Author: Sam Allcock

How to Foster a Compassionate and Productive Workplace During Personal Challenges Divorce can hit hard, affecting divorcee’s performance and morale at work. The stats are clear: 81% of employees going through a divorce struggle with productivity, 73% miss more work, and 67% see their health and finances worsen. Recognizing this, many companies are updating their policies to better support staff during such challenging times, something HR’s role is vital in. Deepa Tailor, an expert in mental health from Divorce Lawyers says, “Providing support for employees during personal crises like divorce is essential. It not only helps team members through difficult…

Choosing the Best Care Options for Your Furry Friend While You’re On Holiday Leaving your four-legged companion behind as you set off on holiday can be both an emotional and logistical hurdle. A recent study showed 47% of owners feel anxious when leaving their pet behind, but it’s even more challenging for the dogs—76% of whom suffer from separation anxiety. Whether the owner is going away for a short trip or an extended holiday, it’s essential to ensure a dog’s well-being. To help with that, pet insurance experts at Waggel, with their extensive knowledge and experience, have provided insights to…

Farmison & Co has partnered with Wellocks to supply top restaurants.This deal highlights Farmison’s post-administration growth strategy.Michelin-starred chef Pierre Koffmann curated the exclusive meat range.Products include dry-aged steaks, lamb cuts, and free-range chicken.Both companies share a focus on sustainable, high-quality ingredients.Farmison & Co has secured a strategic supply partnership with Wellocks, a leader in the food service industry, marking a significant step forward in its expansion efforts. This agreement enables Farmison to distribute its premium, sustainable meat products to some of Britain’s top dining establishments, significantly broadening its market reach.The collaboration with Wellocks comes at a pivotal time for Farmison,…

Lord Rose of Asda emphasises the urgent need for benefits system reform to address UK’s worklessness crisis.A significant rise in long-term sickness has led to 2.8 million people being economically inactive in the UK.The balance between supporting the needy and encouraging contribution from the capable must be established.The Asda chair suggests that fostering a skilled workforce is crucial for the future.Addressing the labour market issues could take up to two decades, according to Lord Rose.Lord Rose of Asda has made a compelling call for the government to undertake reforms of the benefits system as a means of resolving the worklessness…

The US is closing a tax loophole for low-value shipments, impacting e-commerce.Shein claims this change won’t hinder its competitive edge significantly.The proposed rules target the ‘de minimis’ threshold for duty-free imports.Shein’s on-demand model is a key factor in its market advantage.Political scrutiny is increasing in the UK over Shein’s operations.In response to upcoming changes in US tax regulations, fast-fashion retailer Shein’s executive chairman, Donald Tang, has announced confidence in the company’s sustained competitive advantage. The proposed alterations aim to address the ‘de minimis’ threshold that permits the duty-free import of low-value shipments. This initiative is part of broader efforts to…

With people in the UK balancing work, parenting, socialising, everyday life admin and daily tasks, almost half (42%) confess to having hectic, busy lifestyles, but what do they forget to do the most? New research1 from greetings card marketplace thortful has found that on average, a quarter (25%) of Brits forget 1,460 tasks, activities and occasions every single year, 5% even forget up to 10 things per day, or 3,650 times per year. Surveying the UK, thortful found that many errands slip through the net on a daily basis, prompting them to work with Style Sisters to provide five life hacking, organisational tips to help…

Stuart Machin, CEO of Marks & Spencer, discusses the opportunities the retail industry offers and his career trajectory.A new talent search series, Dress The Nation, launches with ten contestants vying for an in-house design role at M&S.The show features diverse participants, including individuals with no formal design training and a range of ages and backgrounds.Marks & Spencer continues its long-running Marks & Start programme, encouraging work opportunities for those without qualifications.Machin discusses M&S’s strategic focus on essential product categories amidst broader retail challenges.In an exclusive conversation, Stuart Machin, CEO of Marks & Spencer, reflected on the expansive opportunities available within…

The majority of parents would give up social media, holidays for life, and even their best friend – all for the sake of their child’s well-being. A survey of 2,000 parents with children aged 0–8 examined what parents would be willing to sacrifice if it meant their child remained happy and healthy, especially as the back-to-school season begins, soon to be followed by the first colds and flus of the year. To ensure their child could be healthy both mentally and emotionally, parents would be willing to give up social media (76%), their smartphone (61%), and even electricity (39%). Concerts…

A recent study has revealed the most dangerous manoeuvres to perform on the road, with a particular warning being issued for HGV drivers in preparation for the upcoming winter season.  Car parts marketplace Ovoko analysed road traffic accident data from the Department for Transport spanning 2013 to 2022 to identify the manoeuvres that result in the most collisions – and which prove most hazardous for different vehicle types. For heavy goods vehicles, slowing or stopping has been named as the most hazardous manoeuvre, resulting in an average of 349 crashes a year. The additional weight of lorries means that stopping…

Boden, a clothing and lifestyle retailer, reported a significant financial loss in 2023, yet the business is rebounding in 2024.Group sales declined by 13% to £304.5m in 2023, influenced by a downturn in late 2022.Strategic leadership and marketing changes in early 2023 began showing results later in the year.A notable 19% increase in full-price womenswear sales contributed positively to recovery.The first half of 2024 saw an 18% rise in overall sales, with womenswear leading at a 35% uplift.In 2023, Boden, the retailer renowned for its lifestyle and clothing offerings, faced a challenging year, reporting a substantial loss of £9.4 million,…