Author: Scott Dylan

The UK government has announced a substantial investment of £32 million in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, aiming to revamp public services and stimulate productivity. This significant funding will be distributed among 98 projects, directly benefiting 200 businesses and research organisations across the nation. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to making the UK a leader in AI-driven productivity improvements.Targeting ‘high growth’ industries is essential for maximising the impact of AI investments. These industries are primed for technological adoption and can significantly benefit from AI-driven enhancements in productivity and efficiency.The government’s strategy includes identifying sectors where AI can have the most…

Nobody’s Child and Whistles are set to launch new outlets in Covent Garden, enhancing their presence in a bustling retail location.Nobody’s Child will convert its pop-up into a permanent store at 3 Neal Street, the largest for the brand so far.The new Nobody’s Child store spans two floors, adding to its locations in Soho and Spitalfields.Whistles plans to open a new store at 117 Long Acre, following successful openings in Manchester and Kent.The expansions align with both brands’ strategies to secure prime shopping locations.Expanding its retail footprint, Nobody’s Child is set to transition from a successful pop-up shop to a…

By Rotation and Airbnb have joined forces to offer unique benefits for wedding guests staying in Airbnb properties.Customers booking an Airbnb in select regions can receive £150 in By Rotation credit for outfit rentals.Additional £100 Airbnb credit is available for future bookings within this initiative.This partnership combines community-driven travel and sustainable, accessible fashion for wedding guests.Eshita Kabra-Davies and Amanda Cupples express optimism about the partnership’s impact on stress-free wedding attendance.By Rotation and Airbnb have created a strategic partnership that introduces exclusive benefits for wedding attendees booking accommodations through Airbnb in specific regions, including the UK, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Italy,…

Boohoo Group is deliberating the sale of its Soho office building, initially purchased for £72m in 2021.The office, located on Great Pulteney Street, spans 43,963 sq ft.The company plans to execute a sale and leaseback arrangement, retaining its presence in the building.The building currently supports 400-500 employees from Boohoo’s various brand acquisitions.Recent restructuring efforts have influenced current space utilisation and future plans.Boohoo Group is currently in discussions to potentially sell its significant office space located at 10 Great Pulteney Street, Soho. This move comes as stakeholders reveal ongoing dialogues with prospective purchasers, although the building’s present valuation remains undisclosed. Previously,…

Boots has launched a new line of unisex babywear called ‘Maybe Baby’ in collaboration with Poeticgem. This range, characterized by watercolour prints and soft fabrics, is available in 180 stores and online. Mollie King, a former singer and current broadcaster, is the line’s ambassador. The collection prioritises comfort and style for babies and ease for parents. Poeticgem has a history of producing quality garments.Boots, a renowned retailer in the UK, has introduced a new line of unisex babywear named ‘Maybe Baby’, developed in collaboration with Poeticgem, a known supplier for major retailers like George at Asda and Tesco F&F. This…

Data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) revealed a 0.5% year-on-year increase in total UK retail sales for July, marking a recovery from June’s disappointing performance. Cooler weather in June had kept consumers away from high street spending, but the arrival of warmer weather in July spurred purchases in specific categories.Consumers were particularly inclined to purchase summer clothing and health and beauty products, as they prepared for outings and holidays. Despite this uptick, spending on furniture and household appliances saw a decline, with financially stretched consumers prioritising essentials over big-ticket items. While the overall sales growth is encouraging, it does…

A significant shakeup in the auditing landscape has seen over 30 major Chinese firms severing ties with PwC as a result of pressures from Beijing. The Chinese Ministry of Finance has issued informal instructions to state-owned financial institutions to end their relationships with PwC.Prominent clients such as Bank of China and China Life Insurance have ceased their engagements with PwC.PwC has suffered substantial financial losses, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars in lost fees.This move aligns with Beijing’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on global accounting firms and promote local auditors.Over the past few months, the Chinese Ministry of…

In a landmark decision, a US federal judge ruled that Google breached monopoly laws by leveraging its dominant market position to exclude competitors. This marks the first significant antitrust victory for the US Justice Department in over two decades.This case represents the initial ruling in a series of legal actions targeting alleged technology monopolies. The verdict could reshape how major tech companies operate, particularly in terms of their search engine practices. Google plans to appeal the decision.Court’s DecisionHandling approximately 90 per cent of global internet searches, Google exploited its leading position to exclude rivals, the court found. “Google is a…

John Lewis collaborates with The Little Loop to introduce a second-hand childrenswear section in its Oxford Street store, enhancing sustainable shopping experiences.The resale concession, located on the store’s fourth floor, aims to make preloved garments accessible and affordable to more parents.Customers can purchase children’s clothing at budget-friendly prices, starting at £5, catering to youngsters up to six years old.John Lewis encourages trade-ins of outgrown clothes for store credit, promoting a circular fashion economy.The initiative aligns with recent trends showing increased parental engagement in sustainable clothing options for children.John Lewis has expanded its retail offerings by partnering with The Little Loop,…

Rachel Reeves, during her trip to North America, indicated an impending change in the UK’s debt-to-GDP ratio calculation. This adjustment could exclude losses from the Bank of England’s bond-buying programme, potentially freeing up £17bn for the nation’s budget.Reeves confirmed that while the target of reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio within five years remains non-negotiable, the exclusion of quantitative easing losses presents an opportunity for significant fiscal leeway.Reeves emphasised her commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline, assuring that tax receipts will be balanced with day-to-day government spending. She noted that precise details of these rules will be disclosed during the budget presentation. Excluding…