Author: Scott Dylan

St Austell Brewery has expanded its portfolio by acquiring The Bell at Broadway, a historic Somerset pub. This strategic acquisition now brings their total to 122 leased and tenanted pubs.The acquisition aligns with the brewery’s goals of enhancing regional presence and embracing venues with community significance.Expansion of St Austell Brewery’s PortfolioSt Austell Brewery, renowned for its Tribute pale ale, has strategically enhanced its pub collection by acquiring The Bell at Broadway, a historical establishment located in Somerset. This acquisition brings the brewer’s total number of leased and tenanted pubs to 122, alongside the direct management of 44 pubs across the…

Workers across eight Tesco distribution centres are contemplating strikes over a disputed pay rise.The proposed pay increase, ranging from 2% with an added £500 bonus to 4.4%, was rejected by the workers.Usdaw, the union representing these employees, has initiated a consultative ballot regarding potential industrial action.If the strike proceeds, it may significantly impact Tesco’s operations during the critical pre-Christmas trading period.Tesco asserts that their pay offer is equitable, equivalent to twice the current rate of CPI inflation.Employees at eight Tesco distribution centres, including Hinckley, Magor, Southampton, and others, rejected the proposed pay increase due to dissatisfaction with its terms. The…

Bristol-based Thrive has joined forces with TopCashback Sustainability to advance renewable energy projects.The partnership involves an £80 million investment aimed at enhancing wind and solar power development.A significant collaboration has been announced between Bristol-based Thrive and the investment division of TopCashback Sustainability, focusing on renewable energy projects. This partnership is set to mobilise up to £80 million over the next four years, targeting investments in wind, solar, and other renewable resources. Thrive’s Managing Director, Matthew Clayton, expressed enthusiasm about increasing the company’s project capacity through this agreement with TopCashback.The UK Government has outlined ambitious renewable energy targets, which include doubling…

August showed resilience in UK shopper numbers despite early month disruptions.BRC/Sensormatic data indicates a slight overall decline in footfall by 0.4% compared to last year.Retail parks outperformed other retail destinations, with a 2.6% increase in footfall.Analysts remain cautiously optimistic about future retail growth.Government support seen as crucial for high street recovery and investment.August presented a mixed yet resilient picture for UK shopper numbers. Data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic indicates that despite riots in early August, overall footfall only declined by 0.4% compared to the previous year.While Northern Ireland and Scotland experienced modest year-on-year increases in footfall…

The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) is taking significant steps to bolster job creation in the region.With £3.3 million from the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the NEAA is targeting the long-term unemployed.The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has received a substantial financial boost, securing £3.3 million from the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. This funding is strategically aimed at facilitating job creation and training opportunities within the North East automotive sector, focusing on South Tyneside and Sunderland. The initiative is expected to benefit at least 200 individuals, particularly those who are long-term unemployed.Paul Butler, CEO of the NEAA, stated, “The region…

Arket, a premium Scandi brand under H&M, is expanding into Ireland, reflecting its growing international presence.The brand is known for its minimalist style and high-quality, accessible products, offering a range of fashion and homeware.Arket’s head of design, Ella Soccorsi, emphasises the significance of mentorship and personal connections in the fashion industry.Soccorsi discusses the importance of balancing customer demands with staying true to the brand’s core identity.Collaborations with various artists and designers are central to Arket’s innovative approach.Arket, established in 2017 as a part of the H&M Group, has carved out a niche as a premium fashion and lifestyle brand. Its…

J Lindeberg has announced a significant leadership change in their ecommerce team.Alexander Diedrich will assume the role of head of ecommerce at J Lindeberg starting September 2024.Diedrich brings extensive experience from his previous positions at Levi Strauss, Toms, and Under Armour.The move signifies J Lindeberg’s focus on enhancing their global digital sales and consumer experience.Diedrich’s relocation to Stockholm underscores the strategic importance of his new role.J Lindeberg, the Swedish ready-to-wear and golfwear brand, has appointed Alexander Diedrich as the new head of ecommerce. This appointment is effective from 1 September 2024. Diedrich, an experienced professional in the field, previously spearheaded…

The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), in collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and police, has launched a new initiative to standardise witness statements for CCTV evidence.Retailers are encouraged to adopt a consistent format for submitting CCTV footage through Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMS).The standardised statement aims to streamline the process of recording and addressing shoplifting incidents.Shoplifting rates in England and Wales have reached record highs, prompting the introduction of these measures.Retailers have expressed optimism about the potential impact on shoplifting prosecutions.The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), working with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and police forces, has introduced…

Theatr Clwyd is undergoing a major £50 million renovation poised to transform it into a cultural hub. The project is expected to generate 100 new jobs.Aiming to boost the local economy significantly, this initiative also focuses on sustainability, contributing positively to both the community and environment.Extensive Refurbishment PlansTheatr Clwyd in Mold, North Wales, is gearing up for an extensive £50 million transformation. The ambitious project aims to create 100 new jobs and significantly boost the local economy by up to £30 million annually. The renovation will enhance the theatre’s eco-friendly features, aspiring to make it carbon positive. This sustainable development…

N Brown Group has officially launched a new trading website for JD Williams, marking the completion of their online transformation initiative.The site is part of an overarching strategy to establish new platforms for all their major brands, including Simply Be and Jacomo.The revamped websites boast a 20% increase in speed and have improved their Google Lighthouse scores twofold.N Brown Group reported a return to profit with £5.3 million before tax, reversing last year’s substantial loss.The company’s leadership is focused on continued investment in digital strategies for sustainable growth and enhanced customer experience.N Brown Group has undertaken a significant digital transformation,…