Author: Scott Dylan
Scott Dylan
Scott Dylan is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Inc & Co and founder of NexaTech Ventures. With a focus on rescuing distressed businesses and supporting AI and tech startups, Scott’s expertise spans multiple sectors including technology, retail, and logistics. A passionate mental health advocate, drawing from his experience with Complex PTSD, Scott frequently writes about business transformation, AI integration, and leadership. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, music, and spending time with his partner Gareth.
Recent research reveals a concerning health risk associated with household items and children’s toys made from black-coloured plastics. These materials may contain high levels of banned toxic flame retardants.The study’s findings suggest that these hazardous substances are inadvertently introduced through the recycling of electronic waste, posing a significant danger to consumers, especially children.Contaminants in Common Household ItemsA recent investigation has identified that black-coloured plastics used in everyday items such as kitchen utensils, children’s toys, and takeout containers may be contaminated with toxic flame retardants. These substances, originally intended for electronic products, have found their way into household items through recycling…
Zego, a London-based insurtech firm, restructures to focus on profitability by 2025.The company exits the B2B market to concentrate on sustainable growth in the B2C sector.Over 100 job cuts have been made, primarily affecting the B2B division.Strategic adjustments resulted in reduced annual losses and a slight increase in turnover.Zego aims to achieve monthly profitability by the start of 2025.In a significant strategic overhaul, Zego, the London-based insurtech firm known for providing insurance to food delivery riders for companies such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat, announced a realignment of its business model. This realignment focuses on achieving profitability by…
UK retailers faced a challenging September as persistent wet weather dampened consumer sentiment and spending, leading to significant price reductions.The sharp decline in shop prices, the steepest in three years, contrasts with a slight rise in food inflation, highlighting a complex retail environment.Decline in Shop PricesAccording to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ, shop prices fell by 0.6% year-on-year in September. This decline was more pronounced than the 0.3% drop seen in August and represents the sharpest drop since August 2021.Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, highlighted that the month was favourable for bargain…
Tesco and Sainsbury’s are under scrutiny for their in-store recycling programmes, as investigations suggest a significant amount of plastic is not recycled as claimed.Campaign groups have tracked the journey of recycled plastics, discovering most of it was burned or turned into fuel rather than recycled.Out of 40 tracked plastic bundles, only a fraction were properly recycled, with the majority incinerated.Tesco acknowledges a supplier error led to recycling issues, while Sainsbury’s focuses on improving the quality of collected plastics.Both supermarkets emphasise ongoing efforts to enhance their recycling processes despite current challenges.Investigations by Everyday Plastic and the Environmental Investigation Agency have raised…
Mothercare has temporarily suspended its share trading on AIM due to missed audit deadlines amid ongoing refinancing talks.The suspension took effect from 1 October following the company’s failure to release audited financial results by 30 September.Mothercare is in the final stages of refinancing, aiming to reduce debt and lower cash financing costs through IP asset monetisation.The anticipated audited results for 2023/24 are expected to align with previous guidance, projecting EBITDA above £6.7 million.The company continues to face significant challenges in the Middle Eastern market, which remains a key area of concern.Mothercare has announced the temporary suspension of its share trading…
Booths achieves over £300 million in annual sales for the first time, recording a significant reduction in losses.The Lancashire-based retailer reported a turnover of £318.6 million for the year ending March 30, 2024.Pre-tax losses were cut from £4 million to £1.5 million, marking a notable improvement in financial performance.The company divested a loss-making outlet to Asda post-year-end for £1.75 million.Booths remains challenged by inflation and high interest rates but continues to focus on growth.For the first time, Booths, a prestigious supermarket chain headquartered in Lancashire, achieved an annual turnover exceeding £300 million. The company’s revenue reached £318.6 million for the…
Asda launches an initiative to foster career development within the food sector.The programme spans primary to college levels, targeting West Yorkshire schools.Participants will engage with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Projects range from community improvement to solving real-world business problems.Students gain skills like critical thinking and public speaking through hands-on experiences.Asda is pioneering a school engagement scheme designed to equip students with essential career skills within the food and drink industry. The initiative, encompassing primary, secondary, and college levels, targets ten schools in West Yorkshire and aims to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each programme component aligns with the United Nations…
In a significant corporate development, Mulberry has declined an £83 million takeover bid from Frasers Group. This decision underscores the brand’s confidence in its future trajectory under new leadership.Mulberry’s board, after extensive deliberation and consultation with its majority shareholder, chose to reject the offer. The luxury brand believes that its recent strategic changes and leadership appointments will better serve its long-term value and growth.Offer Rejection and Strategic ConfidenceThe board of Mulberry has carefully evaluated the takeover bid from Frasers Group. Following discussions with its majority shareholder, Challice, the offer was declined. Challice, holding 56.1% of the company and controlled by…
Deliciously Ella has entered a transformative phase following its acquisition by Hero Group.The plant-based brand looks to leverage new growth opportunities in international markets.CEO Mathew Mills highlights the strategic alignment with Hero Group to scale successful ventures.Plans are underway to bolster distribution in the UK and explore European markets.The brand remains committed to its core values of promoting health through natural, plant-based foods.Earlier this month, Deliciously Ella, a pioneering plant-based brand, was acquired by the Swiss food manufacturer Hero Group for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for the brand, founded in 2012 by Ella Mills following…
The challenge of mismatched sizing in online fashion is well known, leading to frustration and high return rates.N Brown’s innovative ‘Fashion for All’ initiative is a technological solution aimed at tackling sizing inconsistencies.Reductions in return rates and improvements in sustainability have been observed following the initiative’s implementation.Insights from Sarah Ewens-Smythe of N Brown and Lewis Rhys Davies of SheerID highlight the campaign’s impact.The initiative was recognised as the ‘Fashion Game Changer’ at the 2023 Retail Gazette Awards.Many consumers often face the disappointment of receiving online fashion purchases that do not fit as expected, which mirrors a prevalent issue within the…
