Author: Scott Dylan

The retail sector in the UK has experienced a decline in footfall, attributed to the early holiday departures of consumers seeking better weather.In June, the overall footfall in UK retail destinations dropped by 1.4% compared to the same period last year.High streets and shopping centres faced their first decline in footfall since 2019, before the pandemic era.Despite a drop in year-on-year footfall, there was a monthly increase from May to June, spurred by events such as the Euro’s and Taylor Swift’s tour.The second half of June saw noticeable improvements, with weekly high street footfall increasing significantly toward the month’s end.Footfall…

Seraphine has embarked on an international growth journey with a strategic shift to multiple distribution centres (DC).The project kicked off in January 2023 as Seraphine outlined its long-term strategy for the next three to five years.Fran Pillar, Seraphine’s COO, detailed the brand’s approach to this transformation at a recent industry summit.The strategy aims to enhance supply chain efficiency and support global demand for maternity wear.This move positions Seraphine to capture more international market share and improve customer service.In January 2023, Seraphine initiated a comprehensive project to drive international growth by adopting a multi-distribution centre (DC) strategy. This strategic approach was…

AllSaints’ COO Catherine Jobling outlines strategic supplier collaborations for sustainable growth at the Drapers Supply Chain Summit.Jobling discusses the importance of supplier partnerships in achieving sustainability targets.AllSaints focuses on building long-term relationships with key suppliers to foster mutual growth.The company emphasises transparency and shared values with suppliers to drive sustainable practices.Managing the supplier base effectively aligns with AllSaints’ broader commitment to sustainable fashion.At the Drapers Supply Chain Summit, Catherine Jobling, COO of AllSaints, highlighted the strategic importance of working closely with suppliers to meet the company’s sustainability aims. She described how AllSaints is fostering a collaborative approach with its suppliers,…

Crown Works Studios in Sunderland is advancing as plans to find contractors take off. The £475m project will significantly impact the region’s economy, similar to the historic influence of the Nissan plant.FulwellCain Studios, a collaboration between Fulwell 73 and Cain International, leads the ambitious plan, with Sunderland City Council and the North East mayoral authority committing substantial investments. The studio promises to open new economic opportunities and job prospects.The establishment of Crown Works Studios represents a landmark economic development for the North East. In terms of magnitude, this £475m project is heralded as one of the most transformative since the…

Tekmar, a notable player in the subsea equipment domain, has successfully secured a lucrative contract surpassing £3.3 million with a European wind farm.This significant deal will see the Darlington-based firm deliver its Generation 10 cable protection systems, enhancing its foothold in the European market.Tekmar has been awarded a substantial contract worth over €4 million to provide its innovative cable protection systems to a European wind farm. This contract marks a strategic achievement for Tekmar, as it partners with a new client in the region. The move is set to fortify its reputation within Europe’s renewable energy sector.The announcement of this…

Nudea, a brand recognised for its sustainable underwear, is set to launch in Nordstrom stores across North America, enhancing its existing presence in the US market.The launch will coincide with Independence Day, July 4th, marking a significant expansion for Nudea.Nudea already has 16 stockists across various US states, emphasising its growing footprint in the retail market.CEO Priya Downes expresses enthusiasm about partnering with Nordstrom, highlighting the store’s premium reach and compatibility with Nudea’s brand ethos.This partnership is expected to bolster Nudea’s visibility and sales in the North American region.Nudea, an award-winning brand recognised for its sustainable approach to underwear, is…

Givenchy has announced the appointment of Alessandro Valenti as their new CEO, succeeding Renaud De Lesquen.De Lesquen served as Givenchy’s CEO since 2020, guiding the fashion house for four years.Valenti has a rich background in luxury fashion, having previously worked with notable brands such as Versace and Armani.The appointment comes as Givenchy searches for a new creative director following Matthew Williams’ departure in December 2023.LVMH’s Sidney Toledano expressed confidence in Valenti’s ability to lead Givenchy to new heights due to his extensive industry experience.Givenchy, the renowned French couture house, has officially appointed Alessandro Valenti as its new Chief Executive Officer,…

Centre City, a prominent office building in the heart of Birmingham, is undergoing a significant £4.5 million renovation.This redevelopment aims to modernise the facilities, offering a range of new amenities and workspaces for businesses.Introduction of New FacilitiesCentre City, an iconic office block located in Birmingham city centre, is currently undergoing a substantial renovation effort valued at £4.5 million. The refurbishment initiative aims to introduce a variety of new amenities to enhance the workspace environment. Among the planned features are a new café, a lounge, and a contemplation room, catering to modern workplace needs.Additionally, the renovations will include the installation of…

Marks & Spencer is set to expand its presence with the opening of two new flagship stores in Bath and Bristol, backed by a significant investment.The Bath location will see a £17m investment as M&S relocates to a larger space at the Southgate shopping centre.The Bristol flagship, situated in Cabot Circus, involves a £21m investment and anticipates creating up to 150 jobs.These openings are part of M&S’s broader store rotation strategy aimed at enhancing their retail footprint across the UK.CEO Stuart Machin emphasised the importance of situating stores in optimal city centre locations to enhance customer experience.Marks & Spencer has…

Isocom Components 2004, based in Hartlepool, has embarked on an ambitious growth journey, fueled by a significant investment from the Foresight Group.This strategic financial support aims to bolster the company’s capabilities in product development and market expansion.Investment Boost for Isocom Components 2004Isocom Components 2004, a Hartlepool-based electronics manufacturer, has secured a multimillion-pound investment from the Foresight Group. This influx of capital is earmarked to support the company’s expansion efforts, including enhanced production capabilities and increased research and development initiatives. As a niche supplier of optocouplers and optoswitches, which are essential safety components, the company seeks to broaden its market reach…