Author: Sam Allcock

Wilko has teamed up with Deliveroo to offer rapid delivery of over 3,000 home and garden products in as little as 25 minutes.The service is launching in 10 locations including Edinburgh, Bristol, and Nottingham before expanding by the end of the year.This marks Wilko’s first venture into rapid delivery services, aligning with Deliveroo’s growth in non-food offerings.The partnership aims to meet growing consumer demand for quick access to household essentials.Wilko and Deliveroo are optimistic about making everyday items more accessible to customers with this collaboration.Wilko, a well-known retailer, has announced its partnership with Deliveroo to enhance accessibility for its customers…

The future of Stellantis’s UK manufacturing plants hangs in the balance as the company clashes with government policies on electric vehicle production targets. With net zero goals intensifying, Stellantis urges changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate to align with market demands.In a critical juncture for the UK automotive industry, Stellantis, the parent company of Vauxhall, is confronting a key decision on its Ellesmere Port and Luton plants. These facilities, crucial for electric car and van production, employ over 1,000 workers, but face potential closure if governmental regulations remain unchanged. The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, necessitating a specific percentage…

UK businesses are increasingly disillusioned with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) due to perceived declines in service standards. This dissatisfaction has been echoed in a record survey involving over 10,000 participants.Growing inefficiencies are impacting the tax collection process, and urgent reforms are being called for by industry leaders and experts.Growing Discontent Among BusinessesFor the first time, a significant number of UK businesses, surveyed by the Administrative Burdens Advisory Board (ABAB), have expressed dissatisfaction with HMRC services. The survey, which involved over 10,000 respondents, revealed a majority rating their experience as ‘poor’. This marks a notable shift in sentiment, raising…

The open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage begins soon. It’s a crucial time for seniors to review and potentially update their plans. This annual opportunity allows enrollees to ensure that their healthcare needs and financial situations align with their current policy.Understanding the ChangesThe Medicare Advantage market is experiencing significant changes. Although stable, insurers are modifying plans, potentially affecting senior citizens’ coverage. A surge in enrollment to 35.7 million is expected, representing over half of Medicare’s total participants. This necessitates a careful review of benefits and costs.Plan Terminations and New SelectionsIn 2025, over 1.8 million members will face plan terminations, impacting…

Footasylum has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team.Will Van Rensburg joins as Chief Commercial Officer, bringing extensive experience from Under Armour and Clarks.Glen Wilkinson is appointed as Senior Buying Director, with a robust background at Reebok, Ecco, and AW LAB.The appointments follow David Pujolar’s CEO role and a significant financial performance boost.The company aims to leverage new leadership for continued growth and market strengthening.Footasylum has strategically enhanced its leadership team, announcing new appointees poised to lead the company towards sustained growth and innovation. The announcement includes the appointment of former Under Armour executive, Will Van Rensburg, as the Chief…

Poundstretcher has announced a series of key appointments, signalling a strategic shift under new ownership.Miles Foster, formerly of Morrisons, joins as Group Operations Director, overseeing over 300 stores.Liz Harris is appointed as Head of Retail Operations, bringing nearly two decades of experience from Morrisons.Tony Fearon steps into the role of Group Commercial Director, enhancing the executive team.The leadership team is further bolstered with notable hires from B&M, One Beyond, and Asda.In a strategic move to reinforce its leadership, Poundstretcher has appointed several senior executives under the guidance of its new private equity owner. These appointments come as the discount retailer…

Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has significantly reduced its stake in Sainsbury’s by selling £305 million worth of shares.The sale, managed by Goldman Sachs, involved selling a third of QIA’s holding at £2.80 per share.This transaction led to a 6.2% drop in Sainsbury’s share value.Despite market share gains this summer, Sainsbury’s shares have fallen by 9% this year.Amidst these developments, calls for more government support have been amplified by retail leaders.The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), a major stakeholder in Sainsbury’s, executed a substantial divestment by selling £305 million ($400 million) worth of shares. This move involved offloading a third of its…

BP has appointed Hannah Munns as the new UK convenience trading director, marking a significant leadership change.Munns brings over two decades of experience from top retail brands such as M&S, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Asda.Her role includes driving growth by enhancing the BP-M&S partnership and evolving the Wild Bean Cafe offering.David Phillpot, the European convenience trading director, supports her efforts to transform convenience retail.This appointment aligns with BP’s strategy to be the premier choice for roadside convenience.BP has appointed Hannah Munns as the UK convenience trading director, a move that signifies the company’s commitment to enhancing its convenience retail sector. Munns,…

In an initiative aimed at addressing child dental health, Asda has partnered with Colgate to distribute over 70,000 dental kits to more than 1,600 schools across deprived areas in the UK.Tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine, impacting disadvantaged communities the hardest.Each dental kit includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a brushing chart, along with educational materials for families.Schools will have access to Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures programme, promoting effective oral care habits within the national curriculum.The initiative aligns with broader efforts by Asda to support UK primary schools through financial contributions…

In a turbulent year for Mondelēz UK, the confectionery titan faced a significant decline in profits despite an uptick in sales.Pre-tax profit for Mondelēz UK fell by 33% to £88.1 million by the end of 2023, amidst challenging market conditions.Despite market struggles, Cadbury’s individual performance showcased resilience with a notable increase in pre-tax profits.The Mondelēz UK board highlighted strong customer relations and innovation as key drivers behind the sales growth.Mondelēz continues to invest, including acquiring a stake in the non-HFSS brand Urban Legend, reflecting strategic growth efforts.Mondelēz UK, renowned for its prominent brands like Cadbury, Toblerone, and Oreo, faced a…