Author: Scott Dylan

The Very Group collaborates with SMG to redefine its retail media strategy.Leveraging a 12-year partnership, the initiative aims to enhance consumer insights.Criteo’s platform integration allows brands better access to The Very Group’s digital reach.Very Media Group will empower brands with comprehensive campaign development tools.Industry leaders express optimism about the future of retail media through this launch.The Very Group, in collaboration with SMG, has announced a novel approach to retail media through the introduction of its new entity, Very Media Group. This collaboration builds upon a longstanding relationship spanning over twelve years, aiming to leverage extensive consumer insights to benefit brand…

Asda, acquired by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers, faces challenges post-acquisition.Former Walmart international head criticises Asda’s performance since its 2021 sale.The supermarket struggles with market share decline and cumbersome system changes.Judith McKenna notes entrepreneurial potential but sees unmet goals.McKenna wishes improvements for Asda whilst acknowledging its contributions to Walmart.Following its acquisition by private equity firm TDR Capital and the Issa brothers, Asda has encountered significant challenges that have sparked concern from its former executives. Judith McKenna, Walmart’s former international chief, expressed heartfelt disappointment in Asda’s current position, noting, “Asda is not where it should be following its buyout.”Judith McKenna,…

Sportswear retailer Footasylum is set for a prosperous year, evidenced by impressive financial growth.The company reported a more than twofold increase in pre-tax profits, reaching £6 million as of late January 2024.A significant 7% rise in total revenue resulted in £319.5 million, marking a year of record growth.Online sales surged by 15%, contributing to 42.2% of overall sales, reflecting the company’s strong digital strategy.Footasylum’s wholesale sales saw an 87% increase, supported by the popularity of its in-house brands.Footasylum’s latest financial results reveal a robust trajectory, with pre-tax profits more than doubling to £6 million for the year ending 27 January…

Successfully navigating a merger or acquisition in the tech industry demands a well-crafted business exit strategy. Key insights from industry leaders offer guidance on managing this complex process effectively.Experts emphasise the importance of maintaining objectivity during the due diligence stage to prevent emotional decisions.Early identification and understanding of potential buyers are crucial to aligning business goals and avoiding missteps.Having contingency plans is recommended to safeguard against unforeseen disruptions in the M&A process.Post-deal momentum is essential to ensure the long-term success and integration of the merged entities.In the intricate arena of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), maintaining a clear-headed approach is vital,…

The Co-op has initiated a new 24-hour delivery service to meet escalating demand for rapid deliveries in city centres.The service is being launched in select locations including London, Leeds, and Manchester.This initiative is supported by partnerships with Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats.Extended online availability is now offered in over 1,600 stores during usual opening hours.Co-op aims to capture over one-third of the quick commerce market.The Co-op has unveiled a round-the-clock online grocery delivery service tailored for city-centre customers. This service is being rolled out in locations such as London, Leeds, and Manchester, areas identified due to high demand for…

The Investing in Women scheme has shown only a marginal improvement in investment deals secured by female founders.As of the latest report, 68% of investment deals by scheme signatories were for male-founded companies, leaving just 32% for female-founded firms.The average across the market for deals involving female founders stands at 28%, nearly matching the scheme’s 32%.Despite the rise in signatories from 204 to over 250 companies, the percentage of deals for female-led businesses dropped from 35% last year to 32% this year.Angel investors have shown more favourable outcomes for female founders compared to the general venture capital sector.The Investing in…

The relaunch of London Tech Drinks as Gathr marks a significant evolution in tech networking.Founded by Mark Shepherd, the original meet-up began as informal gatherings organised through LinkedIn.The community has evolved to support nearly 10,000 tech professionals including investors, founders, and service providers.Gathr is built on three core verticals: Connect, Learn, and Find, to facilitate better networking and growth.Industry leaders recognise Gathr as a valuable platform for saving time and enhancing growth strategies.Initiated by Mark Shepherd, the transformation of London Tech Drinks into Gathr represents a strategic formalisation aimed at enhancing networking opportunities within the tech sector. Originally conceived as…

Waitrose has announced a substantial £10 million investment to lower prices on 250 premium products, marking a notable phase in its pricing strategy.The retailer’s ongoing commitment to competitive pricing has seen a cumulative investment of £140 million over the past 18 months.Significant price reductions are implemented across the No.1 and Duchy organic product lines, enhancing their value proposition for consumers.This price adjustment is part of Waitrose’s broader ‘Lower Prices’ campaign, which has already influenced nearly 1,400 products.Products such as No.1 white sourdough loaf and Duchy organic basmati rice have seen reductions, making high-quality items more accessible.Waitrose is reinforcing its commitment…

JD Sports announces leadership change in its remuneration committee for continued governance enhancement.Suzi Williams to step down as chair after completing key governance reforms since 2022.Angela Luger set to assume the role, bringing extensive experience from her tenure at Manchester Airport Group.Williams cites expanding commitments as a reason for her departure, ensuring a smooth transition.The company’s chair, Andy Higginson, commends Williams for her valuable contributions to remuneration policy.JD Sports has confirmed a significant change in its leadership structure, particularly within the remuneration committee. The current chair, Suzi Williams, will step down from her role on 1 November. Williams, who joined…

New research indicates that moderate caffeine consumption, around three cups of coffee or tea daily, may decrease the risk of various heart-related conditions.The study, which analyzed data from around 180,000 individuals, suggests that caffeine intake plays a significant role in heart health and the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases.Recent research posits that consuming approximately three cups of coffee a day could significantly lower the risk of developing cardiometabolic multimorbidity. This term refers to the concurrent presence of multiple cardiometabolic diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.The study drew on data from around 180,000 participants in the UK…