Author: Scott Dylan

A TikTok video has gone viral showing a woman skipping the scanning of several items at a self-check-out. The video has sparked a significant debate online.The woman, who goes by the username @dulitty, explained her actions and addressed critics, clarifying that she is not engaging in theft but is operating as a Spark Driver.Viral TikTok Sparks DiscussionA TikTok video posted by user @dulitty has ignited a debate regarding her behaviour at a self-check-out lane. The video, captioned ‘Mind yo business,’ shows her bypassing the scanning of several items and glaring at other shoppers who appear to be monitoring her actions.The…

As the world moves towards a more digital age, it is crucial for companies to stay ahead in technological advancements. One software company is leading the charge, playing a significant role in shaping the future of the North East of England.This year, the software company is the proud headline partner of the North East Business Awards 2024, sponsoring the Business of the Year category. The awards aim to highlight the remarkable achievements of businesses in the North East, and the event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 3 October, at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield.Championing Innovation and New BeginningsJonathan Cowan,…

UK borrowing exceeded forecasts again in August, pushing national debt to 100% of GDP. The higher borrowing figures were primarily driven by increased spending on benefits and government operations.Despite rising debt, the cost of servicing it decreased for the fourth consecutive month, thanks to lower inflation. Labour faces a significant fiscal gap but gained some headroom due to the Bank of England’s bond strategy shift.Higher Than Expected BorrowingPublic sector net borrowing in the UK reached £13.7 billion in August, significantly exceeding the £11.2 billion forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). This increase is partly due to heightened spending…

City Hospice, the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in Cardiff, is set to open its largest charity shop. The new store will be located on Colchester Avenue and will open in October.Offering a variety of pre-owned items, the shop will play a significant role in fundraising efforts, providing vital care for patients and supporting their families.New Store DetailsCity Hospice’s new 3,500 sq ft store will feature a wide range of pre-used items including accessories, books, clothing, furniture, and homeware. This new location aims to serve as both a retail outlet and a community space.The shop’s inauguration is set…

Retail sales in the United Kingdom have soared to a two-year high, driven by enthusiastic consumer spending on summer deals. This surge is a positive indicator for the nation’s economic recovery, highlighting an increase in the purchase of food, clothing, footwear, and household items.Annual retail sales volumes rose by 2.5 per cent, significantly exceeding the forecasted rise of 1.5 per cent. This constitutes the strongest performance since July 2022 and marks a substantial acceleration from the 1.4 per cent annual growth recorded in July. Month-to-month sales also saw a notable increase of 1 per cent, with the figure for July…

Boohoo Group has unveiled a new showroom in Soho, London, to showcase its core brand offerings.The showroom is located on the fashion retailer’s Great Pulteney Street office ground floor.It serves as a hub for product showcases, influencer events, and internal meetings.The space, measuring 6,700 square feet, features flexible work areas and a garden terrace.This move replaces the previous 3,500 square feet showroom, closed earlier this year.Boohoo Group recently announced the opening of a new showroom situated in the vibrant area of Soho, London. This strategic location within the company’s Great Pulteney Street office is designed to display offerings from its…

A prominent virtual reality learning company is preparing for a significant growth phase in 2024, supported by its recent US market expansion.The firm, based in Gloucestershire, aims to increase revenue and EBITDA by over 50%, thanks to the growing demand for its educational technology products.US Market Expansion Drives Revenue BoostThe company, established in Quedgeley, now serves more than two million students across 200,000 institutions in 90 countries. Its expansion into the US market has been particularly noteworthy, driving a substantial portion of its 2023 revenue.By the end of 2023, the company reported earnings of £23m, with an EBITDA of £6.4m.…

Despite declining consumer confidence, retail sales continued to rise in August, as confirmed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).Retail sales increased by 1% in August, marking the highest level since July 2022, driven by specific factors.Supermarkets and clothing retailers saw a boost from warmer weather and end-of-season sales, contributing to higher sales figures.While food and clothing sales performed well, online spending remained steady, experiencing a modest year-on-year increase of 4.3%.Consumer confidence dropped significantly in September, highlighting potential economic challenges ahead for retailers.In a remarkable demonstration of resilience, retail sales in the United Kingdom rose by 1% in August, according…

August witnessed a noticeable uptick in retail sales, driven primarily by warmer weather which positively influenced consumer behaviour.The Office for National Statistics reported a 1% increase in total retail sales volumes for August, the highest since July 2022.Clothing and footwear sectors experienced significant growth, with sales rising by 2.9% on July and 0.6% on August 2023.Online retail sales for clothing and footwear also saw a notable rise of 4.4% from the previous month.Other retail sectors such as furniture and household goods lagged as consumers favoured spending on experiences.Rising temperatures played a crucial role in driving retail sales during August, as…

Biome’s revenue fell by more than a third due to regulatory difficulties.The company reported a revenue of £2.3m in the first half of the year.Losses increased by 76% during this period, reaching £1.2m.Share value decreased by 11% as trading began.CEO remains optimistic about resolving current challenges.Biome, a firm specialising in bioplastics, experienced a significant drop in revenue, which declined by over 36% in the first half of the year, amounting to £2.3m. This decline has been attributed to regulatory issues faced by two major clients, particularly in the case of a coffee pods client whose new product required additional testing,…