Author: Dave Antrobus

Over 300 fashion CEOs and business leaders demand the removal of the UK’s ‘tourist tax’.The open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves argues the tax impairs Britain’s global shopping appeal.Signatories include CEOs from Mulberry, Kurt Geiger, and the British Retail Consortium.Industry leaders cite a £11.1bn GDP loss due to reduced tourism.Influential figures from all main political parties support the policy’s reversal.More than 300 chief executives and business leaders in the fashion industry have united to call upon Chancellor Rachel Reeves to abolish the ‘tourist tax’ policy, implemented in 2021. The open letter, signed by notable figures such as Andrea Baldo of…

Uber Eats UK has reported a significant increase in profits and revenue for 2023.The company’s pre-tax profit rose by 74% to £18.4m from the previous year.Turnover expanded by 55%, reaching £1.1bn during the same period.Despite rising costs, the company ended the year with a £14m total profit.Concerns over reputational risks have been addressed following negative publicity in previous years.In 2023, the UK arm of Uber Eats registered a remarkable financial performance as its pre-tax profit surged by 74%, reaching £18.4m. This figure represents a considerable increase from the £10.5m reported in the previous year. The company attributes this success to…

Ian Hogarth’s investment group, Plural, has led a significant £16.9m funding round into Oriole Networks.Oriole Networks, a London-based startup, is innovating faster and more sustainable AI technologies using photonics.The company aims to improve AI chip networks to enhance processing power and reduce energy consumption.Hogarth, formerly of Songkick, emphasises the potential of deep photonics research in AI applications.Existing investors include UCL Technology Fund and Dorilton Ventures participated in this funding round.Ian Hogarth, a notable figure in the AI sector and co-founder of investment firm Plural, has led his group through a strategic £16.9m funding round aimed at Oriole Networks. This innovative…

Holland & Barrett is set to expand its presence in UK travel hubs, following successful existing outlets.The health and wellness retailer explores innovative store formats in stations.Five existing travel locations have set a precedent for further expansion.A Dublin kiosk trial is underway, indicating broader ambitions.The brand’s strategy includes partnerships with high street retailers like Next.Holland & Barrett, a leading health and wellness retailer, is poised to enhance its presence across the United Kingdom’s travel hubs. This strategic move builds on the success of its existing store formats located in high-traffic areas such as stations, providing convenient access to consumers seeking…

Hotter Shoes plans significant increase in UK-based production, targeting one million pairs annually under new ownership.WoolOvers, who acquired Hotter Shoes from administration, intends to reverse the planned reduction in UK manufacturing.Current domestic production represents 25% of sales; plan aims to increase this to 75%, benefiting from increased control and quality.CEO Mike Lester highlights the consumer preference for UK-manufactured, comfort-fit shoes over imports from India.The strategic shift is expected to improve profitability and support job creation within the UK footwear industry.WoolOvers, the new owner of Hotter Shoes, has announced plans to considerably increase the manufacturing output in the United Kingdom to…

Breast cancer is often perceived as a women’s disease, yet it’s a reality for men too. Early detection remains crucial.While male breast cancer constitutes only a small percentage of cases, overlooking symptoms can lead to dangerous delays in treatment.Many only associate breast cancer with women, disregarding the 1% of cases in men. This oversight often results in late diagnoses.Without routine screening guidelines for men, symptoms like lumps often go unnoticed until reaching advanced stages, necessitating aggressive treatment.Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are linked not just to female breast cancer but significantly elevate risks in men.Men with mutated BRCA genes…

JoJo Maman Bébé announces a leadership transition with the appointment of Mark Wright as interim CEO.Mark Wright, former COO of FatFace, takes on the new role after leaving his position at FatFace.Gwynn Milligan, the current CEO of JoJo Maman Bébé, steps down after her tenure in various leadership roles.Wright’s appointment follows his departure from FatFace, where he oversaw transitions under new ownership.Wright expressed gratitude towards his former colleagues at FatFace on social media.JoJo Maman Bébé has initiated a significant leadership transition by appointing Mark Wright as interim CEO. This strategic move comes as the current CEO, Gwynn Milligan, steps down…

North East estate agency Pattinson expands with a new office in response to rising demand.Headquartered at Silverlink Business Park, the firm has acquired additional office space to accommodate growth.The expansion follows the acquisition of three estate agencies in the region, boosting their branch count to 30.Increased auction transactions and new partner agents nationwide have fuelled the firm’s success.Managing Director cites a record-breaking year for the firm, highlighting the benefits of auction sales.North East estate agency Pattinson, based at Silverlink Business Park, has expanded its operations with the acquisition of a new office building adjacent to its main headquarters. This move…

Viadux 2a in Manchester is set to become the city’s tallest skyscraper, now with an added hotel.The 76-storey building will surpass the Deansgate South Tower by 41 metres.Salboy has retained the building’s height while shifting from retail space to include a hotel.The development will feature a shared entrance for residents and hotel guests.Public green space developments and a new public restaurant are part of the project.Viadux 2a, poised to redefine Manchester’s skyline, is undergoing significant changes as developers incorporate a hotel into its original design. The skyscraper, still maintaining its 76-storey stature, will eclipse the Deansgate South Tower, standing over…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recently broadened a recall involving 11.7 million pounds of meat and poultry.This action addresses potential listeria contamination in ready-to-eat products, urging caution among consumers and institutions.USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has expanded an existing recall by nearly 1.8 million pounds, now totalling over 11.7 million pounds of meat and poultry products. This decision follows routine testing that discovered potential listeria contamination. The affected products, distributed nationwide, were mainly used by restaurants and institutions.The list extends to regions such as Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. Despite the recall, there have been no confirmed sickness…