Author: Scott Dylan

UK journalist Martin Blackham has lodged a formal complaint against Barclaycard, alleging anti-Semitism over a credit limit issue.Blackham claims the credit limit is crucial for his safety while working in conflict zones.The journalist highlighted a lack of response from Barclays for over a month.He has called for an immediate restoration of his credit limit and a comprehensive investigation.Barclays has responded, citing standard fraud prevention measures as the cause for the credit limit reduction.Martin Blackham, a British journalist reporting from Israel, has formally accused Barclaycard of anti-Semitism due to a dispute over his credit limit. Blackham insists that maintaining his credit…

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accused Google of exploiting its dominant position in the online advertising market. This allegation is part of ongoing global scrutiny of Google’s advertising practices. The CMA suggests that Google may be overcharging publishers and stifling competition. Google disputes these claims, describing the CMA’s interpretation as flawed. The case is part of broader legal challenges against Google in the US and EU.The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a statement of objections following an in-depth investigation into Google’s online advertising practices, alleging potential illegality. This case is among several global legal…

The Body Shop has been saved from administration in a rescue deal led by cosmetics tycoon Mike Jatania, securing 113 stores and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.The agreement, orchestrated by administrators at FRP, has brought in Jatania’s investment company, Aurea, as the new owner, providing a much-needed lifeline for the ethical beauty retailer.Former Molton Brown chief, Charles Denton, is set to become the chief executive under the new ownership. This deal comes after exclusive negotiations and aims to stabilise the business, which employs 1,300 people. Immediate store closures are not expected, but there may be relocations to more advantageous locations.The…

Labour’s proposal to impose VAT on private school fees from January is under scrutiny, as a High Court legal challenge has been mounted, alleging the policy breaches human rights law.Lawyers argue that the policy discriminates against children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and have threatened legal action if the policy is not withdrawn. The legal challenge, spearheaded by Sinclairslaw, claims that imposing VAT on private school fees could force SEND children out of private education, as their families may no longer be able to afford the increased costs. They contend that the state sector, already struggling to meet…

Banks in the UK are set to receive enhanced powers to freeze large transactions for up to four days as part of new fraud prevention measures. Starting this October, these measures aim to tackle the growing issue of Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud, safeguarding consumers and the financial system. New Legislation for Fraud PreventionThe new changes, to be implemented on 7 October, extend the time banks can hold authorised payments from 24 hours to 96 hours. Currently, banks can only temporarily hold payments, approved by the customer but flagged for investigation, for up to 24 hours. The extended period allows…

A potential policy change threatens to abolish the 25% single-person council tax discount, significantly affecting millions of pensioners living alone.Half of the 8.4 million people benefiting from the discount are retirees.The discount reduces the average Band D council tax bill by approximately £543 per year.Scrapping the discount could compound financial pressures as pensioners also face means-testing for winter fuel payments.The largest concentrations of affected households are in areas like Birmingham, Cornwall, Somerset, and North Yorkshire.Analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) reveals that around half of the 8.4 million individuals who benefit from the single-person council tax discount are…

Royal Mail’s CEO has issued a stark warning to Labour and government ministers, emphasising the necessity of postal reforms for the future stability of the postal service.The universal service obligation (USO), which mandates uniform pricing for deliveries across the UK, has become increasingly outdated due to declining letter volumes and a rise in parcel deliveries. Simon Thompson, Royal Mail’s chief executive, stressed the urgent need for reforms, stating that without ministerial support, the burden will ultimately shift to the government. ‘The problem will land on the desk of the government,’ Thompson asserted in a recent interview, coinciding with Ofcom’s announcement…

Go Outdoors, part of JD Sports, unveils Europe’s largest outdoor store in York.The store spans 125,000 sq ft, previously a John Lewis site, and stocks 380 brands.Emphasising innovation, the store features technology like foot scanning machines.The store includes 30 branded concessions, offering a wider range to customers.CEO Lee Bagnall discusses expansion plans and modernisation strategies.The grand opening of Europe’s largest outdoor store by Go Outdoors in York marks a significant milestone in retail. Situated in a 125,000 square foot space that previously housed John Lewis, this store opened its doors on 7 September with a diverse range of offerings. Boasting…

This autumn, independent fashion retailers are in the spotlight. Despite challenges, many remain optimistic. The Drapers Independents Awards is set for 19 September, celebrating their achievements. An industry survey reveals crime and stress as prominent issues but highlights retailers’ resilience. Leaders share insights into recruiting new talent amidst evolving dynamics.In the September issue of Drapers, attention turns to independent fashion retailers, whose presence brings vibrancy to high streets. These businesses face a range of challenges, yet many maintain a hopeful outlook. Ahead of the Drapers Independents Awards on 19 September, a survey was conducted among these retailers to gauge their…

Simply Be has unveiled its AW24 campaign to cement its status as the UK’s leading inclusive womenswear brand.The collection includes a range of products from dresses to trench coats, with prices between £16 and £75.The ‘Find That Feeling’ campaign aims to connect emotionally with customers through social media and print ads.Simply Be has shifted its target audience to a style-conscious 35-year-old, catering to a less congested market space.Inclusivity remains at the core, offering sizes from UK 10-32, focusing on confidence and empowerment.On 5 September, Simply Be introduced their AW24 campaign as part of a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing its…