Author: Scott Dylan

In a challenging year, UK food banks have distributed almost three million emergency food parcels.This marks a 37% increase compared to the previous year, as cost-of-living pressures escalate.More than one million parcels were designated for children, highlighting rising child poverty.The Trussell Trust’s findings show a worrying reliance on food banks across the UK.Calls for government action to adjust benefit levels are intensifying amidst these findings.The latest data from the Trussell Trust reveals that food banks across the UK have issued nearly three million emergency food parcels in the past year. This marks a 37% increase from the previous year, setting…

A troubling method of iPhone theft is becoming more prevalent. Offenders are not only stealing the devices but also locking owners out permanently.A sophisticated yet alarming tactic of gaining control over a user’s iPhone and locking them out is on the rise. Thieves exploit a security feature called the recovery key, making it almost impossible for the original owners to access their data, messages, photos, and more. There are also reports of thieves accessing financial apps and draining bank accounts.Executing this kind of takeover is not straightforward. Thieves need to observe the user entering their passcode, often by looking over…

Brakes, a wholesale foodservice supplier, is implementing a price freeze on 1,850 own-brand products until October 2023 to support food businesses during rising inflation.The initiative covers a selection of frozen and ambient products, providing stability for essential items amidst economic uncertainty.Products such as baked beans, tuna chunks, chopped tomatoes, and sugar are among the cupboard staples included in the price stability effort.Frozen goods, including hash browns and chicken chunks, will also retain their prices, offering predictability for foodservice operators.The move aligns with other retailers like M&S and Tesco, which have extended price locks on various products to assist consumers.In a…

A new survey reveals strong enthusiasm among Brits for the King’s Coronation celebrations this May.Approximately 63% of the UK population intends to participate in local street parties marking the event.Young people, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are more inclined to join these celebrations compared to older generations.Despite financial pressures, most attendees are willing to contribute financially to these events.Londoners are notably enthusiastic, with a high percentage planning to host street celebrations.A recent survey highlights that 63% of the UK population plans to attend local street party celebrations for the King’s Coronation this May. This substantial participation underscores the historic significance…

Aldi is introducing the viral Prime Hydration drinks with new flavours.The drinks, created by KSI and Logan Paul, will be available nationwide.Prime Hydration will be offered as a Specialbuy with limited availability.A purchase limit has been set to ensure wider distribution to consumers.The drink is known for its coconut water, electrolytes, and zero sugar.Aldi has announced its decision to stock Prime Hydration, a popular energy drink by social media influencers KSI and Logan Paul. Available from today, the new range introduces several flavours and will be distributed across stores in the UK at a recommended retail price of £1.99.Recognising the…

Iceland has unveiled a new ‘Local’ store format in Wolverhampton, operated by SGN Retail.The store is located on a Texaco forecourt, incorporating a Costcutter.Customers can purchase petrol and groceries at a single point of sale.The store features a variety of aisles, with a frozen section supplied by Iceland.Iceland plans further expansion of this concept following its launch.Iceland has introduced a new ‘Local’ convenience store in Wolverhampton, marking a significant development in its retail offerings. This new format is managed by SGN Retail and is strategically located on a Texaco garage forecourt, providing a unique shopping experience by combining refueling and…

The FBI has issued a warning to consumers concerning the dangers of using public phone charging stations.Public USB stations found in places such as malls and airports may expose devices to malicious software, posing significant security risks.Public USB charging stations, once perceived as a convenient solution for low battery situations, are now under scrutiny. The FBI has highlighted the potential for these stations to spread malware and monitoring software. This warning is not unfounded as bad actors increasingly exploit these opportunities.Security experts have been aware of these issues for years, but the problem has become more prevalent with the rise…

Next has secured Cath Kidston’s intellectual property for £8.5 million following its administration.Next will acquire Cath Kidston’s brand, domain names, and intellectual property.The cathkidston.com domain will be held temporarily by administrators for stock clearance.PwC’s Zelf Hussain and Rachael Wilkinson are appointed as joint administrators.Cath Kidston stores will remain open briefly, with eventual staff redundancies planned.Next has successfully acquired the intellectual property of Cath Kidston for £8.5 million following the company’s fall into administration. The acquisition includes the brand name, domain names, and other intellectual property. This acquisition is part of a pre-pack deal, a strategy often used to sell an…

Sainsbury’s is leading a green initiative by introducing cardboard laundry detergent packaging, aiming to cut plastic waste.The supermarket chain will replace plastic bottles with cardboard cartons for its 750ml own-brand detergents, saving 22 tonnes of plastic annually.The new packaging is 35% lighter and fully recyclable, contributing to a 50% reduction in carbon emissions.Sainsbury’s also reformulated the detergent to be more concentrated, offering five extra washes per carton.These initiatives align with Sainsbury’s commitment to halve its plastic packaging by 2025.Sainsbury’s has announced a significant step in its sustainability efforts by launching cardboard packaging for its own-brand liquid laundry detergents. This new…

A significant majority of the UK public supports the extension of free school meals to children in households receiving Universal Credit.Family food poverty rates have doubled within a year, affecting 21.6% of households with children compared to 11.6% the previous year.YouGov poll data shows 80% public approval for extending free school meals, a rise from 72% last year.The backing for this policy is particularly strong in key marginal constituencies, impacting future political stakes.Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are ahead in implementing broader school meal programmes compared to England.In a time of increasing economic hardship, a significant number of UK residents…