In the face of ongoing cost of living challenges, UK shoppers are increasingly altering their grocery shopping behaviours, according to new data from Circana’s State of the Nation 2025 report.The report reveals that 36% of shoppers continue to cut back on grocery spending, while 48% are exploring different store options to save money. This suggests a persistent financial strain influencing consumer habits despite a forecasted 1% growth in the food and drink market for 2024.Health-conscious products, however, are thriving amidst these cutbacks. The gut health product sector, valued at £367 million, has shown a remarkable annual growth rate of 12%.…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Tom Daley takes on a new role as host of Channel 4’s knitting series Game of Wool.The series features 10 knitters tackling complex challenges in a bid to become the UK’s top TV knitting champion.Tom Daley expresses excitement about his debut hosting role, reflecting his passion for knitting.The show is set in scenic Scotland, with a mix of team and individual challenges each week.Renowned fashion knitters Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell join as judges for the series.Tom Daley, an Olympic diver, is set to host Channel 4’s new knitting competition series, Game of Wool, marking his first major role as…
Shein’s anticipated IPO in London faces delays due to scrutiny over its supply chain practices, raising significant challenges for the fast fashion leader.The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is currently evaluating Shein’s supply chain oversight amidst legal challenges impacting its Initial Public Offering (IPO).Advocacy groups have raised concerns over Shein’s alleged use of forced labour in its supply chain, particularly sourcing cotton from China’s Xinjiang region.The retailer’s expected market valuation of £50 billion is contingent on receiving necessary approvals from both UK and Chinese regulators.Shein’s financial performance contrasts with its rivals, boasting doubled UK pre-tax profits, though pending legal and…
Recent developments have witnessed an extraordinary push by UK supermarkets to upgrade and expand their convenience store networks, with investments reaching new heights. This trend aligns with changing consumer behaviours, as shoppers increasingly prefer convenient shopping experiences.A remarkable surge in investment by UK supermarkets in their convenience store portfolios has been observed, with spending soaring to a record £1 billion, according to the Association of Convenience Stores’ 2024 Local Shop Report. This figure marks a significant increase from £646 million the previous year, indicating sustained momentum in this sector.Supermarkets such as Morrisons, Waitrose, M&S, and Tesco are spearheading this expansion…
Screen Scotland’s new initiatives aim to transform the film industry.Four talent development programmes have been unveiled, focusing on new filmmakers.The combined budget for these initiatives reaches £1.2 million annually.Programmes include short film production and feature script development.The aim is to diversify Scotland’s film sector and boost economic growth.Screen Scotland has made a significant move to reshape the filmmaking landscape by launching four new talent development programmes. These initiatives are designed to foster emerging filmmakers and help them create their first feature films. With an annual budget of £1.2 million, the programmes include Short Film Development and Production, Early Development Shorts,…
In recent months, leading UK supermarkets have significantly increased their investment in convenience stores to cater to local consumers. This strategic shift follows a substantial £1 billion investment in local shops over the past year, as reported by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).Investment in the convenience sector has reached record levels, marking a substantial rise from £646 million in the previous year. This trend is expected to continue into 2025 as supermarkets pursue long-term investment plans. Major retailers like Morrisons, Waitrose, M&S, and Tesco are leading this expansion with new openings and site renovations.Morrisons, for example, has acquired 38…
The acquisition of Selfridges for £4bn is considered excessive in hindsight.Tos Chirathivat of Central Group acknowledges the purchase price was steep.Rising global interest rates added to the financial considerations.Challenges emerged following the collapse of investment partner Signa Holding.Plans are underway to revitalise Selfridges’ Oxford Street store.Tos Chirathivat, the executive chairman and CEO of Thailand’s Central Group, has reflected on the £4bn acquisition of Selfridges, acknowledging it as a high price, notably due to the increase in global interest rates. He remarked, “You would want the lowest price possible to buy something… is £4bn high? Yes, it’s high, especially in this…
eBay UK launches a trade-in service facilitating tech recycling.The service covers eight categories including phones and consoles.Fonehouse partners with eBay to refurbish and resell devices.Users can receive payment via coupon or bank transfer.The initiative encourages sustainability with added bonuses for select devices.eBay UK has introduced a novel trade-in option aimed at promoting technology recycling while offering financial incentives. The service, notably convenient as it incurs no upfront costs for users, spans a wide range of popular devices across eight distinct categories such as mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, and gaming consoles, thus broadening its appeal.A collaboration with Fonehouse ensures that these…
At a recent Westminster Legal Policy Forum, LawtechUK’s head highlighted how AI might significantly close the justice gap in the UK, primarily through its strategic application within social welfare law.Christina Blacklaws, chair of LawtechUK, discussed the transformative potential of AI, particularly ‘agentic’ AI, which can perform autonomous actions and decision-making. In her speech, she noted the limited development of AI in social welfare law, a sector that accounts for nearly half of the UK’s unmet legal needs. Despite this potential, she pointed out that AI’s current use in the legal field is largely restricted to contract drafting by law firms,…
In 2024, the medico-legal market experienced significant growth and consolidation, with a 4% increase in value compared to the previous year. This marks a doubling of the growth rate from the year prior.The latest research indicates that the traditionally fragmented medico-legal sector is beginning to consolidate, as larger groups increasingly dominate the market, primarily through acquisitions. Experts estimated the market was valued at £648 million last year, a 2% rise from the previous year. This followed a steep decline of over £150 million in 2020 due to the pandemic, with subsequent minor drops in 2021 and 2022. However, 2024 has…