Author: Sam Allcock

Sir Keir Starmer has indicated a potential increase in the employers’ national insurance contributions. Labour remains committed to its tax promises for workers. This suggestion intends to balance economic stability with Labour’s fiscal commitments.As budget discussions approach, business leaders express concern about the implications of such fiscal changes. They emphasise possible risks to employment levels and economic growth. Labour, however, affirms its intent to maintain tax promises to workers.In the lead-up to the budget, Labour has reiterated its commitment to not increase taxes on workers. Despite this firm stance, there remains ambiguity regarding employer contributions. While workers’ national insurance rates…

Frasers Group has acquired a significant shareholding in Hudson Malta, a key player in retail and distribution.This acquisition is set to introduce Sports Direct and USC brands to the Maltese market by 2025.The strategic move expands Frasers Group’s footprint across Northwest Africa via Hudson’s distribution network.Opportunities for further investment could see Frasers Group obtaining a controlling interest in Hudson.Both companies aim to elevate their retail presence and consumer experiences across EMEA.Frasers Group has publicly announced its acquisition of a substantial non-controlling stake in Hudson Malta, a prominent retail and distribution firm based in Malta. Hudson extends its operations across 36…

Boots has achieved its 14th consecutive quarter of growth, showcasing robust performance in Q4.Retail sales surged by 6.2% in the fourth quarter, underpinned by skincare and premium beauty categories.Overall sales for the year ending 31 August increased by 6.9%, with strong contributions from health and beauty, convenience, and flagship stores.Digital sales experienced a significant rise of 18.7%, driven by the popularity of the Boots app which accounted for 40% of these sales.Pharmacy sales also saw a notable increase of 10% year-on-year, spurred by a high demand for NHS and private services.The health and beauty retail giant Boots has delivered its…

Segro’s £115m warehouse sale marks a significant shift for Imperial College’s Westtech Corridor project.The 10-acre estate, once an urban warehouse, is set to become a hub for scientific innovation.Owned by Segro since 2009, the property faced occupancy challenges, leading to its sale.Imperial College intends to use the site for early-stage companies in science and technology.The initiative aligns with regional regeneration plans supported by local authorities.Segro, a notable player in the industrial property sector, has divested its warehouse located on Victoria Road to Imperial College London for a substantial £115 million. This transaction highlights the strategic shift both for Segro, which…

The International Investment Summit has catalysed a monumental financial influx into the United Kingdom, securing £63 billion and heralding the creation of 38,000 jobs. This historic achievement underscores the UK’s commitment to advancing its infrastructure, technology, and green energy sectors. The summit’s outcomes highlight significant investments and transformative partnerships across key industries.Historic Surge in InvestmentThe International Investment Summit has achieved a record-breaking total, surpassing last year’s £29.5 billion secured at the Global Investment Summit. The UK government attributes this success to strategic planning reforms, advancements in AI and data centres, and a substantial increase in funding for renewable energy projects.Among…

Shift Bioscience has raised £12m in seed funding to develop AI technology aimed at reversing ageing.The funding will support the startup’s AI cell simulation platform to rejuvenate cells.Shift Bioscience’s generative AI platform predicts gene sets that can rejuvenate cells safely.The investment reflects the growing interest and potential of AI in addressing age-related diseases.Industry leaders highlight the significance of AI combined with biology in healthcare advancements.Shift Bioscience, a Cambridge-based health technology startup, has successfully closed a £12m seed funding round. This significant investment round was led by the Business Growth Fund (BGF) and included participation from notable investors such as F-Prime…

Fenwick has reported a substantial loss as it grapples with high inflation and competitive discounting, underscoring the challenging retail climate.The department store chain posted a pre-tax loss of £28.4 million, a sharp decline from a profit of £57.1 million the previous year.Sales dropped by 7% to £184.2 million, attributed to high mortgage rates and inflation, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.The company highlighted intense discounting by competitors as a factor impacting its sales performance and cost management.Efforts to return to profitability focus on enhancing operational efficiency and improving both online and physical store experiences.Fenwick, the renowned department store chain, has reported a…

Business leaders are prioritising cybersecurity over AI despite the buzz around the latter.A significant 83% of executives deem cybersecurity as ‘very important’ or ‘extremely important’.Cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) also outpace AI in business considerations.The perceived necessity of cybersecurity acts as an ‘insurance policy’ for organisations.Current business technology strategies focus on immediate security concerns over speculative AI advancements.Business leaders are increasingly recognising that amid the growing prominence of artificial intelligence, other technological domains warrant more immediate attention. While AI continues to generate headlines, particularly with ventures like BlackRock and Microsoft’s planned $30 billion investment fund, its current…

Louis Vuitton has launched its inaugural store and cafe at London Heathrow’s Terminal 2, marking the brand’s first culinary venture in the UK.The collaboration with renowned Parisian chef Cyril Lignac aims to enhance the travel experience for international and domestic passengers.This new addition is part of Louis Vuitton’s expanding hospitality portfolio, which includes over 20 locations globally.The Heathrow opening was initially scheduled for 30 September but has now officially commenced.Le Café V, along with other esteemed locations like St Tropez and Doha, represents Louis Vuitton’s commitment to luxury hospitality.Louis Vuitton, the esteemed French fashion house, has unveiled its first store…

TFG London is expanding its retail footprint by launching its largest multi-brand store at Liverpool One next spring.The 12,000 sq ft flagship will feature a diverse range of products from Hobbs, Whistles, Phase Eight, and Inside Story.Key collections will include Hobbs’ luxury fashion, Phase Eight’s occasionwear, Whistles’ contemporary womenswear, as well as specialised bridal and petite ranges.The store will also offer a luxury styling suite designed specifically for event shoppers.This development follows TFG securing a £90m refinancing facility aimed at supporting its strategic growth plans.TFG London, renowned for its ownership of fashion brands Hobbs, Whistles, Phase Eight, and the homeware…