Make do and mend: Britain’s wartime mentality is back as spending nosedives October 15, 2021 As the UK continues to battle Covid-19 and a series of fuel, energy and distribution crises, households appear to be battening down the hatches in preparation for a post-pandemic Britain. The once popular wartime mantra, ‘Make do and Mend’, is once again making a revival as household spending begins to fall significantly. ONS data analysed [...]
West End bemoans business rates delays as reform heads for the long grass October 15, 2021 Central London bosses last night said another delay to business rates reform would be a “further blow” for beleaguered bars and restaurants. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has reportedly delayed a fundamental review of the levy, further rubbing salt in the wounds of West End businesses teetering on the brink after several lockdowns and fledgling return of [...]
Amazon appeals record €746m fine for EU data law breach October 15, 2021 Amazon has officially appealed a record €746m fine from the European Union’s privacy watchdog for breaching the bloc’s data protection rules. The appeal, which was filed today at the Luxembourg Administrative Tribunal, is for the collection and use of individuals’ personal data, which violated General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR law. The retail and technology [...]
Russia’s Yandex steps into London’s hyper-competitive online grocery market October 15, 2021 Delivery drivers sporting the bright yellow colours of Yango Deli will be visible across London after the international e-grocery arm of Russian tech giant Yandex became the latest player to launch in the UK’s crowded delivery market. Watch the full report.
Calls to break up Amazon as company allegedly copied products and manipulated search results October 15, 2021 Massachusetts Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren cited a Reuters investigation that Amazon intentionally copied local business products and manipulated search results to prioritize its own brands, supporting calls to break up the e-commerce giant. Watch the full report.
Flutter, Betfred and Ladbrokes owner pile into safer gambling campaign October 15, 2021 The UK’s biggest names in the betting space have piled into a fresh campaign for safer gambling. The ‘Take Time to Think’ campaign, launched by the Betting and Gaming Council (BCG), encourages customers to use safer gambling tools – like deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion – offered by its members. Director of corporate affairs at [...]
Marshall Motor buys rival Motorline for £64.5m October 14, 2021 Marshall Motor has bought rival Motorline for £64.5m, signalling new partnerships with car brands. The automotive retail group said it had also separately acquired a related freehold property for £2.9m and has the option to acquire two additional strategic freehold properties for £24.9m. The net assets on acquisition of Motortline – which represents ten brands [...]
Government ‘considering change of heart on temporary visas for butchers’ October 14, 2021 Ministers are reportedly considering backtracking and extending temporary visas to overseas butchers, as abattoirs were forced to cull livestock after shortages. Pig farmers have been forced to kill healthy livestock because of a lack of butchers in abattoirs, seemingly forcing ministers to change their stance on intervention. The National Pig Association told The Guardian that [...]
Dunelm boss pay quadruples despite refusal to repay business rates holiday savings October 14, 2021 Even though homewares chain Dunelm continuing to insist it should not repay savings made from the business rates holiday, the company revealed today its boss’ pay package has more than quadrupled to over £4m. The retailer has repeatedly claimed it was right to enjoy the £22m in tax savings, as its stores were forced to [...]
Poundland faced with staggering tenfold rise in shipping costs October 14, 2021 Discount retail giant Pound has seen shipping costs rise tenfold due to global supply chain issues. Andy Bond, chief executive of PepCo, which also runs Dealz stores across Europe, said the retailer has enough stock to keep shelves full although he admitted price pressures are being felt. He did not expect the pressures to ease [...]