Author: Scott Dylan

The introduction of new georouting technology aims to revolutionise the 988 suicide and crisis hotline service. Major mobile carriers are spearheading this transformative change to ensure callers are connected to local help centres.Previously, the routing system for 988 calls was heavily reliant on the caller’s phone number area code. This outdated method often misdirected calls, slowing down critical support during moments of crisis. The new georouting technology promises to change this.Major mobile carriers have introduced technology to direct 988 hotline callers to centres based on their physical location rather than their phone number’s area code. This initiative, as announced by…

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has banned another promotional post from Huel, marking the third reprimand in two months.Huel’s Instagram post made unverified claims about its product’s health benefits and cost-effectiveness compared to fresh produce.The post featured Julian Hearn’s claims about the affordability and nutritional equivalency of Huel’s product to greens.The ASA found all three claims unsubstantiated and ruled the ad should not reappear.This follows a previous ruling involving an undisclosed investor endorsement from Steven Bartlett.The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has once again taken action against Huel, banning a promotional Instagram post due to misleading claims. This development marks the…

Asda has unveiled a new home heart test designed to improve accessibility to health checks by allowing the NHS to receive crucial cardiovascular data within minutes.Developed by PocDoc, this test offers a comprehensive cholesterol profile, body mass index, heart age, and a 10-year cardiovascular risk assessment.Asda distinguishes itself as the first UK supermarket to offer this test in 242 pharmacies, priced at an accessible £9.95.This innovation integrates seamlessly with the NHS Health Check app, facilitating at-home testing and result sharing in under nine minutes.By saving up to 20 minutes per digital health check, this initiative aims to significantly alleviate pressure…

ProBiotix Health finds itself amid a leadership crisis, as significant shareholders demand a change in CEO.Seneca Partners, holding 5.5% of shares, has initiated a move for CEO Steen Andersen’s removal.The board of ProBiotix strongly opposes these proposals, citing potential disruption and costs.A previous rejection from Seneca for a funding request led to Danish investment, stirring the current dispute.Despite these tensions, ProBiotix shares remain unchanged, reflecting market stability amid the crisis.ProBiotix Health has encountered a significant leadership challenge, following demands from one of its major shareholders for a change in executive leadership. Seneca Partners, which maintains a 5.5% stake in the…

DFS has reported significant financial losses due to shipping delays and interest rate impacts.For the fiscal year ending 30 June, DFS posted a £1.7m pre-tax loss.Shipping issues in the Red Sea caused a 1.8% decline in order intake.Sales decreased by 7.9%, amounting to £1.31bn.Despite challenges, DFS is optimistic about market recovery.Over the past year, DFS, a notable entity in the furniture industry, has faced substantial financial setbacks. The company’s latest annual results reflect a pre-tax loss of £1.7 million, a stark contrast to the previous year’s £29.7 million profit. This financial downturn has been largely attributed to external factors such…

Frasers Group unveils its latest flagship store at Meadowhall, Sheffield, marking a new era in department store retailing.The 100,000 sq ft store spans two floors, offering diverse sections including fashion, beauty, and homeware.Partnerships with luxury and lifestyle brands elevate the shopping experience with a wide range of premium products.Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a dedicated floor featuring global sports brands and specialised services.The store aims to provide a comprehensive retail journey, combining traditional shopping with innovative concepts.Frasers Group has inaugurated a 100,000 square foot flagship store at Meadowhall, Sheffield. The expansive department store covers two floors and is a key part…

Asos plans to cut over 200 head office roles as it restructures its tech team. This decision is aimed at simplifying its organisation and tackling rising financial losses.Employing a new strategy to move faster, Asos is undergoing a consultation to manage impacted roles while aligning with business priorities.The restructuring is intended to maintain the overall employee count but shift focus towards more product manager and software engineering positions.Reports indicate that Asos, amidst widening losses, is striving for profitable growth by 2025 and beyond, with CEO José Antonio Ramos Calamonte reinforcing this initiative.A message to staff highlighted the need to adapt…

The Co-op has demonstrated resilience by returning to profit despite challenges posed by increased shoplifting and market pressures.The group’s pre-tax profits reached £58m in the first half, contrasting last year’s £33m loss.Sales in the food business increased by 3.2% to £3.7bn with a solid performance in both physical stores and online platforms.Membership base expanded by 20%, aligning with Co-op’s strategic goals for 2030.The retailer set ambitious expansion plans with 120 new stores targeted by the end of 2025.Despite a surge in theft and fraud costs, reaching £39.5m due to an ongoing shoplifting epidemic, the Co-op has managed to rebound into…

The ASA ruled against a misleading Nike ad on social media.An advert for £26 Nike trainers was found misleading by the ASA.The ad implied availability in adult sizes, misleading many consumers.Nike had allowed The Sole Supplier to advertise without prior approval.The ASA ordered the ad not to appear again in its current form.The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has determined that an advertisement for Nike trainers, circulated on social media, violated advertising standards by being misleading. The ASA’s ruling concluded a complaint related to a promotional campaign that suggested trainers were available at the enticing price of £26.This advertisement had been…

The Welsh Labour government has announced plans to revoke the charitable status of private schools, a move expected to significantly impact the educational landscape in Wales.The change would require these schools to pay domestic rates, projected to generate an additional £1.3 million annually.This proposal aligns with UK-wide plans to impose VAT on private school fees, potentially affecting private school enrolment rates.Critics argue that the policy could overwhelm the state school system and increase costs for taxpayers.A 12-week consultation period on the proposed changes will run until December 16.Welsh Labour has proposed revoking the charitable status of private schools, requiring them…