Author: Scott Dylan

Cornwall’s acclaimed brand, Seasalt, readies a new retail outlet in Glasgow this September, enhancing its presence in Scotland.Silverburn shopping centre set to host Seasalt’s new store, marking the brand’s fourth location in Scotland and creating employment opportunities.The store’s design focuses on sustainability with UK-sourced materials, reflecting Seasalt’s commitment to environmental responsibility.Seasalt’s growth trajectory continues with plans for expansion into the US market, while maintaining robust UK operations with 70 existing stores.After notable financial gains this year, Seasalt aims to broaden its market footprint, extending its fashion appeal beyond national borders.Seasalt, the renowned Cornish clothing and lifestyle brand, is poised to…

The tribunal’s landmark decision highlights significant strides in equal pay disputes within the private sector.A total of 3,540 current and former Next employees succeeded in a six-year legal battle for equal pay.Next could potentially incur costs exceeding £30 million, following the decision favoring retail staff over their warehouse counterparts.Store staff, predominantly women, were awarded compensation following claims of pay inequity compared to male warehouse workers.Next has announced plans to appeal the tribunal’s decision on specific legal principles.The employment tribunal’s verdict signifies a pivotal moment in equal pay cases, particularly as it marks the first group action of its kind to…

HMRC is intensifying its scrutiny on 791 of the largest companies in the UK, targeting key sectors such as banking, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, retail, and oil and gas over suspected tax underpayments totalling billions of pounds.According to a study by Thomson Reuters, these investigations underscore HMRC’s growing focus on ensuring tax compliance among major corporations. Ray Grove, Head of Corporate Tax and Trade at Thomson Reuters, remarked, “The scale of HMRC investigations into large businesses shows the growing importance of tax compliance. Slow global growth means that many countries, including the UK, are looking towards tax investigations into large businesses to…

The latest survey from the FSB highlights significant challenges facing small businesses due to rising wage costs.Confidence among small businesses plummeted to a score of -10.8 in Q2 2024, down by 16.3 points from the previous quarter.Soaring employment costs are cited as the primary driver for this downturn, alongside weaker consumer demand and rising tax pressures.Construction, wholesale and retail are among the most affected sectors, with substantial declines in confidence scores.The FSB calls for government action to index employment allowance to the living wage and review employment policies to support small businesses.The FSB’s Small Business Index revealed a sharp decline…

For the first time in almost three years, British retail prices have seen a drop, offering a glimmer of hope to consumers. According to recent data, this decline is largely due to significant discounts on summer stock.Retail Price DeclineAccording to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ, prices in August fell by 0.3% compared to the same period last year. This is a sharp turnaround from the 0.2% inflation recorded in July. It marks the lowest rate of retail price changes since October 2021. Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, attributed the decline to ‘significant…

Marks & Spencer is embarking on a novel retail strategy by opening its first clothing-only store.The new store at Battersea Power Station will focus solely on clothing and beauty, excluding any food offerings.This marks a significant shift as the location already features an M&S food hall.The retailer’s £30 million investment strategy is modernising its presence in London.Comparable investments by other retailers suggest a broader trend in revitalising store portfolios.Marks & Spencer is set to explore new retail territory with the launch of its first clothing-only store at Battersea Power Station, marking a departure from its traditional format, which usually includes…

Major companies are rejoining the CBI, indicating a significant rebuilding phase for the lobby group following a misconduct scandal.The CBI has cut staffing by a third and closed international offices.Major firms like AstraZeneca, Unilever, and GSK have resumed active roles within the CBI.New members, including JLL and Drax, are now part of CBI’s leadership.Leading retailers Tesco and John Lewis have not yet renewed their memberships.The CBI has undertaken significant measures to restore its reputation following a recent misconduct scandal. This included reducing its workforce by one-third and closing several international offices. These efforts appear to be successful as major corporations…

In an era where technology continually pushes boundaries, the integration of AI into iOS 18 is poised to redefine user experience.Enhancing Siri through the collaborative prowess of OpenAI, the company known for ChatGPT, heralds a new chapter in iPhone usability and customisation.At the forefront of this development is a revamped Siri, now enhanced through a partnership with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. This new iteration promises more intuitive and personalised interactions.Apple Intelligence, the umbrella term for AI enhancements in iOS 18, will debut with the iPhone 16 in September. Features will include improved writing tools, suggested replies, email summarisation, and…

Unite has proposed a 1% wealth tax on individuals with assets exceeding £4 million to fund significant pay rises for public sector workers and fill over 100,000 vacant NHS positions.The motion, set to be discussed at the upcoming Trades Union Congress (TUC) conference in Brighton, comes at a critical time for Keir Starmer’s administration. With Chancellor Rachel Reeves preparing for her first budget on 30 October, this proposal adds to the mounting pressure on Labour to address urgent social and economic needs. Unite’s demand is poised to heighten existing tensions between the union movement and Labour leadership.The proposed 1% tax…

Keir Starmer warns of tough times ahead as Labour confronts extensive economic and social damage left by the Conservative administration.Improvement will require tough, potentially unpopular choices.Rising pressure within Labour calls for immediate relief from high energy costs and poverty.Starmer insists Conservative mismanagement caused deep societal and economic issues.Critics urge the expansion of winter fuel support amidst rising energy costs.In an anticipated address, Keir Starmer is expected to stress the gravity of the current situation, warning that improvement “won’t happen overnight” and will necessitate “tough choices” that may not gain immediate popularity. MPs returning to Westminster face increasing pressure from within…