Author: Scott Dylan

The wet weather in September significantly influenced UK retailing strategies, leading to notable price reductions.This trend is underscored by the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ, showcasing a substantial change in consumer spending patterns.According to recent figures from the BRC and NielsenIQ, shop prices dropped by 0.6% year-on-year, compared to a 0.3% fall in August. This marks the sharpest decline since August 2021. Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, commented, ‘September was a good month for bargain hunters as big discounts and fierce competition pushed shop prices further into deflation.’ Non-food categories, particularly furniture and…

An investigation reveals Tesco and Sainsbury’s in-store recycling schemes misleadingly result in incineration of most collected plastics.The Everyday Plastic campaign and Environmental Investigation Agency tracked 40 plastic waste bundles revealing extensive incineration.Collected plastics, instead of being recycled, are often incinerated or used for fuel, with little domestic processing involved.75% of the waste was incinerated or converted into fuel, questioning the effectiveness of these recycling initiatives.Supermarkets are urged to address the issue of excessive plastic production and improve recycling processes.An investigation has brought to light the concerning reality of Tesco and Sainsbury’s in-store recycling schemes. Allegations have surfaced claiming that the…

The certification of presidential elections traditionally unfolds without much drama. Yet, recent developments have cast a spotlight on potential disruptions within this critical process.The changing dynamics in battleground states present challenges that could have wide-reaching implications for future elections. Understanding these evolving issues is essential to maintaining electoral integrity.Recent years have seen increasing disputes over the role of local election boards and their authority to question or reject election results. This is particularly pressing in states like Georgia, where the margins can be extremely tight.Ben Berwick from Protect Democracy emphasized that certification is a mandatory duty. He warned that even…

With just five weeks remaining until Election Day, early voting has commenced nationwide. Current data indicates a potential decline in pre-election voting compared to the record highs seen in 2020.More than 500,000 votes have already been cast in 27 states, based on data from election officials, Edison Research, and Catalist.The surge in early voting during the 2020 election was largely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the situation now stabilised, it is anticipated that more voters will choose to vote in person this year.Significant increases in ballot requests from voters aged 65 and over have been observed. These older voters…

Martha Lane Fox has been appointed to co-chair a new government panel aimed at driving technological reforms in public services. This initiative is part of a broader push to modernise public sector operations, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies across Whitehall.The panel includes industry leaders and scholars tasked with optimising the effectiveness of technology in public services. Paul Willmott, Chairman of the Government’s Central Digital and Data Office, and Poppy Gustafsson, co-founder of cybersecurity firm Darktrace, will join Lane Fox in leading this initiative.Aims and ObjectivesThe government’s new panel seeks to address inefficiencies in public…

The revitalisation of the manufacturing sector is showing signs of stalling, as indicated by a significant survey. Rising costs and apprehensions regarding the forthcoming budget are influencing business sentiment.Surveys Indicate Declining OptimismA closely monitored survey reveals that business confidence in the manufacturing sector has seen a marked decline. The S&P Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for manufacturing shows that optimism for the coming year has plummeted to a nine-month low in September.The survey records the second-largest drop in confidence on record, with a significant decrease noted just before the Covid lockdown in March 2020. Multiple factors, including uncertainty over government policy…

Nigeria is grappling with a deepening crisis under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The nation is engulfed in violence and turmoil, with extrajudicial killings becoming alarmingly common.The grim reality is further exacerbated by a troubling lack of accountability, leading to widespread despair and fear among Nigerian citizens.The Shadow of Extrajudicial KillingsFor three years, 103 corpses remained unclaimed in a Lagos morgue. The remains, in a sorry state, were eventually buried by the authorities, highlighting a period of intense violence on Lagos’s lawless streets. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain disputed, reflecting the country’s deteriorating state.Extra-judicial killings are not new in President…

A prominent retailer headquartered in Lancashire has announced a significant reduction in losses alongside surpassing a major revenue milestone. With roots extending back to 1847, the company reached a turnover of £318.6 million for the fiscal year ending on 30 March 2024.This marks an increase from the previous year’s £298.7 million, reflecting a consistent growth trajectory amid challenging economic conditions. The company also managed to bring its pre-tax losses down from £4 million to £1.5 million over the same period.Financial PerformanceRecent filings at Companies House unveiled that the retailer has successfully reduced its pre-tax losses. The figures dropped from £4…

In a decisive move, Mulberry has declined an £83 million takeover bid from Frasers Group.The board, alongside its majority shareholder Challice, believes in the strategic vision of newly appointed CEO Andrea Baldo.Mulberry has announced its rejection of a takeover offer from Frasers Group worth £83 million. This decision was taken after consulting with Challice, its majority shareholder, which controls 56.1% of the company.The rejection follows a detailed evaluation, reflecting confidence in the potential turnaround under the new leadership of CEO Andrea Baldo.Andrea Baldo, recently appointed as CEO, is seen as a key factor in Mulberry’s decision-making process. The board believes…

A prominent medtech firm has successfully secured £11 million to back its strategic growth initiatives.The Chepstow-based company plans to further bolster its financial position with an additional £5 million through a retail offer.The recent £11 million fundraising effort was achieved through a new share placement with major institutional investors. This initiative is set to enhance the company’s ability to meet its commercial and operational objectives, particularly in the field of minimally invasive surgical endoscopy for pre-cancer and cancer patients.The firm is also engaged in a significant partnership deal, selling 51% of its European subsidiary to the Chinese company Micro-Tech. Micro-Tech…