Author: Dave Antrobus

Glucose monitoring isn’t just for diabetics anymore. Many people are now using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to understand their body’s response to food, exercise, and stress. This technological shift suggests a growing interest in personalised health data.As people without diabetes explore CGM use, they often uncover surprising information about their health. From unexpected food reactions to the psychological impact of real-time data, the experience can be enlightening. Yet, it also raises questions about data interpretation and its role in everyday health decisions.The Growing Trend of Glucose MonitoringContinuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are increasingly being marketed as wellness tools for non-diabetics. Initially…

Tembo, supported by Aviva, has secured £14m to enhance its fintech solutions for first-time homebuyers.The fintech was established during the pandemic to provide greater access to home ownership in the UK.Tembo’s platform features over 100 lenders and thousands of mortgage products and schemes.A newly launched savings app aids potential home buyers in accumulating deposits via a Lifetime ISA.Backed by renowned investors, Tembo is positioned to further strengthen its market presence.Tembo, a fintech startup based in Southwark and backed by Aviva, has successfully raised £14 million in funding. This financial support aims to scale its savings application and to broaden its…

A new wave of lifestyle retailers is revitalising the UK high street, offering vibrant and engaging shopping experiences.Despite setbacks such as the closure of Woolworths and Wilko, the variety retail sector shows resilience and growth.Flying Tiger Copenhagen remains a British favourite, evolving from its origins in 2005 to a notable presence across the UK.Søstrene Grene is expanding its footprint significantly, aiming for 100 stores by 2030, with a strong social media following enhancing its brand.Chinese retailer Miniso is aggressively growing its UK presence with nine stores and a unique travel concept to cater to commuters.In the wake of iconic store…

Urbn, the parent company of several renowned fashion brands, announces record-breaking financial results, underscoring its robust market presence.The company reported a significant rise in net income, reaching $102.9 million (£80.82 million) for the quarter ending 31 October.Gross profit surged by 9.4% year-on-year, totalling $497.3 million (£390.6 million), with total net sales climbing to a record $1.36 billion (£1.06 billion).While Anthropologie and Free People showed positive sales growth, Urban Outfitters experienced a decline.The wholesale segment demonstrated strong performance, largely thanks to Free People’s success with specialty customers and department stores.In a remarkable financial display, Urbn, the parent organisation of Urban Outfitters,…

November witnessed a noticeable decline in footfall across UK retail spaces.Overall footfall dropped by 4.5% year-on-year in November, a sharper decrease than the previous month’s 1.1% fall.Retail parks and shopping centres both saw reduced visitor numbers, highlighting a significant retail trend.Each UK nation experienced a drop in footfall, with Wales and Scotland seeing the most considerable declines.Economic factors such as consumer confidence and a later Black Friday affected retail performance.In a significant trend for UK retail, total footfall decreased by 4.5% in November compared to the previous year. This decline is starkly higher than the 1.1% decrease observed in October,…

Sleep is a cornerstone of well-being, yet irregular sleep schedules may heighten cardiovascular risks. Recent findings propose significant links between variable sleep timings and increased likelihood of heart attacks or strokes. Regular sleep cycles might be as crucial as sleep duration, revealing profound health implications.Analysing data over eight years from a large cohort, researchers discovered that irregular sleep increased cardiovascular event probability by 26%. The study controlled for confounding factors but remained observational. As such, it highlights associations rather than direct causation. The insights demand attention to diverse aspects of sleep quality and consistency.The Research UnveiledRecent research suggests that inconsistent…

Fashion brands in the UK are making progress in reducing environmental impact but face challenges due to rising production.WRAP’s Textiles 2030 scheme shows an 8% decrease in carbon emissions and a 9% decrease in water usage per tonne.These gains are overshadowed by a 10% increase in production, leading to minimal change in overall carbon and water footprints.Population growth contributes to overproduction, highlighting the need for sustainable production practices.WRAP emphasises the need for fundamental industry changes to meet 2030 sustainability goals.The WRAP’s annual report reveals that fashion brands and retailers have managed notable reductions in their per-tonne carbon emissions and water…

Monzo, a major challenger bank, has encountered serious regulatory challenges from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).The CMA has criticised Monzo for breaching multiple sections of the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order 2017.Key violations by Monzo include publishing inaccurate service quality surveys and failing to disclose financial charges.Despite the breaches, the CMA chose not to pursue formal enforcement at this stage, urging Monzo for closer compliance.Monzo’s former CEO, Tom Blomfield, publicly questioned the approach of competition regulators.Monzo, a leading player in the fintech industry, has come under significant scrutiny from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which described the bank’s…

Revolut’s updated terms could mean delayed or refused payments as part of a focus on tackling fraud.The decision follows the company’s recent UK banking licence approval, demanding stricter fraud controls.Customers received notice about the changes, highlighting the increase in mentions of ‘fraud’ and ‘scam’ in terms of service.Revolut continues to invest heavily in technologies to identify and prevent fraud, processing over 500 million transactions monthly.Amendments to the service terms, effective from January 2025, put Revolut on par with other payment firms fighting scams.Revolut, a significant player in the fintech arena, has declared its intention to refuse or delay certain payments…

The search for Asda’s new CEO is intensifying following Allan Leighton’s appointment as executive chair.Leighton’s return to Asda might attract former executives and top figures in the UK grocery industry.The position, vacant since 2021, offers a highly lucrative £10 million package.Several prominent figures from the retail sector are being considered for the role.These candidates bring a wealth of experience and strategic vision critical for Asda’s growth.Allan Leighton’s comeback as Asda’s executive chair signals a pivotal moment in the company’s ongoing CEO search. Leighton, renowned for guiding Asda to a successful £6.7bn sale to Walmart in 1999, now prioritises finding a…