Author: Scott Dylan

Simply Be has launched its AW24 campaign with a renewed focus on becoming the leading inclusive womenswear brand in the UK.The AW24 collection features a variety of styles, from leopard print dresses to versatile denim, priced between £16 and £75.The marketing campaign, titled ‘Find That Feeling,’ utilises platforms like Instagram and TikTok, along with traditional advertising channels.Simply Be’s strategic direction now emphasises creating an emotional connection with customers, focusing on empowerment and confidence.The brand’s target audience has shifted to a style-conscious 35-year-old demographic, prioritising quality and fit.Simply Be has introduced its new AW24 marketing strategy, aiming to establish itself as…

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated an investigation into Google’s practices in the digital advertising sector. The inquiry focuses on alleged anti-competitive behaviour that could hinder fair competition. As Google holds a significant share of the market, its conduct is under scrutiny to ensure a level playing field for all parties involved.Google’s dominant role in the ad tech industry is now being challenged by UK regulators. The CMA’s provisional findings suggest that Google’s practices might impede other companies from competing effectively. This investigation is part of a broader effort to understand and regulate digital markets, ensuring they…

The Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition is back, aimed at empowering women-led SMEs and start-ups across the West Midlands.Organised by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, NatWest, and the British Business Bank, this event provides a platform for female entrepreneurs to connect with investors.Empowering Female EntrepreneursThe Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition is set to return for its second year, empowering female entrepreneurs across the West Midlands. This prestigious event, organised by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in collaboration with NatWest and the British Business Bank, seeks to overcome challenges faced by women-led SMEs and start-ups. The initiative focuses on providing a platform…

Berkeley has announced its projection of a £525 million pre-tax profit for the year, with 90% secured through exchanged contracts.This revelation underscores Berkeley’s resilience amid sectoral challenges, driven by strong housing demand and supportive policy frameworks.Berkeley, a distinguished housebuilder based in Cobham, is on course to achieve a substantial pre-tax profit target of £525 million for this financial year. The company confirmed in a recent announcement that a remarkable 90% of this anticipated profit stems from sales contracts that have been successfully exchanged. This robust financial projection underscores Berkeley’s strategic positioning amid a challenging market landscape.Despite the buoyant forecast, Berkeley…

Next 15 has faced a significant setback with a primary client choosing not to renew their contract, leading to a 50% drop in share value. The London-based digital communications company confronts major financial challenges as it adjusts future revenue projections accordingly.The client’s departure impacts the venture division Mach49, causing an £80 million revenue shortfall anticipated for 2026. As a result, Next 15’s financial guidance has been revised downward, adding to market instability and investor worry.Client Exit and Financial ImpactNext 15’s shares experienced a sharp 50% decline when it publicised that one of its significant clients had decided against renewing their…

Gear4music, a prominent name in the online musical instrument retail space, is poised for significant growth over the next few years. The company recently outlined its ambitious revenue goals and strategic plans, indicating strong market positioning and financial health.During its latest annual meeting, Gear4music revealed plans to drive revenues to £150 million by 2025, following a series of strategic and operational adjustments. These changes are aimed at strengthening their market presence and ensuring robust long-term profitability.Gear4music, the noted online musical instrument retailer, has set ambitious growth targets, projecting revenues to reach £150 million by 2025. During their annual general meeting,…

TerraQuest, a prominent software firm, has officially relocated its Birmingham headquarters from Broad Street to Northspring, Temple Street.This move signifies a pivotal development for TerraQuest, known for its expertise in land and planning software solutions.The decision to relocate to a new 7,000 square foot office space in Northspring was motivated by the need for a more modern environment conducive to innovation. Chief Operating Officer David Bellamy emphasised that the new space better aligns with the company’s evolving needs, offering an inspiring setting to foster teamwork and achieve exceptional results.The new headquarters in Birmingham serves as a central hub for strategic…

Nationwide Building Society’s acquisition of Virgin Money has received full approval from regulatory bodies. The anticipated completion of this significant financial merger is set for October 1, offering strategic growth and market enhancement opportunities for both entities.The regulatory consent signifies an essential milestone in the financial sector, with the merger promising to reshape the landscape of loans and mortgages. Following comprehensive reviews, the approval assures no substantial impact on competition within the industry, positioning the merger as a pivotal development in the banking world.The acquisition, valued at £2.9bn, has been sanctioned by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation…

Gymshark, a popular UK activewear brand, has appointed Sian Keane as its new chief people officer.Keane previously held various senior roles at Farfetch, bringing over a decade of experience.Her role will include enhancing Gymshark’s people strategy by focusing on talent management.Keane’s appointment is part of broader executive changes at Gymshark, including recent key hires from Adidas and Abercrombie & Fitch.CEO Ben Francis emphasises the importance of top talent to Gymshark’s long-term vision.Gymshark, the renowned UK activewear brand, has announced the appointment of Sian Keane as its new chief people officer. Keane transitions to Gymshark after an impressive tenure at luxury…

With the rise of AI, its integration into job markets is unavoidable.The UK boasts over 360,000 AI professionals, highlighting its significant role.AI-based companies in the UK have grown exponentially over the past decade.Forty-six percent of UK workers use AI tools in job searches.Effective use of AI in job applications can be beneficial but requires caution.The interest in artificial intelligence has surged since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. The momentum was not entirely unexpected, as AI has deep historical roots in computing. The United Kingdom currently employs over 360,000 individuals in AI roles, with the sector valued at approximately…