Author: Scott Dylan

Dr Martens has reported a financial downturn in the first half of 2024, largely attributed to heightened costs and declining wholesale revenue in the United States.The company’s pre-tax loss for the period reached £28.7 million, a stark contrast to a profit of £25.8 million last year.Despite these setbacks, signs of improvement have been observed in the EMEA, Americas, and APAC regions due to successful new product sales.In response to financial challenges, Dr Martens has ramped up cost-cutting measures, projecting £25 million in savings by FY26.A leadership transition is underway, with Ije Nwokorie set to succeed Kenny Wilson as CEO in…

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering and feasting, but food safety should be a priority alongside celebration. With millions travelling to share festive meals, foodborne illnesses are on the rise. Fortunately, these can often be prevented with informed practices. By following expert advice, you ensure your feast is both delicious and safe, safeguarding family and friends from potential health hazards.As you plan your Thanksgiving festivities, understanding the risks and implementing safety tips are crucial. This involves knowing the best methods for thawing your turkey, the importance of timing in serving, and storing leftovers correctly. A few thoughtful precautions can make…

The Very Group experiences a rise in pre-tax losses amidst a 5% drop in sales during the first quarter of the financial year.Losses before tax have escalated from £5.8 million to £22.9 million.Total group sales reduced to £450.2 million, with Very UK and Littlewoods brands facing declines.Retail sales dropped by 4.6%, particularly impacted by an 8.6% fall in fashion and sport.CEO Robbie Feather remains optimistic about future profitability improvements despite current challenges.In the first quarter ending 28 September, the Very Group reported a significant increase in its pre-tax losses, which expanded to £22.9 million from the previous year’s £5.8 million.…

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and togetherness, yet attending someone else’s gathering requires thoughtful consideration. Renowned chef Bobby Flay highlights common missteps that guests might unintentionally make. With these insights, ensure your presence is a delight, not a detriment.Understanding what to avoid can enhance your Thanksgiving experience. By adhering to a few respectful practices, you contribute to a harmonious celebration. Explore these expert tips from Bobby Flay on how to navigate Thanksgiving as an appreciative guest.Avoid Overstaying Your WelcomeIt’s essential to recognise the subtle cues that your host might be tired or ready to wind down the festivities. Being…

A Cambridge-based startup is pioneering a new frontier in battery technology.The company has raised £3.6 million to enhance battery energy capacity using sulphur.Utilising abundant sulphur, the firm aims to surpass traditional lithium-ion batteries in energy density.Funds will aid in pilot manufacturing for drones and robotics, with future plans in transportation.Breakthroughs in lithium-sulphur batteries indicate potential reductions in range anxiety for electric vehicles.Molyon, a promising university spinout from Cambridge, is making significant strides in battery technology by securing £3.6 million in a recent funding round. This development comes as the company seeks to revolutionise energy capacity through lithium-sulphur batteries, which promise…

Barton Blakeley, a company in Harpenden, has secured £2.4m in funding led by Elbow Beach Capital to further its carbon capture technology.The funding will support the deployment of its first commercial CO2 conversion system at an industrial site.Christopher Barton, CEO, anticipates the commercialisation of their modular technology with industry partners.Volker Beckers, former CEO of RWE Npower, joins as chair, highlighting the company’s promising strides in clean energy.Barton Blakeley aims to mitigate 16.5 kilotonnes of CO2 emissions annually over the next four years.Barton Blakeley has successfully raised £2.4m in a funding round spearheaded by Elbow Beach Capital. This financial injection is…

The demand for data centres is escalating as AI technology advances, creating significant energy challenges.Glasgow-founded Iomart identifies increased power needs as the industry’s primary challenge.Despite early AI hype, substantial impact on cloud storage demands has emerged in recent years.The UK’s support for data infrastructure is evidenced by significant investments from US tech firms.Access to an enhanced power supply remains a critical issue for data centre expansion.A surge in data centre demand, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), has been acknowledged by Glasgow-founded cloud solutions provider Iomart as a significant challenge due to increased energy requirements. Despite AI’s early hype,…

Britain’s competition watchdog, the CMA, affirms that supermarket loyalty schemes offer real savings.Loyalty programmes have gained traction among UK supermarket giants amid economic challenges.Analysis of 50,000 products reveals 92% of loyalty discounts are genuine.Consumer trust in loyalty pricing remains varied, yet evidence shows fair practice.Loyalty savings aren’t always the lowest, urging consumers to compare options.The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed that supermarket loyalty schemes indeed provide genuine savings. This comes after an extensive review involving around 50,000 promotional grocery items, with findings indicating that 92% of these items truly offer discounts compared to their usual prices. Such schemes…

JD Sports has completed its acquisition of French sneaker retailer Courir, reinforcing its presence in the European market.The acquisition, valued at €520 million, received necessary approval from the European Commission.Courir, a leading name in the French sneaker market, operates numerous stores across Europe and beyond.JD Sports will divest certain Courir stores to comply with regulatory requirements.This acquisition aligns with JD Sports’ strategy to widen its customer base and strengthen its market position.JD Sports, a major player in the sportswear industry, has successfully acquired the French sneaker retailer Courir. This move, officially completed at a cost of €520 million, marks a…

Pets at Home experienced a modest revenue increase despite market challenges.The company’s Vet Group showed significant growth, boasting an 18.6% rise in revenue.Retail revenue experienced slight growth, maintaining consistent sales figures.Profit before tax increased significantly, but future projections have been lowered.The company remains confident in long-term market growth due to strategic investments.Pets at Home reported a total group revenue rise of 1.9% to £789.1 million in the first half of FY25, despite operating under ‘subdued’ market conditions. This modest increase was largely attributed to the strong performance of the Vet Group. The Vet Group outperformed with an impressive revenue growth…