campaign strategy, aiming to sway undecided voters through unconventional methods. Recently,…

Renowned journalist Bob Woodward has unveiled thought-provoking details in a recent discussion about Donald Trump with General Mark Milley.Woodward’s book, ‘War’, captures the essence of Milley’s observations, shedding light on leadership challenges during Trump’s presidency.In a recent interview, Bob Woodward, the acclaimed journalist known for his thorough investigations, shared insights from his discussions with General Mark Milley. The conversations revolved around the actions and behaviour of former President Donald Trump during a critical period of American history. Woodward’s new book, ‘War’, delves into these revelations, offering a detailed account of the discussions.The interactions Milley had with Trump were described as…

In a remarkable blend of culture and politics, the nation witnesses the unusual conjunction of National Cheese Curds Day and Tyra Banks’ reappearance at a major fashion event. While seemingly unrelated, these events offer a unique perspective on contemporary social dynamics.National Cheese Curds Day: A Cultural CelebrationCelebrated annually, National Cheese Curds Day honours a beloved snack adored by many across the country. This event is more than just a day for cheese lovers; it represents regional pride, especially in states like Wisconsin where cheese is a staple.Republican Abel Maldonado, in celebrating this day, highlights its significance in fostering local industry…

The University of Warwick is embarking on a transformative journey with a landmark £700 million investment to enhance its educational and research capacities. This ambitious initiative is expected to revolutionise the university’s infrastructure, making significant strides in STEM and social sciences.The University of Warwick has set forth a substantial investment plan worth £700 million, marking the largest investment since its inception in 1965. This initiative, named the Connect Programme, aims to foster groundbreaking research and learning while addressing global challenges.Focusing heavily on social sciences and STEM disciplines, the programme will encourage interdisciplinary education and research opportunities. It is expected to…

Once a confidant of Donald Trump, Geraldo Rivera recently shared his reflections on their altered rapport. He discussed the circumstances that led to endorsing Kamala Harris, highlighting a significant shift in his political stance.In a recent interview, Rivera elaborated on his evolving views, marking a departure from a once close friendship with Trump. The shift comes amidst broader political dynamics, influencing his endorsement choices and personal reflections on past alliances.The Evolving FriendshipGeraldo Rivera and Donald Trump once shared a strong bond, characterised by mutual respect and frequent collaborations. Rivera was publicly supportive of many of Trump’s initiatives, often praising his…

Lindsay Clancy, a mother from Massachusetts, is accused of strangling her three children amidst a battle with postpartum depression. The case highlights the severe impact of postpartum mental health conditions, prompting a wider discussion on maternal mental health.Clancy, aged 32, allegedly took the lives of her children, Cora, Dawson, and Callan, while experiencing severe mental health issues. This heartbreaking incident has drawn attention to postpartum psychosis, a rare but serious condition that requires immediate care.The Lindsay Clancy case underscores the critical need for awareness and resources dedicated to maternal mental health. The tragedy serves as a catalyst for discussion about…