Author: Scott Dylan

Seraphine, the noted maternitywear brand, is accelerating its global expansion by adopting a multi-distribution centre (DC) approach.This strategic shift was articulated by the Chief Operating Officer, Fran Pillar, at a recent industry summit.The initiative began in January 2023 as part of a comprehensive three-to-five-year growth plan.By decentralising its distribution, Seraphine aims to enhance operational efficiency and supply chain resilience.This development underscores the company’s commitment to adapting to dynamic market demands.Seraphine, a prestigious name in the maternitywear market, is taking significant strides towards enhancing its international presence through a strategic pivot to a multi-distribution centre (DC) model. This development was outlined…

AllSaints has emphasised its commitment to growth in conjunction with its suppliers, focusing on sustainability objectives.Speaking at Drapers Supply Chain Summit, COO Catherine Jobling outlined strategies for managing the supplier base effectively.Jobling highlighted the retailer’s ambitious sustainability goals and the collaborative efforts with suppliers to achieve them.The partnership with suppliers is viewed as an essential component in supporting AllSaints’ long-term business strategy.The discussion underscored the critical role of suppliers in fostering innovation and sustaining competitive advantage.The announcement by AllSaints’ Chief Operating Officer, Catherine Jobling, during the Drapers Supply Chain Summit on 3 July, sheds light on the retailer’s strategic alignment…

Alessandro Valenti has been appointed as the new CEO of Givenchy by LVMH, taking over from Renaud De Lesquen.Valenti brings 25 years of international luxury industry experience to his new role.Renaud De Lesquen served as Givenchy’s CEO from 2020 until Valenti’s appointment.The position of creative director remains vacant following Matthew Williams’s departure in December 2023.Sidney Toledano has expressed confidence in Valenti’s extensive knowledge and managerial skills.LVMH has announced the appointment of Alessandro Valenti as the new Chief Executive Officer of Givenchy. This decision comes as Valenti steps into the role previously held by Renaud De Lesquen, who had been the…

Britain’s incoming government stands to gain from a reduction in household financial pressure due to slowing shop inflation and falling fuel prices.Annual UK shop price inflation cooled to 0.2% last month, down from 0.6% in May, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported. This marks the slowest inflation rate since October 2021, driven by retailer price reductions on key products such as butter and coffee. Separate data from the RAC indicates that petrol and diesel prices declined for the second consecutive month in June, offering some respite to families struggling with the cost of living crisis.Despite this reduction, the RAC pointed…

Northvolt, a leading European battery manufacturer, faces considerable challenges impacting its expansion plans.BMW’s €2 billion contract cancellation marks a significant setback for Northvolt.Production issues have emerged at Northvolt’s Skelleftea plant, delaying capacity goals.Investigations are underway following the unexplained deaths of three workers at the Skelleftea plant.A strategic review is in progress to reassess Northvolt’s expansion plans and resource allocation.Northvolt, a prominent player in the European battery manufacturing sector, is encountering several critical challenges that may impede its ambitious expansion plans. The Swedish company has long aimed to reduce Europe’s dependency on Chinese battery suppliers, but recent events have necessitated a…

Northern Ireland’s economy is grappling with significant challenges as two major events unfold.Airbus’s acquisition of part of Spirit AeroSystems’ Belfast operations brings uncertainty to job security for workers.The failure of Harland & Wolff to publish audited accounts on time adds to the financial instability.Politicians and union representatives demand comprehensive measures to protect local employment.The broader economic impact on Northern Ireland’s supply chain and skilled job market is a critical concern.Airbus has agreed to acquire parts of Spirit AeroSystems’ operations in Belfast, causing fears over job security for the plant’s employees. This acquisition is part of a larger deal where Boeing…

Marks & Spencer has revealed a significant investment plan totalling £38m into two new flagship stores located in Bristol and Bath.The Bath location involves relocating the existing store to an 83,000 sq ft site in Southgate shopping centre.In Bristol, M&S will open an 80,000 sq ft store in Cabot Circus, marking a return to the city centre.The strategic move forms part of a larger rotation strategy to optimise store locations in the UK.Expected job creation at these sites includes 150 new positions in Bristol alone.Marks & Spencer has officially announced an ambitious expansion strategy with a £38m investment to establish…

The latest figures from Nationwide reveal a modest increase in UK house prices for June, despite the ongoing challenge of elevated mortgage rates.The average price of a home in Britain rose by 0.2 per cent in June compared with May, according to Nationwide. This positions house prices at 1.5 per cent higher than the same period last year, yet they remain approximately 3 per cent below their peak in the summer of 2022. The typical home price now stands at £266,064, marking the highest figure since October 2022, following the mini-budget introduced by Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng.Nationwide’s chief economist,…

The UK manufacturing sector experienced a slowdown in growth during June, with notable challenges impacting the industry’s performance.Factories increased their activity for the second consecutive month, albeit at a slower pace than May.The S&P Global/CIPS UK purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for June stood at 50.9, a slight decrease from May’s 51.2.Domestic orders continued to rise, showcasing robust demand within the UK market.Conversely, export orders fell for the 29th straight month, affected by shipping delays and rising costs.For the second consecutive month, UK factories increased their activity, although at a slower pace compared to May. The S&P Global/CIPS UK purchasing managers’…

Following high-level talks, Unite has suspended the strike at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot plant, ensuring a temporary resolution to the ongoing industrial conflict.The strike, set to begin on 8th July, was suspended after Tata agreed to negotiate future investments.Unite members had imposed an overtime ban and planned an indefinite strike due to concerns over job security.Tata’s plan to transition to a less carbon-intensive operation led to the dispute.The Labour Party supports continued steel production and job security at Port Talbot.High-level discussions have resulted in the suspension of the planned strike at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot plant. Unite, the union representing…