Author: Scott Dylan

Scott Dylan is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Inc & Co and founder of NexaTech Ventures. With a focus on rescuing distressed businesses and supporting AI and tech startups, Scott’s expertise spans multiple sectors including technology, retail, and logistics. A passionate mental health advocate, drawing from his experience with Complex PTSD, Scott frequently writes about business transformation, AI integration, and leadership. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, music, and spending time with his partner Gareth.

Kingfisher has reported a slight increase in profits despite a decline in overall sales.B&Q’s big ticket item sales decreased by 11.6% during the reporting period.Group sales saw a minor decline of 1.8%, yet pre-tax profit rose by 2.3% to £324m.Overall sales in the UK and Ireland showed resilience, supported by strong ecommerce growth.The company remains focused on cost management and market share expansion.Despite a challenging economic environment, Kingfisher’s pre-tax profits edged up by 2.3%, reaching £324 million in the six months leading to 31 July 2024. This was achieved even as overall group sales experienced a 1.8% reduction. A significant…

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Plans are underway to pedestrianise a portion of Oxford Street, aiming to rejuvenate this iconic shopping hub.Mayor Sadiq Khan announced a proposal for a new pedestrian zone from Oxford Circus to Marble Arch.The proposed pedestrian area would extend current traffic restrictions, though buses and taxis would remain unaffected.The £90 million project, led by Westminster City Council and NWEC, is set to start this autumn.This initiative aims to boost economic activity, create jobs, and return Oxford Street to its former prominence.Oxford Street, a significant draw for shoppers worldwide, sees approximately half a million visitors daily. The street’s prominence, however, has waned…

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London’s famous Oxford Street is set for transformation with new pedestrianisation plans announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan.The initiative is aimed at reviving Oxford Street, a historic retail hub, to boost commerce and restore its global reputation.Despite previous opposition, a mayoral development area is expected to grant Khan the authority to proceed.The move comes as Oxford Street recovers from pandemic-induced declines in footfall and sales.Mayor Khan highlights the urgency of action to reinvigorate this iconic shopping destination.London’s renowned Oxford Street is on the brink of a significant transformation. Announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan, the street is set to be free from…

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A recent report highlights the impact of mental health on staff attendance and performance in retail.A third of retail call centre workers report absenteeism due to mental health issues.Among younger retail staff, 29% have taken time off due to similar concerns.Retail managers observe a significant rise in mental health-related absences over the past year.Employers are urged to enhance support and promote positive work environments to address these challenges.The latest findings from the Retail Trust indicate a pressing issue within the retail sector, with poor mental health being a significant factor contributing to staff absenteeism and underperformance. According to the report,…

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Black Friday requires more than simply following retail trends; it demands a proactive strategy to stay ahead.With intensified competition and heightened importance, businesses must focus on robust preparation.A comprehensive calendar with 75+ tasks is essential for navigating Black Friday complexities.Targeted campaign suggestions based on audience, channel, and timing are critical to maximise impact.Loyalty tactics are necessary to sustain growth beyond the Black Friday period.With the stakes higher than ever, Black Friday is not merely a matter of following retail trends, but rather requires businesses to adopt a proactive approach. Breaking through the retail frenzy demands strategic advance planning and execution.The…

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Learning Technologies Group (LTG) faces financial challenges due to high inflation and AI growth.The edtech company posted a 12% revenue decline for the first half of the year, totalling £250 million.Full-year revenue guidance was revised down to between £473 million and £493 million, citing exchange rate fluctuations.CEO Jonathan Satchell emphasises maintaining structural market drivers despite economic hurdles.A sale and a new US-focused subsidiary are part of LTG’s strategy to enhance financial performance.Learning Technologies Group (LTG), a leading provider of digital learning and talent management services, is grappling with economic challenges, primarily driven by high inflation and the rapid adoption of…

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The Very Group has launched the Very Media Group, a new retail media platform aimed at enhancing brands’ access and connectivity.Partnering with SMG, this move leverages The Very Group’s substantial customer base and creative capabilities.The initiative will expand retail media capabilities to over 200 brands, offering an in-depth understanding of shopping behaviours.Criteo’s Commerce Media Platform integration will enable improved access to digital shelves and consumer insights.The platform will include above-the-line advertising, influencer marketing, and experiential campaigns to engage UK and Ireland families.The Very Group has made a significant stride in the retail media landscape with the launch of the Very…

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The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has reproached SkyBet for implementing unlawful cookie practices.SkyBet allegedly collected and shared personal data without user consent via advertising cookies.The ICO’s investigation prompted SkyBet to revise their cookie policies to ensure user consent is obtained.Deputy Commissioner Stephen Bonner emphasized the importance of user choices in targeted advertising.Regulatory scrutiny continues as the ICO plans to evaluate more top-visited websites for compliance.The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has taken decisive action against SkyBet amidst allegations of unlawful cookie usage. The issues centered around SkyBet’s collection and sharing of personal user data via advertising technology without prior…

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Asos enhances its collaboration with H&M Group, launching Arket’s collection.The autumn/winter collection of the Nordic brand debuts on Asos.Asos strengthens its brand portfolio by adding Arket.This move follows the brand’s involvement with H&M’s Cheap Monday.Asos’s creative VP highlights the mutual benefits of the partnership.Asos has taken a significant step in expanding its connection with the H&M Group by launching Arket’s autumn/winter 2024 collection on its platform. This collaboration marks the first time Arket’s products are available on Asos’s website, reflecting a strategic initiative to broaden its appeal and offerings within the fashion retail sector. Asos is thereby enhancing its partnerships…

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The investment platform “Shares,” backed by Serena Williams and Peter Thiel, has ceased its UK operations.Launched in May 2022, Shares raised $40 million for UK and EU expansion.Despite its backing, the app experienced increased financial losses, totalling £16.1 million in 2023.A strategic decision was made to focus on France and the EU, leading to its cessation in the UK.This marks another case of a star-backed investment app facing closure after initial excitement.The UK-based investment app “Shares,” supported by prominent figures like Serena Williams and Peter Thiel, has recently announced the termination of its business activities in the UK. Launched initially…

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