Author: Scott Dylan

The landscape of sweet treats sees an exciting range of new product launches this month.KitKat has reintroduced its popular Cookies and Cream bar, now with sustainable packaging.Little Moons debuts a unique selection of bite-sized frozen cheesecakes in various flavours.Müller introduces two protein-rich puddings, enhancing its Müller Light range.Fruit-tella and Walker’s also expand their offerings with innovative new products.The landscape of sweet treats sees an exciting range of new product launches this month. KitKat, Little Moons, Müller, Fruit-tella, and Walker’s have each unveiled offerings designed to captivate the sweet tooth of consumers across the United Kingdom.KitKat is bringing back its much-loved…

Convincing children to eat a wide range of foods can often feel like an uphill battle. Tears and tantrums at mealtime are a common scenario for many parents.However, a new study provides some relief as it suggests that picky eating in children is not primarily due to parenting but rather a genetic trait.Genetic Influences on Picky EatingResearch conducted by University College London, King’s College London, and the University of Leeds has unveiled that food fussiness among children is largely a genetic trait. This means the environment and the variety of foods introduced at home play a limited role after the…

Independent fashion retailers gathered at Grosvenor House, London, for a prestigious awards evening.The event highlighted top performers in the independent fashion retail sector.Notable attendees included teams from Douglas & Grahame, Angel & Rocket, and many others.Esteemed individuals like Yukti Pandit, Apee Bhutani Jacquier, and Tess Daly made appearances.The evening was a testament to the thriving independent fashion landscape.On 19 September, Grosvenor House in London hosted the Drapers Independents Awards 2024, bringing together some of the most innovative minds in independent fashion retail. This event celebrated excellence and achievement within the industry, shining a light on those who have made significant…

Seasalt has successfully appointed Louise Couch, a former Peloton executive, as its new chief financial officer.Louise Couch will oversee business strategy and financial plans at Seasalt, with a focus on global expansion.Her extensive background includes senior financial planning roles at major investment banks Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan.CEO Paul Hayes emphasises the strategic importance of Couch’s international market expertise for growth ambitions.Seasalt’s UK and Ireland expansion strategy saw a ‘record-breaking’ year with significant store openings.Seasalt, a prominent fashion retailer, has appointed Louise Couch as its new chief financial officer, effective immediately. Having previously held the role of senior director of…

In a bid to reshape employment practices, new legislation could mandate companies to offer zero-hours staff regular contracts after three months. This move aims to curb exploitative employment practices, as Labour prepares to introduce the employment rights bill next month.The upcoming changes follow a model initially implemented by a major fast-food chain in 2017, where employees were given the choice to switch to minimum guaranteed hours contracts. Though most opted to remain on flexible terms, the initiative is viewed as a balanced approach to protect workers while meeting business needs.Labour’s Employment Rights BillDeputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, along with Business…

Inspired by Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha region, the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities has recommended a 25% income tax reduction to address rural depopulation and the ‘brain drain’ in Wales. This proposition aims to revitalise economic and social conditions in areas severely affected by these issues.The commission, instituted in 2022, argues that such tax incentives are crucial for retaining young professionals, thereby supporting both the local economy and the preservation of the Welsh language. A recent survey indicates that 81% of young individuals in western Wales feel compelled to leave rural communities to advance their careers.Ben Lake, Plaid Cymru MP for Ceredigion…

Consumer confidence has taken a significant hit, igniting concerns over Labour’s economic approach. September saw a marked decline in household and business outlooks.GfK’s latest consumer confidence index dropped by seven points to -20 amid rising anxieties over personal finances.A 12-point drop in economic expectations for the next year was recorded, falling to -27.Business confidence has also dwindled due to fears of possible tax hikes in the forthcoming Budget.Sir Philip Hampton and other economists have urged the government to adopt a more positive economic narrative.GfK’s latest consumer confidence index has dropped significantly, falling by seven points to -20 in September. This…

New research suggests a significant link between the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Experts reveal potential dietary swaps that could help mitigate this risk and promote overall health.Recent research scrutinised the dietary habits of over 300,000 individuals across eight European countries over an average of 10.9 years. The results indicated a 17% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes with every 10% rise in the intake of ultraprocessed foods.Lead study author Dr. Samuel Dicken points out that these foods often combine multiple ingredients uncommon in home cooking, making them easily recognisable in shopping…

Seraphine has strategically strengthened its leadership team with notable appointments.Jonathon Brown, former CEO of Joules, is now interim CEO at Seraphine.Mary Homer, ex-CEO of The White Company, joins as non-executive director.Both leaders bring extensive experience and strategic insight to Seraphine.This leadership change follows Seraphine’s recent private equity acquisition.Seraphine, the well-regarded maternitywear retailer, has announced significant enhancements to its executive team by appointing two veterans from the fashion industry. This move underlines Seraphine’s ambition to enhance its market standing and customer engagement.Jonathon Brown, previously CEO of lifestyle retailer Joules, has assumed the role of interim CEO at Seraphine. Brown’s leadership at…

Despite challenging weather conditions, American Golf recorded significant growth in sales and market share.American Golf experienced a 1.8% increase in like-for-like sales over six months, ending in August 2024.The company managed a 1.4% rise in market share, indicating robust business strategies.Adverse weather led to an 8% drop in average golf rounds played across the UK.Noteworthy investments in store improvements appear to have paid off with increased sales.American Golf, a prominent retailer in the golf industry, has reported a 1.8% increase in like-for-like sales for the six-month period concluding in August 2024. This growth is viewed positively, particularly given the adverse…