Author: Scott Dylan

Prada Group, renowned for its luxury fashion brands, posted noteworthy financial growth in the first half of 2024.Net revenues for Prada reached €2.5bn, marking a 17% year-on-year increase, reflecting robust brand performance.Retail sales for the group climbed by 18%, with exceptional growth observed across multiple global markets.Prada achieved a 6% rise in retail sales, while Miu Miu experienced a significant 93% sales surge.Strategic initiatives and a balanced product mix were pivotal in maintaining the brand’s momentum and market appeal.Prada Group, a leader in the luxury fashion sector, reported a 17% rise in net revenues to €2.5 billion for the period…

Asos has announced the departure of Clifford Cohen, EVP of Technology, with Hugh Williams stepping in as interim replacement.Clifford Cohen’s exit ends his nine-year tenure at Asos where he played a pivotal role in advancing tech strategies.Cohen previously held a significant position at Marks & Spencer before joining Asos as Chief Information Officer in 2015.Hugh Williams, stepping in as interim EVP, brings a wealth of experience from companies like Microsoft, Ebay, and Google.Williams has previously advised Asos on technology and digital product strategies over the past 18 months.Asos has confirmed the departure of Clifford Cohen, the Executive Vice President of…

JD Sports’ refurbished store at Westfield Stratford City leads the brand’s global portfolio.The store has reached record-breaking turnover and footfall.Mike Armstrong provides insights into the store’s success and innovative approaches.JD Sports focuses on enhancing customer experience through strategic renovations.The store showcases the latest retail technology and design.The JD Sports store at London’s Westfield Stratford City, post-renovation, has not only met but surpassed expectations by achieving the highest turnover and footfall in the company’s global network. This performance is attributed to a thoughtful blend of product selection, layout, and customer service enhancements, making it a standout in the retail sector.Mike Armstrong,…

Fenwick has appointed retail veteran Nigel Blow as the new Chief Executive, effective October 2024.John Edgar is stepping down after successfully navigating Fenwick through various pivotal changes.Blow brings extensive leadership experience from roles at Morleys Stores, Arnotts, and Brown Thomas.Under Edgar’s tenure, Fenwick launched an online platform and expanded its restaurant and key stores.Fenwick’s leadership transition is part of a broader reorganisation to enhance its management structure.Fenwick has announced the appointment of Nigel Blow as its new Chief Executive, with his tenure commencing in October 2024. This organisational change follows the resignation of current CEO John Edgar, who has been…

Luminous XR, a Newcastle-based pioneer in extended reality software, has clinched a £1m investment to advance its US expansion.This funding milestone boosts the company’s total capital raise to £3.55m, reflecting its strategic commitment to international growth.Investment and Expansion PlansNewcastle-based Luminous XR has secured a substantial £1m investment to propel its expansion into the United States market. This capital infusion, orchestrated by the North East Venture Fund and backed by the European Regional Development Fund, signifies a pivotal moment for the company. The funding serves as a catalyst for Luminous XR’s ambition to extend its innovative extended reality (XR) platform, which…

Andrew Keith is set to depart from his role as Selfridges CEO, a position he held since 2021. His departure signals a time of transition for the retailer. Keith, who has led the company through challenging periods, leaves in the wake of financial and operational adjustments. The retail landscape continues to evolve rapidly.Andrew Keith, at the helm of Selfridges since 2020, will depart this autumn to explore new ventures. His tenure saw him rise as CEO in February 2021, after starting as Managing Director. Andre Maeder, joining in May, is poised to replace Keith as reported. This transition marks a…

BP has surpassed financial forecasts by posting substantial profits for the second quarter. Analysts were notably impressed by the company’s ability to exceed projected earnings figures.The oil giant’s strategic decisions and market adaptability contributed to its impressive financial results. This performance underscores BP’s capability to navigate challenging economic landscapes successfully.BP has reported a stronger-than-anticipated net profit for the second quarter, delighting stakeholders with a significant financial performance. The company achieved an underlying replacement cost profit of $2.8 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $2.6 billion. This development marks a remarkable recovery from the first quarter, which saw a 40% drop in…

Danish fashion brand Ganni has appointed Sheena Sauvaire as interim chief brand officer.Sauvaire, formerly of Net-A-Porter, will temporarily fill the role during Priya Matadeen’s maternity leave.Sauvaire’s career includes significant roles at Belstaff and YOXX Net-A-Porter.She also held a long-term position at Topshop in global marketing.Matadeen, currently on leave, joined Ganni from Dazed Media in 2023.The Danish fashion brand Ganni has recently appointed Sheena Sauvaire as its interim chief brand officer. This move comes as Priya Matadeen, the current chief brand officer, has taken maternity leave. Sauvaire brings a wealth of experience to this interim position, having held prominent roles in…

Recognising the challenges small and medium-sized enterprises face, Torfaen Council is striving to increase their participation in public contracts.The council’s framework, developed in collaboration with Cardiff Council, aims to support local firms by establishing clear procurement standards.Opening New Opportunities for SMEsTorfaen Borough Council has taken a proactive approach in seeking to engage more SMEs in bidding for their contracts. With a three-year procurement framework established in 2022 alongside Cardiff Council, the emphasis is on setting clear standards for suppliers. This framework is designed to open doors for local businesses, providing them with a greater chance to secure valuable council contracts.…

Ongoing disputes over motor finance commission arrangements have prompted the FCA to extend its investigation timeline.The investigation aims to ensure consumer protection and tackle historical financial dealings within the motor finance sector, with significant legal ramifications emerging. The FCA’s actions reflect a broader commitment to regulatory reform.Extension of the FCA InvestigationThe Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has embarked on an extended inquiry into the motor finance sector. The decision follows intense debates involving thousands of consumers and providers over commission structures. Initially intended to conclude by September 2024, the review’s timeline has now been pushed to May 2025, allowing the FCA…