Author: Scott Dylan

The recent BBC Panorama investigation has revealed discrepancies in supermarket price-matching claims.Aldi CEO, Giles Hurley, communicated findings outlining quality differences in products versus a leading competitor.The investigation unveiled that some Aldi price-matched products at Tesco contained less of the main ingredient.Aldi asserts that value and quality do not have to be compromised, supported by the investigation’s outcome.Tesco responds by affirming their commitment to product quality and comparable pricing processes.The BBC Panorama investigation delved into the practice of price-matching by supermarkets, bringing to light some significant findings. It highlighted that numerous Tesco products, which purportedly matched Aldi’s prices, were not identical…

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is set to address the North East Growth Summit in Sunderland, his hometown, on October 10.The event will feature several prominent politicians and experts discussing economic growth strategies for the region.The North East Growth Summit aims to foster economic growth and development. Held at Sunderland City Hall, attendees will hear from various key figures, including Jonathan Reynolds and Shadow Business Secretary Kevin Hollinrake. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness will inaugurate the event, setting the stage for a series of insightful discussions.Panel discussions will explore how devolution can unlock investment and the role public and private infrastructure…

Southwest Airlines has detailed substantial changes to its business model and boarding process, introducing reserved seating. However, these changes will not be immediate.The transition away from open seating is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with reserved seating expected to be available on flights by early 2026.Southwest Airlines, known for its open seating policy for 53 years, announced plans to introduce reserved seating. This significant change will allow passengers to book specific seats starting in late 2025, with the reserved seats available from early 2026.The shift comes as the airline aims to meet the preferences of 80% of its customers…

The United States Postal Service is planning a series of postage price increases over the next three years. This move is seen as a response to financial challenges and inflation pressures.The incremental price rises will begin in July 2025 and occur biannually, aiming to balance service affordability and operational sustainability. The USPS hopes to maintain competitiveness and efficiency amidst these changes.Postal Service Announces Stamp Price IncreasesThe United States Postal Service (USPS) is proposing to increase the price of First-Class postage five times over the next three years. Currently priced at 73 cents, these planned hikes will take effect starting in…

Longshore workers at ports spanning from Maine to Texas are slated to initiate a strike early Tuesday. This strike has the potential to be the most disruptive to the US economy in several decades.The anticipated halt could obstruct the flow of diverse goods, including essential consumer and industrial items. The ramifications might include shortages and an increase in prices, particularly as the economy is recovering from pandemic-induced inflation.Impact on Imports and ExportsThe ports involved in this strike include major ones such as the Port of New York and New Jersey, the nation’s third-largest by cargo volume. Ports with specific specialities,…

HMRC has reported a significant 21% drop in research and development (R&D) tax credit claims for the 2022/23 tax year. The number of claims fell to 65,690 from 83,240 in the previous year.This decline has sparked concerns about the impact on innovation, particularly among small businesses. The increasingly stringent claim processing is discouraging many from applying.Stricter Claim ProcessingThe decline in R&D tax credit claims has been linked to HMRC’s more stringent claim processing requirements. These new processes are reportedly discouraging small businesses from applying for the tax relief they are entitled to. The additional hurdles are seen as unnecessary and…

Morrisons has reported a slight increase in sales for its third quarter, underlining its dedication to enhancing product availability and customer loyalty.Sales grew by 2% to nearly £4 billion, driven by efforts in commercial excellence, operations optimisation, and new value creation.The addition of 50 products to its Aldi and Lidl price match scheme has expanded the offering to almost 300 items, boosting value perceptions.The More Card saw significant investment, introducing over 2,000 new prices, highlighting loyalty as a strategic priority.Innovative use of AI-powered availability cameras enhanced product availability by 2% across more than 400 stores.During its third quarter, Morrisons experienced…

A new white paper calls for variable EPR fees in UK fashion.QSA Partners, with support from key industry bodies, has developed this proposal.The aim is to hold producers accountable for the environmental impact of their products.Experts argue this could promote recycling and reduce production’s harmful effects.There is a push for legislation to drive this initiative forward.A new industry-backed white paper has been introduced, advocating for the implementation of variable Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees within the fashion sector in the UK. The proposal has been developed by QSA Partners with backing from prominent organisations including the UK Fashion and Textile…

A charity lunch is making its return to Birmingham’s business social scene for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic.The Journalists’ Charity will welcome Sky News crime reporter Martin Brunt as its guest speaker when it returns in November.The Journalists’ Charity: A Legacy of SupportThe charity was founded by Charles Dickens in 1864 to help journalists and their dependents going through tough times. The organisation offers advice, emergency support and financial assistance to those in need.Over the years, it has grown to become a significant pillar in the journalistic community, upholding the welfare and integrity of journalists across the…

The term ‘vibecession’ aptly captured the dissonance between positive economic indicators and public sentiment over the past few years.However, recent trends suggest we may be moving towards a more positive outlook, with falling gas prices and surging stock markets leading the way.Recent Economic TrendsThe phrase ‘vibecession’ was coined to describe a period when economic indicators looked good on paper, but people’s personal financial situations told a different story. Recently, however, signs indicate we might be exiting this phase. The average gasoline price in the US stands at $3.21 per gallon and is expected to drop below $3 by the end…