Author: Scott Dylan

Userled, an AI startup, has secured £4 million to enhance its B2B marketing automation platform.The investment will drive Userled’s expansion and innovation in hyper-personalised marketing.Ground-breaking Funding for UserledUserled, an ambitious AI startup, has successfully raised £4 million in pre-seed funding. This significant investment underscores Userled’s potential in the B2B marketing sector. The funding round was led by the early-stage venture capital firm Localglobe. Additional support came from Dig Ventures and various angel investors, highlighting strong confidence in Userled’s vision and technology.The funding aims to propel Userled’s growth, allowing for strategic expansion and the acceleration of their AI-powered technology development. This…

British Steel is on the verge of securing a critical £600 million support package from the UK government. This financial aid comes amidst persistent challenges with its Chinese proprietor, Jingye, which jeopardise the operational sustainability of British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant.The proposed state bailout aims to facilitate a transformative shift to cleaner, Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology. While promising significant reductions in carbon emissions, the transition poses risks to employment, potentially affecting 2,000 jobs, raising concerns among trade unions.Labour has voiced a fresh commitment to settling the unresolved issues between British Steel and its Chinese owner, Jingye. British Steel holds a…

Second-hand marketplace, Vinted, faced backlash from users after altering its delivery options.Users reported that they could not access a list of courier options on 5 August.The change limited delivery choice to options offered by sellers, leading to user frustration.Following the complaints, Vinted reverted the app to its previous delivery settings.Vinted assures users that no further action is required on their part.On 5 August, some of Vinted’s 16 million UK users experienced issues accessing the courier options list on the platform. This change affected the delivery choices available to buyers, which were previously more flexible.The update restricted delivery options based on…

This week’s update on professional movements in the North East showcases several significant appointments and promotions.Companies like Hay & Kilner, Sweeney Miller Law, and CustomerSure are among those making strategic personnel changes to drive growth and innovation.Hay & Kilner Expands Team with Multiple AppointmentsRegional law firm Hay & Kilner has expanded significantly with the introduction of 20 new hires. These appointments span various departments such as commercial disputes, rural property, corporate restructuring, criminal defence, family law, and private client services. This expansion is seen as a calculated move to bolster their high-quality legal offerings.Within their Newcastle-based head office, the firm…

Marks & Spencer has pioneered the offering of stoma knickers as the first major UK retailer to do so.The stoma knickers will be available online and in select stores starting 10 August.They were designed in collaboration with women living with stomas and the charity Colostomy UK.The initiative stemmed from an internal suggestion scheme called ‘Straight to Stuart’.These knickers are available in packs of three with an exemption from the 20% VAT tax.Marks & Spencer has achieved a pioneering milestone with the introduction of stoma knickers into its lingerie collection. The retailer takes pride in being the first major retailer in…

Independent retailers express discontent over the sudden launch of Fynch-Hatton’s UK website.The site went live without informing UK stockists, causing frustration among retailers.Fynch-Hatton’s UK agent, Sardine Agencies, partnered in the site’s development.The new platform seeks to showcase Fynch-Hatton’s complete collection independently.Issues arose as no UK stockists are listed on the new website.Several independent retailers have expressed dismay at the recent launch of the UK website for Fynch-Hatton, a German brand. They were surprised to learn about the website’s existence only after it went live, without any prior notification from Sardine Agencies, Fynch-Hatton’s UK partner.The website, fynch-hatton.co.uk, was registered on 22…

A major transformation is underway as the former Debenhams store in Carmarthen is being converted into a multifaceted health and leisure hub. Located within the St Catherine’s Walk retail scheme, this £25 million project aims to revitalise the space for community health services, leisure activities, and more by 2026.Spanning 80,000 square feet, the new Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb is set to become a central hub for community health and recreational activities. The ambitious initiative follows the closure of Debenhams in 2021, with significant financial backing from both the UK and Welsh governments.Project Overview and ObjectivesThe Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing…

Barclays has taken a transformative step by eliminating the EU-imposed bonus cap for its senior bankers and traders. This strategic move aligns its compensation policies closely with those of major Wall Street firms.Under the revised regulations, Barclays’ high-ranking risk-takers can now receive bonuses up to 10 times their base salary. This is a significant increase from the previous cap ratio of 2:1, marking a notable shift in the bank’s remuneration strategy.Barclays’ decision to lift the EU-imposed bonus cap allows senior bankers and traders to earn significantly higher bonuses, aligning the bank with its international peers. This change is particularly focused…

Hargreaves Lansdown has agreed to a substantial buyout deal with a private equity consortium, valuing the investment firm at £5.4 billion.This agreement follows prolonged negotiations and aligns with the company’s strategic interests, supported by key shareholders.The Takeover AgreementHargreaves Lansdown, the prominent investment platform, has confirmed its agreement to a private equity buyout valued at £5.4 billion. The offer, priced at £11.10 per share, includes a 30 pence dividend, marking the culmination of extensive negotiations between the firm and a consortium of private equity entities, notably CVC Capital Partners.The company, founded in Bristol, has witnessed a significant increase in its stock…

UK high street footfall experienced a significant decline due to ongoing riots, dropping by 4.8% from 4 to 7 August.The decline in foot traffic is attributed to rioting and protests, particularly impactful on 7 August.Regional cities outside of London saw the most severe drops, with North & Yorkshire and West Midlands hit hardest.The unrest began in Southport, Merseyside, sparked by misinformation about a tragic incident.Retailers have responded by closing stores early to safeguard staff amid safety concerns.UK high street footfall has seen a noticeable decline, dropping by an average of 4.8% over the period from 4 to 7 August. This…