Author: Dave Antrobus

Frasers Group has strategically acquired a ‘significant’ stake in Hudson Malta as part of its international expansion strategy.The acquisition involves a non-controlling shareholding in Hudson Malta, which distributes fashion and sport brands across 36 African countries.A potential exists for Frasers to increase its investment, possibly obtaining a controlling interest in future.The partnership will enable the opening of the first Sports Direct and USC stores in Malta within the next year.Frasers Group’s CEO, Michael Murray, and Hudson’s CEO, Chris Muscat, express optimism about leveraging mutual strengths for growth in EMEA.Frasers Group, known for its ownership of Sports Direct, has strategically acquired…

Silentnight, the UK’s “most trusted sleep brand,” achieved notable revenue growth this year.The acquisition of Sleepeezee played a significant role in the financial success.Revenue increased by 29% to £143.8m for the year ending January 2024.Business-to-business demand significantly contributed to the revenue surge.Earnings and pre-tax profits witnessed a substantial increase, despite challenges.Silentnight, widely regarded as the most trusted sleep brand in the UK, reported a remarkable surge in revenue, reaching £143.8 million in the year ending January 2024. This 29% increase from the previous year was attributed to the strategic acquisition of Sleepeezee, renowned for supplying beds to King Charles.The acquisition…

Liverpool-based Applied Nutrition plans a significant IPO in London, seeking to raise up to £220m.The IPO’s share price range is set between 136p and 160p per share, as per Tuesday’s announcement.With the support of JD Sports, the IPO could culminate in a market capitalisation of up to £400m.Four notable entrepreneurs have committed a total of £25m as cornerstone investors in the IPO.The move is a potential boost for the London Stock Exchange amidst its current decline in new listings.Liverpool-based Applied Nutrition is preparing for a substantial initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange, with aspirations to raise as…

Fenwick, the North East department store, has reduced its financial losses significantly.Despite a challenging market, Fenwick’s operating losses decreased from £68.1m to £45.2m.The sale of the Bond Street store bolstered Fenwick’s financial position with a £133m cash increase.Significant investments were made in Newcastle’s flagship store and the digital supply chain.New leadership and innovative food offerings are part of Fenwick’s strategy to stand out.Fenwick, the historic retailer based in the North East, managed to significantly reduce its losses in a demanding year marked by several external challenges. The department store chain, which operates eight locations across the UK including its flagship…

Wise’s financial performance has seen a notable uplift in its recent quarterly report.The London-listed fintech posted a 17% increase in income for the second quarter, reaching £337m.CEO Kristo Karmään attributed growth to regulatory progress in critical markets such as India and Australia.Despite the positive trend, Wise’s shares remain below their 2021 peak of 1,140p.Projected income growth for the fiscal year 2025 aligns with previous forecasts, projecting a 15-20% rise.In the latest quarterly performance report, Wise, a prominent player in the cross-border payments sector, has reported a significant 17% boost in income, totalling £337 million for the second quarter of the…

H&M introduces a new premium kidswear line at Selfridges, marking its entry into department store retailing.The H&M Adorables collection features timeless designs and high-quality materials aimed at longevity.As part of the launch, a specially designed pop-up space created by Open Studio Stockholm is unveiled at Selfridges.The collection includes luxurious items like cashmere, organic cotton blouses, and premium wool knitwear.H&M Adorables are sold at Selfridges in London, Birmingham, Manchester, online, and select stores.H&M has made a strategic move by launching a pop-up space in Selfridges dedicated to its new premium childrenswear line, H&M Adorables. This marks the brand’s inaugural foray into…

Co-op advances its digital media capabilities with a 300-screen rollout.The partnership with SMG enhances Co-op’s digital presence in 2,400 stores.New screens strategically placed to maximise footfall in high-traffic areas.The initiative is part of Co-op’s broader digital expansion strategy.Co-op aims to boost brand engagement and advertising relevance through new media touchpoints.Co-op is embarking on a significant digital media expansion, introducing 300 new digital media screens to its front-of-store landscape. This move is in partnership with independent retail media operator SMG. The initiative will see the total number of screens across Co-op’s 2,400 stores increase to 9,300, enhancing its retail media offer.The…

A groundbreaking study has unveiled that the human sense of smell operates at a remarkable speed. Contrary to prior beliefs, our olfactory system can distinguish scents almost instantaneously.The research shows that humans can differentiate between odors within a mere fraction of a second, akin to the brain’s perception of color. This discovery challenges the long-standing notion that olfaction is a slow process.In a recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour, researchers revealed astonishing insights into the human olfactory system. They discovered that people could discern scent sequences at intervals as short as 60 milliseconds. This finding refutes previous research that…

In a significant public health development, a recent study highlights the escalation of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, administered by laypersons. From 2020 to 2022, this life-saving intervention has surged by a remarkable 43%.The increasing accessibility and use of naloxone by individuals with little to no medical training is changing the landscape of opioid overdose response. This advancement correlates with a reported decline in overdose fatalities, as outlined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Emergence of Naloxone in Public HealthNaloxone’s growing presence in community settings marks a pivotal shift in addressing the opioid crisis. The medication, when administered…

Sainsbury’s has initiated a comprehensive programme to optimise product ranges in its convenience stores, aiming to deliver a ‘Next Level’ shopping experience.The programme involves a critical review of existing product lines with potential changes to offer popular items preferred by on-the-go customers.Plans to increase space for ‘dine in’ and food-to-go lines are being considered to enhance customer convenience.The initiative is part of a strategic expansion, including a landmark store opening at Edinburgh airport.Sainsbury’s seeks to position itself as the primary food choice for UK shoppers, with plans for growth in food volume and accessibility.Sainsbury’s has embarked on an ambitious range…